011607: Microsoft to replicate RP-developed mobile service worldwide

 

By Erwin Oliva
INQUIRER.net
Last updated 08:57pm (Mla time) 01/16/2007

MICROSOFT will replicate the mobile phone service it developed in the Philippines in other countries, an official told local reporters.

"It will be replicated throughout the world," said Randy Granovetter, worldwide general manager for emerging markets, in an interview, referring to a mobile phone service launched recently in Manila.

The service, dubbed "One Follow Me," will allow overseas Filipino workers to communicate and even remit funds to their families using a Microsoft-enabled phone connected to the Internet.

Describing the Philippines as a "sophisticated emerging market" where government and private sector work closely together to develop services, the Microsoft executive said the service will soon be available in other countries, including Vietnam, India, China, and Latin America and Africa, among others.

Microsoft developed One Follow Me using the Microsoft Live Communications Server, the executive said.

The software company has partnered with bank partner Rizal Commercial Banking Corp. to enable OFWs using a Microsoft powered handheld device to remit or transfer funds overseas to their families in the Philippines.

RCBC has more than 200 branches overseas and about 300 branches in the Philippines, the bank executive added.

Families will be required to have an RCBC deposit account and a Microsoft digital account using Windows Live ID for this service to work, added Francisco Magsajo Jr., president and chief operating officer of RCBC.

OFWs can use their mobile phones now to access the Internet and conduct single or multiple fund transfers. Money is credited to their families's accounts and can be withdrawn using automated teller machines, Microsoft said in a statement.

The Microsoft-powered handheld device runs on a Windows Mobile 5.0 operating system. It connects to the Internet using existing mobile networks or through wireless fidelity (wi-fi) hotspots.

The One Follow Me service also includes mobile applications, such as mobile instant messaging, surfing, and voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) for making phone calls. A video feature will be made available soon, she added.

Microsoft's internal research revealed that overseas Filipino workers spend an average of $50 to $250 a month in overseas calls, she said.

One Follow Me hopes to cut down cost, since this service runs on the Internet, using voice over Internet Protocol.

Microsoft is also closely working with the Overseas Workers Welfare Association on this project.

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