C&W teams up with Microsoft

The companies want to offer global e-business services

Telecoms group Cable & Wireless has teamed up with US software giant Microsoft to offer global business services.

The alliance will build on an agreement, which Cable & Wireless signed with Compaq last November to offer e-business services to small-and-medium size businesses.

Under the deal, the three companies will offer software, hardware and internet connections in one package for a monthly charge.

Services will be launched later this year in the US, UK and Australia then made available in the rest of Europe and Asia from 2001.

"This powerful new relationship means that Cable and Wireless, with Compaq and Microsoft, will set the global standard for end-to-end e-business services or the future," said Cable and Wireless chief executive Graham Wallace.

Wireless services

Over the longer term, the companies plan to offer their services over wireless networks, integrating Microsoft Windows' software and technology to deliver business services to Compaq computers.

The service will enable small and medium-sized businesses to communicate more efficiently by using voice-messaging, e-mail, fax and other software applications.

"By basing a range of new services on the Windows platform, Cable and Wireless, Compaq and Microsoft will enable more reliable and more efficient IT services for small and medium-sized businesses," said Steve Ballmer, president and CEO of Microsoft.