Vodafone in mobile link with Microsoft

UK-based global telecoms giant Vodafone has agreed a deal with the world's biggest software company, Microsoft, to develop mobile internet services.

The project aims to bring the familiarity of Microsoft's widespread Outlook e-mail software to wireless mobile devices.

Users will be able to access customised corporate services at any time, any place and from any device

Paul Gross, Microsoft

The two companies are collaborating on a European trial of new mobile products and services for corporate customers, with roll-out planned for next spring.

Those involved in the trial will be able to send and receive e-mails via mobile devices using Microsoft Outlook functions, as well as access calendar and contacts information and online information services.

Working away from the office

They will also be able to access their company's intranet remotely.

Taken altogether, Vodafone says, these services will further the growing trend for conducting business away from the office.

It says the project will also enable it to offer the new services uniformly to corporate customers worldwide.

Chief executive Peter Bamford said: "This partnership unites Vodafone's leading position as the world's largest mobile telecommunications company with Microsoft's global expertise in software application development."

Senior Microsoft executive Paul Gross said the service would mean users being able to access customised corporate services "at any time, any place and from any device".

Anti-trust clearance

In a separate development, the European Commission has given anti-trust clearance to the third-generation mobile phones joint venture between Vodafone, BT and Japan Telcom.

The deal is aimed at setting up a network in Japan, called J-Phone Communications.

The EC said that as the venture would be limited to the Japanese market, and would therefore not affect markets in the EU, it did not create any competitive concerns.

J-Phone has already been awarded a licence to operate third-generation mobile communications in Japan.