• The Wall Street Journal, Tuesday, October 23, 2007 11:45 AM

Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer is expected to announce new software today called System Center Mobile Device Manager that could help businesses more easily install and update software and control security features on mobile phones. Ballmer also will detail a partnership with start-up Enterprise Mobile Inc. that will help businesses set up Microsoft software for mobile devices.

Both Microsoft and Research in Motion Ltd., maker of the BlackBerry devices, are increasingly focusing on the consumer--an area that both companies have long neglected. At issue is whether the surge of innovation in mobile-phone software, services and handsets aimed at consumers will start to drive the agenda in the corporate mobile market.

Leaders of the consumer side of the cell phone industry are eyeing the lucrative market for higher-end handsets held by Microsoft's partners and RIM. Nokia has recently stepped up its efforts to sell devices and wireless email service. Its higher-end phones run the Symbian operating system, not Microsoft's Windows Mobile, potentially challenging the company's core mobile business

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