Microsoft boosts Windows VoIP support

The next version of Microsoft's embedded operating system, Windows CE 5.0, will include support for a wider range of voice over internet protocol (VoIP) services than previously planned.

Support for multiparty audio conferencing and unified messaging will be added, as will integration with Exchange Server to help users access contacts and calendar information.

Microsoft claims the move will help telecoms operators and large companies to develop VoIP services that are compatible with existing infrastructure, and make it easier for hardware manufacturers to integrate CE 5.0 onto their devices.

"The new features in Windows CE 5.0 will support manufacturers with an even more flexible and integrated platform for developing a broad variety of VoIP-enabled client devices," said Scott Horn, director of the embedded devices group at Microsoft.

CE 5.0 is the latest stripped-down version of the Windows operating system intended for handheld devices, set-top boxes and other limited-function computing devices other than PCs and servers.

With a VoIP-enabled device, a user can make a voice call over the internet rather than across a mobile operator's network. This is likely to be significantly cheaper, and it's unclear at this stage whether this will deter some network operators from embracing VoIP-compatible devices.

Microsoft also announced that a number of major manufacturers, including NEC and LG Electronics, intend to create internet phones based on CE 5.0.

The first wave of phones from the equipment makers will arrive during the next three months, Microsoft product manager Balz Wyss said.

The manufacturers are among 22 new licensees announced by Microsoft on Wednesday.

The first phone using the operating system is now available. Last month, Inter-Tel Integrated Systems began selling its 8690 advanced IP phone.

By focusing on VoIP phones, Microsoft has begun competing with technology heavyweight Cisco Systems, which makes most of the VoIP phones used in businesses and homes. A Cisco representative could not be immediately reached for comment.

Wyss said at the Spring 2004 Voice on the Net Conference & Expo that he believes the new CE software could be used to spread VoIP technology into devices that aren't necessarily thought of as phones, but still use Windows CE software.

"Any device connected to the internet can be [broadband phone] enabled," he said.

Most of the 22 licensees are manufacturers. But one is broadband phone service provider Vonage, which has 130,000 subscribers. Vonage plans to create a "soft phone" that can be added to any devices that use the new Windows CE operating system. Soft phones are computer programs that turn any device equipped with a speaker and a microphone into an internet phone.

Ben Charny writes for CNET News.com, ZDNet UK's Graeme Wearden contributed to this report