AgreeYa Deal Puts Microsoft Apps On Other Devices

Microsoft has licenced its mobile protocols to AgreeYa Mobility so its applications can be available on phones running other operating systems.

The software giant is aiming to make its applications such as SharePoint universal, so it clearly has to either get everybody using Windows Phone devices, or let other devices use its applications – a function offered by this deal.

The partnership, which will be formally launched in March 2012, allows AgreeYa to use the licensed protocols to develop software for non-Microsoft mobile platforms, including iOS, Android, RIM and (surprisingly enough) the dead HP operating system WebOS, allowing them to hat will interoperate with Microsoft applications and services including Remote Desktop Services, Windows Azure, Active Directory and SharePoint.

Access Granted

“A very large percentage of enterprises are using Microsoft applications and are demanding access to those applications on their mobile devices and tablets,” said Krish Kupathil, CEO of AgreeYa Mobility.

This has been exacerbated by the growing trend of Bring Your Own Device, and the intermingling of personal and work devices.

“By entering into this protocol licensing agreement, AgreeYa Mobility obtains the rights under Microsoft patents to implement Microsoft communication protocols. In addition, customers will gain access to applications and services that work seamlessly across Microsoft technologies, allowing for a compelling unified user experience on non-Windows mobile platforms,” he added.

Sandy Gupta, general manager, Open Solutions Group at Microsoft believes that the consumerisation of IT has changed the dynamic and presents a challenge for  enterprise customers. “This agreement demonstrates how technology companies can collaborate to create a vibrant technology ecosystem that addresses the need for interoperable cloud services and applications within mixed IT environments.”

The companies, according to a Reuters report, did not disclose the financial details of the agreement.