In a very recent announcement today, Microsoft have stated the imminent release of System Center Mobile Device Manager 2008.

The application will provide control and integration much more in common with desktop IT equipment. The software, also, with the use of the new version of Windows Mobile will allow the remote worker to access more of their information over the mobile networks. For instance, data normally only available via VPN on a laptop will be able to be accessed. This of course will be dependant on the apps on the mobile phone in the first place, but it means greater access to things like spreadsheets and documents from the company intranet whilst on the go. Also I do remember the mention of a “kill pill” for windows mobile devices in a fairly recent seminar - that would allow the administrator to send a kill command to the mobile device if it’s stolen, encrypting and/or destroying the data on the phone. Pretty neat I think you’ll agree!

Obviously to back this, certain services will need to be available through the mobile operators. It is believed that in the second quarter of 2008, this will become a reality with many of the biggest names supporting the new Mobile Device Manager. Read the full press release here.