"These services will enable enterprises to implement integrated collaboration, messaging, VoIP and conferencing services without the capital investment that locks them into solutions that are not future-proofed,” said Dave Dorman, chairman and CEO of AT&T, as AT&T and Microsoft jointly announced today a strategic partnership in which they are deploying Microsoft Connected Services Framework as the basis for their service-oriented architecture.

One of Microsoft's first goals within the partnership is going to be to Web services-enable AT&T’s voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) service so it can be delivered through the Microsoft Connected Services Framework to enterprise customers along with other communications services. This would give AT&T DNA end users click-to-dial capabilities within any Microsoft Office application.

AT&T will deploy Microsoft Connected Services Framework as the foundation of its Microsoft .NET-based SOA, which integrates an array of interoperable Web-based, functional capabilities in a simplified, streamlined manner. This will enable AT&T to provide a consistent service interface to its back-office systems for delivering fully managed, on-demand IP communications services. As part of the alliance, AT&T has become a founding member of Microsoft’s Connected Services Framework Customer Advisory Board and will help shape the development of its road map priorities.

In addition, the two companies committed to developing a broad array of network-enabled right-time communications services during the next five years that will focus on messaging, collaboration, media and business applications. These services will expand on AT&T’s existing IP services portfolio, including the company’s recently announced Dynamic Network ApplicationsSM (DNA) portfolio, and Microsoft’s set of hosted collaboration, communications and business applications, and will drive the development of other service bundles.