“More big U.S. technology names lined up for a share of the
wireless Internet boom on Tuesday, in a rising tide of partnerships
which made global software leader Microsoft look increasingly
isolated.”
“Computing giant IBM and global software No.2 Oracle both rolled
out deals to develop wireless Internet access and cash in on demand
for extra information technology services as mobile phones evolve
into mini-computers.”
“IBM and Oracle both raised their profiles — IBM as technology
coordinator in a series of deals with mobile operator Vodafone
Airtouch , Oracle in a tie-up with Cap Gemini . But Microsoft, the
leading desktop software brand, was nowhere to be seen.”
“For IBM, the Vodafone deal came just days after it said that in
computing it would make the Linux alternative operating system —
which has won broader acceptance as an alternative to Microsoft’s
Windows — a centre-piece of its hardware strategy.”