Microsoft and Gecad Technologies Announce Exchange ActiveSync Patent License Agreement

REDMOND, Wash., and BUCHAREST, Romania — March 25, 2009 — Microsoft Corp. and Gecad Technologies today announced a patent licensing agreement to implement Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync on Gecad’s AXIGEN Mail Server offering. The agreement allows AXIGEN e-mail servers to directly synchronize e-mail and data between mobile devices utilizing Microsoft’s Exchange ActiveSync technology. The Exchange ActiveSync protocol enables mobile client devices such as Windows Mobile-based smartphones to synchronize e-mail messages, calendar items, contacts, task lists and other mailbox data with AXIGEN Mail Server.

Gecad also announced that the product kits for AXIGEN Mail Server version 7.0 featuring Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync are available for download today at http://www.axigen.com.

"This agreement enhances the ability for AXIGEN e-mail servers to directly synchronize with various mobile devices, including those using Windows Mobile, that utilize Exchange ActiveSync," said Oana Bornaz, chief executive officer of Gecad Technologies. "During tough economic times this agreement makes good business sense, as it will allow AXIGEN to further differentiate itself from its competitors in the business messaging solutions marketplace, in a cost-effective manner."

While Microsoft has been licensing the Exchange ActiveSync protocol for mobile devices since 2003, Gecad Technologies joins a growing number of companies licensing the Exchange ActiveSync patents for implementation on a server.

"Gecad came to us a few months ago because it recognizes, like so many technology companies across Europe, that a way to spur growth in our industry is to license patented technology for mutual benefit," said David Kaefer, general manager of Intellectual Property Licensing at Microsoft. "People — and companies — want to know their communications foundation is secure, reliable and accessible across many mobile devices, from PDAs to smartphones. And Microsoft has been helping companies overcome those challenges through our Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync licensing program."

This agreement extends the collaboration between the two companies, as AXIGEN recently became a member of Microsoft’s Empower initiative for independent software vendors. More information is available at: http://www.axigen.com/press/press-releases/news-axigen-joins-microsofts-empower-initiative-for-isvs_81.html

Microsoft’s Commitment to Licensing Technology
The licensing agreement is another example of the important role intellectual property (IP) plays in ensuring a healthy and vibrant IT ecosystem. Since Microsoft launched its IP licensing program in December 2003, the company has entered into more than 500 licensing agreements and recently announced an expansion of its Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync IP licensing program. These licensing efforts help make it possible for customers, partners and competitors to access its IP portfolio. The program was developed to open access to Microsoft’s significant research and development investments and its growing, broad patent and IP portfolio.

Over the past few years, Microsoft has entered into Exchange ActiveSync licensing agreements with Apple Inc., Big Bang System Corp., DataViz Inc., Google Inc., Helio LLC, IXI Mobile (R&D) Ltd., Nokia Corp., Palm Inc., Remoba Inc., Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Sony Ericsson Mobile Communications AB, Symbian Software Ltd. and Xandros Inc.

More information about Microsoft’s licensing programs is available at http://www.microsoft.com/iplicensing.

About AXIGEN and Gecad Technologies
Established in 2001, Gecad Technologies SA, member of the GECAD Group, is the vendor of AXIGEN, a messaging solution for professionals that ensures an efficient and secure worldwide communication environment and business growth for both service providers and companies of all sizes. Currently, AXIGEN is distributed internationally by over 170 partners from 80 countries and manages email traffic for more than 11,000 companies with 6 million end-users.

Our team of seasoned professionals, with 15 years of experience in messaging and IT security delivers cutting-edge products, by developing an innovative carrier-class technology based on proprietary architectures such as AXIGEN GrowSecure™, AXIGEN SmartProcessing™ and AXIGEN UltraStorage™. For more details, please visit: http://www.axigen.com

About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Gecad Technologies
10A Dimitrie Pompei Blvd, Bucharest 2, 020337, Romania
Phone: +40-21-303-2080
Fax: +40-21-303-2081
Media Contact: Alina Popescu, PR Manager, alina.popescu@axigen.com

This release was published on openPR.