Microsoft Corp., world’s largest software maker, today introduced a new e-mail technology; named direct push, at its Tech Ed Conference that is taking place in Orlando.

Microsoft said its direct push technology would directly compete against Research In Motion and Good Technology that the company labeled as "always-on" technology.

The push technology is designed for Microsoft’s Windows Mobile 5.0 version, according to Microsoft. The company said its new technology would directly connect users to Exchange Servers in order to retrieve their messages. This would remove a need for additional server software to interact between the device and the server on the other end, which in return would make retrieving messages far more reliable and secure.

Furthermore, Microsoft said users would be able to view their contact information from anywhere in the world, as the information would be stored on a central Exchange Server. The software maker said it would enable software developers to work on applications to take advantage of such a technology.

The built-in support will also include the capability to transfer and view richly formatted Word, Excel and PowerPoint files. The company also said the security on the device would also be a top priority, which will further justify the integration of such devices in a corporate environment.

Microsoft introduced its Windows Mobile 5.0 OS last month; the devices based on the OS are expected to appear in retail channels later this year.