Microsoft bang on in Europe with TNT mobile deal

Microsoft has secured one of its biggest ever enterprise wins for Windows Mobile with TNT Express rolling out up to 24,000 devices over the next three years.

No value has been put on the deal, though it is clearly strategic for the business-to-business logistics company which is consolidating seven existing mobile platforms.

Jim Flood, TNT Express manager for architectures and technologies, told silicon.com: "We are always looking for the technologies to improve customer service and this is key."

He said the move doesn't tie down TNT to specific devices yet. "We can choose from 38 different hardware manufacturers," Flood said.

Initially in-cab solutions will be Windows Mobile Pocket PC-based with warehouse and sales devices moving over later.

Technical trials were done in Austria, involving communication from trucks, over a GPRS cellular network, via a UK data centre back to facilities in Austria.

The whole set up is based on the Microsoft .Net Compact Framework, which allowed for rapid development and is a consideration for the use of web services, which allow software components to connect using XML over the internet to enable a range of functionality.

Flood added: "We are looking at web services for the future. Adding functionality will come, as we standardise and add applications for [handwritten] signatures and so on. We are setting the foundations for our mobile architecture."

The ability to analyse data when it passes through a data centre and manipulate it using web services could prove valuable.

Jason Langridge, UK mobility business manager within Microsoft's Mobile Devices EMEA division, said: "Mobile devices are coming of age and are recognised now as serious business tools. There is a green light for enterprises."

While logistics and distribution businesses may be expected to lead the way, TNT Express will for now start using narrowband GSM connections, with some use of packet-based GPRS and eventual upgrades to 3G where necessary. Warehouse connectivity is likely to be over 802.11 wireless LANs.

TNT Express said it looked at alternatives but is convinced the Windows Mobile approach will work with non-Microsoft back office systems. All development work is being done in-house.