Google, earlier on Monday, announced Google Sync: a platform designed to keep your mobile devices constantly in sync with your Google Account-based calendar, contacts and email.
So, what exactly is Microsoft taking credit for? The element that enables Windows Mobile-based devices to be a part of Google Sync: ActiveSync. In the official press release, entitled "Google Takes Patent License to Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync," Microsoft explains, in an almost embarassing thunder-stealing moment, that it’s only because of them that owners of WinMo-based phones will be able to use this new technology release from the Goog.
The full text of the release is pretty short so I’ll go ahead and post it below:
"Earlier today Google announced Google Sync, which is made possible by a patent license they obtained from Microsoft covering Google’s implementation of the Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync protocol on Google servers.
Of note, Microsoft recently announced an expansion of its Exchange ActiveSync Licensing Program, and licensees currently include partners and competitors Apple, Nokia, Palm, Samsung, and Sony Ericsson, among others.
Horacio Gutierrez, Deputy General Counsel and VP, Intellectual Property & Licensing, Microsoft:
‘Google’s licensing of these Microsoft patents relating to the Microsoft Exchange ActiveSync protocol is a clear acknowledgment of the innovation taking place at Microsoft. This agreement is also a great example of Microsoft’ s openness to generally license our patents under fair and reasonable terms so long as licensees respect Microsoft intellectual property. This open approach has been part of Microsoft’s IP licensing policy since 2003 and has resulted in over 500 licensing agreements of the last five years.’"
Yes, thank you Microsoft. I am forever in your debt, oh wise one.
All-in-all, I suppose I can see the need for a statement like this (when it comes to a board of directors as stuffy as Microsoft’s) but you very rarely see an official press release from current industry leaders like… well, Google.
