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Analysis: Mobile E-Mail: Page 8 of 12

Exchange 2003 SP1 offered limited mobile e-mail functionality. For those considering Exchange as both their collaboration and mobile e-mail environment, the upgrade to 2007 is well worth the cost. For instance, Exchange 2007 adds self-service support to allow users to perform basic management on their own devices. While we knew Microsoft would support only Exchange on the server side, we were surprised at the broad client support cited (see //ref client support matrix chart//). The enterprise CAL, which adds unified messaging features, managed e-mail folders, filtering and security, and additional Exchange ActiveSync policies, lists for $920 per user.

Where Microsoft fell short in the RFI is in policy support as well as a weak statement with regard to mobile application development. Given Windows Mobile's perceived ease as a development platform, we were a little surprised to find that more emphasis wasn't placed here. Bottom line, Exchange represents a good way for enterprises, particularly those with Windows Mobile deployments, to get mobile e-mail piloted for relatively low effort and cost.

RFI Response
Click to Download Document:
Microsoft

• Nokia's strength stems from its history as an OEM for major wireless carriers' mobile e-mail services. As such, the company offers the greatest device choice, with support for both smartphones as well as consumer handsets that run BREW or J2ME. This translates to maximum flexibility when it comes to selecting devices.

Nokia has gone so far as to develop its own e-mail client for each platform, ensuring a unified experience across hardware. This is a particular draw for swamped IT shops because you can train users once for a variety of native e-mail clients. Suddenly, switching from Outlook Mobile to the Symbian mail client isn't such a big deal. Nokia's wide array of device choices make it ideal for international deployments as well.

In addition to device support, Nokia delivers a credible story in security, device management features and application support. Self-service options, such as the ability to lock or wipe a device, are available to reduce the helpdesk burden. The disadvantage is that, while these components are integrated as a suite and managed from a single console, they're priced individually. The pro Nokia Intellisync product costs $12,255 for 100 users, $103,200 for 1,000, not including device management.

Enterprises looking to deploy mobile e-mail on the cheap may be deterred by Nokia's a la carte pricing, but the company does provide a full feature set for mobile e-mail, great flexibility in device choice and a credible framework for future application mobilization.

RFI Response
Click to Download Document:
Nokia

• Motorola Good is banking on security as a value add by integrating its previously separate security product into Good Mobile Messaging, a move that may reduce implementation costs. Like Nokia, Motorola Good has created its own e-mail client that it believes offers an improved user experience over native clients like Microsoft Outlook Mobile. It quoted NWC Inc. $6,000 for 100 users, $55,000 for 1,000 employees.