Microsoft and Vodafone today unveiled an agreement where Vodafone will offer businesses a single communications and collaboration solution composed of fixed and mobile voice and data, customer equipment and handsets, and Microsoft Online Services.

Microsoft

Hosted by Microsoft and available through Vodafone in this offering, Microsoft Online Services deliver enterprise-class communications and collaboration software as subscription services to businesses of all sizes, including the following: (1) Microsoft Exchange Online for e-mail and calendars through the PC, phone and browser; (2) Microsoft SharePoint Online for portals, collaboration, search and customized team sites; (3) Microsoft Office Communications Online for instant messaging and presence; and (4) Microsoft Office Live Meeting for webconferencing and videoconferencing.

Now available in the United States, Microsoft Online Services will roll out in markets elsewhere in the first half of 2009. Vodafone will offer the Microsoft service first in Germany and Spain beginning later this year with other countries to follow.

In a press release, Microsoft explained that "the fully hosted Vodafone and Microsoft services will help reduce routine maintenance and management tasks, allowing IT staff to concentrate on more business-critical objectives. Customers will be able to take advantage of the range of services offered, with one bill and one provider, making the experience fast, easy and effective".

Under the deal, Vodafone will support the customer directly, while Microsoft will host Microsoft Online Services in its datacenters.