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Microsoft Teams Up With Japanese VoIP Carrier
paritosh wrote to mention an Ars article about the joining up of Microsoft and Softbank to provide enterprise-level VoIP, IM, email, Internet, and groupware to the Japanese market. They are already discussing bringing it to the U.S. if it succeeds there. From the article: "With Softbank BB supplying most of the VoIP infrastructure, Microsoft's primary focus in this agreement will be providing hosted versions of its server products. Some of the products mentioned in the agreement include Exchange 2003, Office Live Communications Server 2005 and SharePoint. I wouldn't be surprised to see Windows Messenger make its way into the mix considering its new PC-to-POTS capability, which can act as a segue into the larger areas of the VoIP market in North America."
Yeah, sorry, no. MS doesn't exactly have a winning track record when it comes to reliability, and VoIP is not something you want to be flaky. People just won't stand for it.
On top of the fact there are tons of internet based voip players out there that give people more options than they might ever need. Further, voip over the internet is too flaky for business use. All of these factors hurt anything MS may try in this field, and they aren't equipped to do it right.
Mod me down with all of your hatred and your journey towards the dark side will be complete!
It looks like a small step in the direction for Microsoft to start trying to compete in this space. They have a long road ahead of them.
A brief introduction to the art of Japanese business.
1. Express an interest in a new product.
2. Buy new product and see how it works.
3. Make a better one.
4. Own the world.
This time next year, we may look back on this and smile.