Microsoft Corp. and Vodafone Group plc said Thursday that they will offer businesses hosted communications bundles that include fixed and mobile voice and data, customer equipment and handsets, and Microsoft Online Services.
The subscription services will include:
- Microsoft Exchange Online for e-mail and calendars through the PC, phone and browser
- Microsoft SharePoint Online for portals, collaboration, search and customized team sites
- Microsoft Office Communications Online for instant messaging and presence
- Microsoft Office Live Meeting for Web conferencing and video conferencing
Going forward, the two will integrate Vodafone Voice Services and Virtual PBX, for an all-IP fixed and mobile communications solution for businesses.
By bundling it all into one solution and one bill, delivered by Vodafone but hosted on the back end by Microsoft, the idea is to reduce routine maintenance and management tasks, allowing IT staff to concentrate on more business-critical objectives.
Vodafone will initially offer the combined solution in Germany and Spain beginning later in 2009. Microsoft Online Services are available today in the United States and will be available in other markets in the first half of 2009.
