Microsoft, Vodafone aim to bridge PC, mobile services
InfoWorld | at | by Mike
Microsoft and Vodafone Group PLC announced a partnership Monday that aims to bridge the gap between services offered over mobile networks and applications built for PCs. The companies are developing technologies that should allow developers to write PC applications that incorporate services from wireless operators, such as determining the location of a user, authenticating their identity, accepting payments for services or sending text messages, executives at the companies said.
For example, a tow-truck company could develop a PC application that connects to a mobile network so that when a customer breaks down and calls for help from a cell phone, the towing company could quickly see the motorist's location. The operator could also send text messages from the PC to the user's mobile phone telling them when help is on the way, the executives said.