Microsoft Teams Up with Japanese VoIP Giant

[Jeff]

Ars Technica reports that Microsoft and Softbank BB have reached an agreement to bring VoIP, instant messaging, Internet access, e-mail, groupware, presence and desktop services to Japanese businesses. The suite of services is targeted at small to mid-sized businesses, and if it works well in Japan, Microsoft may attempt a similar strategy in North America.

Softbank will provide the VoIP infrastructure, and Microsoft will focus on hosted versions of it's server products, including Exchange 2003, Office Live Communications Server 2005 and Sharepoint.

Will businesses take the bait and opt for a package solution, or continue to prefer ala carte services? And how will the forthcoming Windows Live Messenger with it's enhanced VoIP capabilities factor in?