Microsoft Unveils New Mobile, Speech Software
Wed Mar 24, 1:50 PM ET Add Technology - Reuters to My Yahoo!
SAN FRANCISCO (Reuters) - Chairman Bill Gates (news - web sites) unveiled on Wednesday Microsoft Corp.'s latest foray into business computing with Speech Server 2004 and an updated version of its software for mobile phones.
The world's largest software maker has been expanding its product offerings as it targets a wider base of business customers, but its efforts so far have been overshadowed by the wide reach of its Windows, Office and server software for networked computers.
"There's a huge range of scenarios that this new speech capability will be used for," Gates told an audience of developers at a conference in San Francisco.
Gates made no reference to Wednesday's decision by the European Commission (news - web sites) to pay a record 497 million euro ($606 million) fine for violating EU antitrust law and to give competitors in audio-visual software and servers a fairer chance to compete "because the illegal behavior is still going on."
Redmond, Washington-based Microsoft's new Speech Server, based on natural language recognition technology developed over the past several years, is a software platform for networked computers that allows other software developers to create programs tailored to their needs.
The No. 1 use of speech server technology is expected to be for companies setting up call centers with automated voice and touch-tone menus to provide customers service, Microsoft said.
Information technology departments are also expected to use the speech server to provide internal support functions, such as password resetting and help for computer users.
In addition, Microsoft unveiled an updated version of its cell phone software, called Windows Mobile 2003 Second Edition, which adds features such as better screen management and resolution, as well as support for phones with built-in keyboards.
Gates also unveiled new software releases of Microsoft's tools for other software developers to create programs that run on top of its Windows and server software products.
"We don't' see ourselves backing off in terms of large research and development investments in these areas," Gates said.
Microsoft has also been trying to get more wireless carriers and mobile phone manufacturers to use its cell phone software. Although it says 37 handset maker are developing phones with Microsoft software, only Motorola Inc. and Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. offer phones in the United States featuring Windows Mobile.
"We are certainly at the early stage of the market and an industry that is beginning to accept us more and more," said Ed Suwanjindar, lead product manager for Microsoft's mobile and embedded software group.
