Microsoft Collaborates With SingTel to Accelerate the Services-Driven Era for the Telecommunications Industry

MACAU — Nov. 18 2008 — Microsoft Corp. today demonstrated how its partner-ecosystem approach is helping mobile operators, developers and device-makers optimize innovations, accelerate their go-to-market strategies, and deliver customized services for both businesses and consumers.

“As the telecommunications industry continues to converge with the Internet, Microsoft has seen increasing interest from our partners to create services that can be customized and monetized,” said Sandi Thomas, general manager for Asia Pacific within the Communications Sector at Microsoft. “In this digital age of communications, Microsoft is one of the few companies that can help service providers bring new services to market, across a range of screens and devices.”

Driving Change Through Innovation

Within three months, V3 Teletech Pte Ltd and Formotus Inc. — winners of the SingTel-sponsored Mobile Connected Services Accelerator project under Microsoft’s Connected Services Accelerator Program — were able to design and incubate innovative mobile location-based services applications for the logistics and transportation sectors. These solutions will be showcased within the GSM Association’s (GSMA) mobile Innovation Zone at the Mobile Asia Congress in Macau.

V3 Teletech is also one of the three finalists in the GSMA’s Mobile Innovation Global Award, under the Most Innovative Mobile Application in a Vertical Market category.

Both independent software vendors were given technical and commercial guidance as well as access to SingTel’s state-of-the-art infrastructure and resources for development and testing purposes.

“On one hand, we are seeing increasing user demands for always-on information while on the go, to extend their connectivity beyond the desktop,” Thomas said. “On the other hand, service operators are looking for opportunities to deliver richer customer experiences via smart devices and compelling services that enhance revenue opportunities. Microsoft’s unique vision helps build large-scale growth in mobility and opens opportunities for the entire industry.”

Microsoft launched its Connected Services Accelerator Program in June 2008. The program encompasses a series of global projects that seek to incubate, and ultimately commercialize, new types of consumer, business and mobile services supported by Windows Mobile smartphones and Windows Vista-enabled mobile broadband PCs.

Bill Chang, executive vice president of Business at SingTel, said, “Today, it is vital for businesses to innovate constantly and create more value for their customers. SingTel recognizes that collaboration is crucial in accelerating innovations in the industry.‪ ‪As Asia’s largest multimarket mobile operator, we serve more than 216 million mobile customers in eight markets. Through SingTel’s Mobile Connected Services Accelerator program, our partners will benefit from our experience, expertise and customer insights. This will enable them to develop innovative applications and solutions that help customers to be more productivity, lower costs and accelerate time to market.”

SingTel will also be able to develop and deliver customized services that can help build new revenue streams, reduce churn and attract new customers.

“Microsoft believes in the power of software plus services and its ability to help the telecoms industry deliver more innovative, customizable and robust services to customers in a timely manner,” Thomas said. “By working with service providers like SingTel, Microsoft is enabling service providers to define new business models and take advantage of new market opportunities.”

About SingTel

SingTel is Asia’s leading communications group providing a portfolio of services including voice and data over fixed, wireless, Internet and satellite platforms as well as pay TV. It has a network of 37 offices in 19 countries and territories throughout Asia Pacific, Europe and the United States. Together with its regional partners, SingTel is Asia’s largest multi-market mobile operator, serving more than 216 million mobile customers in eight markets.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

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