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Microsoft Acquires Danger Inc., Makes Other Mobile Plays

Timed with the 2008 Mobile World Congress taking place in Barcelona this week, Microsoft made announcements pushing its interests further into the consumer and global mobile market.

Most notably, the company announced it will acquire Danger Inc., a Palo Alto, Calif.-based handheld software developer that, through its proprietary OS, serves phones like the T-Mobile Sidekick with Web browsing, instant messaging and other capabilities.

"The addition of Danger serves as a perfect complement to our existing software and services, and also strengthens our dedication to improving mobile experiences centered around individuals and what they like," commented Robbie Bach, president of Microsoft's Entertainment and Devices Division, in a press release.

Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

Microsoft also announced two changes of note for Windows Live development. First, the company announced a new software development kit (SDK) as well as changes to its Mobile Services Protocol that together will allow developers to create applications built off Windows Live Messenger, Windows Live Hotmail and Windows Live spaces "for any phone operating system," the company said.

"Our Windows Live @mobile program is all about enabling operators to deploy our services as quickly as possible by providing standard ways to launch our services," said Matt Champagne, director of product management in Microsoft's Mobile Communications Business, in a prepared statement. "By providing developers with access to these platforms, we are enabling operators to provide access to Windows Live services for their customers and make money, as well."

At the same time, the company announced Windows Live @mobile, "a new program that allows operators to adopt and deploy Windows Live services," it said. "These standard deals support different business models, providing operators with several choices, including subscriptions, transactions or advertising so they fit with their existing business or new business ideas."

Redmond also announced the following:

For more information on any of these announcements, use the links above.

About the Author

Becky Nagel serves as vice president of AI for 1105 Media specializing in developing media, events and training for companies around AI and generative AI technology. She also regularly writes and reports on AI news, and is the founding editor of PureAI.com. She's the author of "ChatGPT Prompt 101 Guide for Business Users" and other popular AI resources with a real-world business perspective. She regularly speaks, writes and develops content around AI, generative AI and other business tech. She has a background in Web technology and B2B enterprise technology journalism.

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