Microsoft, SmartPipes Unveil Alliance To Advance .Net With Service Providers

Microsoft SmartPipes

As part of the alliance, Microsoft and SmartPipes will exchange and share technologies that enable the delivery of managed network services and XML-based Web services technologies. SmartPipes provides Web software for telecommunications companies and the entire network service provider market.

The alliance calls for the integration of SmartPipes' advanced policy-based network management solutions into Microsoft's .Net products and services including Windows 2000 and forthcoming Windows.Net, BizTalk, Commerce Server and SQL Server. The deal follows an undisclosed investment in SmartPipes by Microsoft on March 25.

In return, the Redwood City, Calif., network service provider software company will adopt Microsoft products and technologies for the operation of SmartPipes' managed network services software and solutions. These include IP-based VPNs and remote-access services that are sold to telecommunications companies and network service providers.

In addition, SmartPipes will incorporate Microsoft's .Net technologies such as Passport, Microsoft's single sign-on and universal authentication system, SOAP and UDDI into its products and services.