Microsoft Targets VoIP, Triple Play Services

The software giant explicitly expressed its intention to build its position in the telecommunications space and provide carriers and service providers with software for the delivery of revenue-generating services over IP. Microsoft's strategy got a big boost with the announcement that it will jointly develop and market an enhanced VoIP solution with Sylantro Systems for carriers and service providers. Microsoft plans to add VoIP functionality to its Solution for Hosted Messaging and Collaboration by integrating it with Sylantro Systems' Application Feature Server.

This announcement comes on the heels of recent product developments like Microsoft TV, software solutions designed to enable the delivery of Internet television IPTV services over broadband. According to Microsoft, these solutions are complemented by the range of data solutions it offers enabling carriers and service providers to offer subscribers hosted messaging services.

"While everyone would like to find that silver bullet, we believe it's not just one killer app or service that's going to drive the growth of telecommunications services," Microsoft corporate vice president for the Communications Sector Maria Martinez said in a statement. "It is services over IP, or more specifically, the aggregation of services over IP that will transform the way we work, live and play, today and well into the future. Microsoft's Communications Sector is focused on collaborating with service providers to build software-powered service networks that will help them create new revenue opportunities and enhance the customer experience."