Microsoft and Vodafone Group Plc today announced an agreement under which Vodafone will offer businesses a single communications and collaboration solution composed of fixed and mobile voice and data, customer equipment and handsets, and Microsoft Online Services.

Hosted by Microsoft and available through Vodafone in this offering, Microsoft Online Services deliver communications and collaboration software as subscription services including Microsoft Exchange Online for e-mail and calendars through the PC, phone and browser; Microsoft SharePoint Online for portals, collaboration, search and customized team sites; Microsoft Office Communications Online for instant messaging and presence and Microsoft Office Live Meeting for webconferencing and videoconferencing.

Microsoft Online Services are available today in the United States and will be available in other markets in the first half of 2009. Vodafone will initially offer the combined solution in Germany and Spain beginning later in 2009. Following the German and Spanish launches, Vodafone will offer the solution in additional markets.