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Feb. 27, 2009

Vodafone Group, Europe’s largest wireless network operator and Microsoft have teamed up to offer the operator’s enterprise customers a unified communications solution for mobile and fixed data.

Vodafone will initially offer the combined solution in Germany and Spain in 2009, before expanding the wireless service to other countries.

The new service is already available in the U.S. through Microsoft.

The two companies didn't disclose financial or contractual terms for the deal. The offering, called “Microsoft Online Services,” appeared to be aimed at supporting small and medium-sized businesses.

The Microsoft offering is composed of four basic services:

1) Microsoft Exchange Online for e-mail and calendars via PC, mobile phone and browser

2) Microsoft SharePoint Online for portals, collaboration and search

3) Microsoft Office Communications Online for instant messaging and presence

4) Microsoft Office Live Meeting for Web- and video-conferencing

Microsoft Online Services will eventually be upgraded to include converged fixed and mobile communications for Vodafone’s customers.

Vodafone has about 290 million customers in 27 countries across five continents.

Last week, the wireless operator has announced 500 job cuts as it copes with the worldwide economic slowdown.

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Source: Vodafone.