Microsoft’s new “Exchange Direct Push Technology” will keep your device up-to-date in real time. Previously, devices would automatically connect to the Exchange Server at an interval set by the user (as often as once every 5 minutes) or require that an SMS be sent tothe device to trigger a connection and update. Exchange Direct Push Technology relies on a web-based (http) connection to Exchange Server that can be maintained by Wi-Fi (if the user is out of cellular network range) or via your cellular carrier’s network. This connection will push new e-mail, Calendar, Contacts, and Tasks notifications to the device automatically.

System Administrators will welcome the many new security features in the feature pack, including the global security policies and remote wipe. With global security policies (called “Policy Provisioning” by Microsoft), IT professionals can require passwords and establish password length requirements. They can also specify idle time before re-login is required and allow numeric or alphanumeric passwords on all the devices on their network.

Optionally, the network can be secured so that only devices meeting these requirements are allowed to synchronize via Exchange Server. Remote wipe is a new feature that enables administrators to erase sensitive data from a lost or stolen Pocket PC. This feature is enabled via a Web-based interface, which is restricted to Exchange Administrators by default. Other individuals (like help desk professionals) can be added as necessary. After the remote wipe has been completed, the administrator will receive acknowledgement that device has been wiped. Administrators can also set the Pocket PC to erase its memory when the PIN has been incorrectly entered a certain number of times.

The Messaging and Security Feature Pack for Windows Mobile 5.0 is scheduled to ship alongside Service Pack 2 for Exchange Server 2003 in the second half of 2005.