European carrier Orange SA said it will expand its relationship with Microsoft Corp. to offer text-messaging-based access to Microsoft’s instant messaging and e-mail programs to all of Orange’s 35 million customers.
Under the deal, Orange customers will be able to conduct real-time MSN Messenger instant-messaging text conversations with other users over their phones. Desktop computer users will also be able to contact instant-messaging users who are on their phones. And mobile-phone users will be able to view and respond to their MSN Hotmail e-mails.
Microsoft partnered with MIGway to offer the service. The deal follows previous deals between Microsoft and Orange; indeed, Orange is the first carrier in the world to sell phones using Microsoft’s Smartphone operating system.
“The opportunity to deliver MSN services to an additional 35 million customers in Europe is a significant step for us,” said Vassili le Moigne, Microsoft’s MSN mobile business manager. “This announcement with Orange across several countries fits perfectly with our strategy of developing MSN’s Internet software subscriptions business and generating incremental ARPU for partners, whilst delivering best-of-breed services to mobile users across Europe.”
Microsoft has previously signed similar deals with Vodafone in the United Kingdom and Bell Mobility in Canada. Microsoft has deals with 22 mobile operators across the world for its MSN services. Verizon Wireless has an extensive deal with the company to brand its wireless services as VZW with MSN.
