BT will implement a Microsoft .NET-based solution to offer e-mail, shared calendar and contacts, as well as other software applications, to smaller businesses. The first new service BT plans to launch is an enhanced e-mail service for smaller businesses based on Microsoft Hosted Exchange. The contract between the two companies is valued at approximately $7 million.
The solution being deployed by BT comprises a suite of Microsoft .NET-based software and service packages. The project follows extensive trials by BT and Microsoft Consulting Services at the Microsoft Technology Centre in Reading, England, and the Microsoft Partner Solutions Center in Redmond, Washington. The projects are being coordinated by Microsoft Consulting Services, which is working with global systems integration provider Tata Consultancy Services Ltd. to implement the integrated solution. HP also will provide services to deliver the security-enhanced and scalable Microsoft Hosted Exchange infrastructure within BT.
“In the telecoms market, fixed-line and mobile operators have recognized that incremental revenues will be driven by their ability to deliver a range of value-added services — particularly to smaller businesses,” said Daren Mancini, U.K. director of the Communications Sector at Microsoft. http://www.microsoft.com http://www.bt.com
