(via ClintonFitch.com)

In an effort to light a fire under corporate consumers to speed up mobile smartphone adoption, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer earlier today revealed a number of incentives to further that goal.  Microsoft unveiled a new strategic business alliance with Enterprise Mobile Inc. to augment the increased success of its Windows Mobile operating system and assist businesses in realizing tangible benefits with mobile solutions.  Enterprise Mobile will build, deploy and manage custom solutions for mobile operators and phone manufacturers.

In addition, Microsoft unveiled its first dedicated mobile device management server, the Mobile Device Manager 2008.  This new server will provide IT manager with the tools necessary to send software updates and take inventory over the air to Windows Mobile phones.  The server will also bolster data security via Mobile VPNs. Mobile Device Manager 2008 is slated for release in the first half of 2008.