Make a VoIP call from within PowerPoint? Yes, it will happen

Make a VoIP call from within PowerPoint or Excel?

Yes, it will happen - as part of some new alliances Microsoft will be using to get into the VoIP space.

The giant from Redmond announced today that it will offer its Connected Services Framework integrated software services platform to enable AT&T, Amdocs and Sylantro to build and manage IP services using a mix of service-oriented architecture and Web interfaces.

The AT&T alliance sounds the most interesting. AT&T says it will use Connected Services Framework to develop messaging, collaboration and business applications. These utilities will expand AT&Ts existing IP services portfolio.

As this initiative takes root over the next few years, Connected Services Framework will make it possible for AT&Ts VoIP services to be delivered to enterprise customers in a way that will enable those end-users already working with AT&T's Dynamic Network Applications portfolio to have click-to-dial capability within Microsoft Office applications.