New Microsoft mobile software platform, 4.3 million devices expected to ship by 2014

Tuesday, June 22, 2010

Recently, Microsoft announced the latest addition to its mobile software platform line up - a brand known as Windows Embedded Handheld, InformationWeek reports.

The new mobile platform, which is the company's third after Windows Embedded CE and Windows Mobile, builds upon the Windows Mobile 6.5 OS and offers better management and security features as well as application acceleration for business functionality. Microsoft intends for its newest platform to increase traction within the smartphone market, an area the company has not seen the success it desires.

"The new platform is the starting point in a transition in terms of how Microsoft will be supporting the ruggedized class of devices, which have relatively unique requirements in terms of lifecycle," said David Krebs, director of VDC Research's mobile and wireless practice, InformationWeek relays.

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer also stated the platform will continue to support developer tools "used in building applications and on devices."

With the addition of this platform, VDC Research recently estimated that Microsoft will ship 4.3 million devices by 2014. This number could help Microsoft's market share, which comScore reported was 15.7 percent in January, third among platforms behind Research In Motion and Apple.