Microsoft broadband plans boosted by NEC deal

Ballmer goes after AOL Time Warner...

Microsoft and NEC have in the past few hours outlined a strategic alliance that will see the companies develop a range of broadband platforms and systems integration offerings designed to realise NEC's vision of an 'i-society'. The two computer giants will jointly test and evaluate the development of systems integration (SI) support, internet services and platform products. NEC president Koji Nishigaki said his aim was to create an 'i-society' to enable users to use broadband services to share information. This includes the integration of Microsoft's appliance server products with NEC's upcoming Blade Server, scheduled for release next spring. In addition, Microsoft's 64-bit Windows .NET server products are expected to be integrated into NEC's latest 64-bit server, codenamed AsAmA. However, product integration forms only part of the deal. NEC will host Windows .NET services to provide application servers and network status monitoring from its own data centre. The companies are to set up system integration centres to support the newly joined products. Windows SI Support Centres will be opened at NEC, NEC Soft and NEC System with the headcount scheduled to top 300 within one year. The news comes as Microsoft unveiled agreements with three US telecom groups - Verizon, Bell South and SBC Communications - to provide access to broadband services. Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said the deal was designed to help the company steal customers from AOL Time Warner as users make the switch from narrowband to broadband. For related news, see:
Microsoft ups broadband net ante
http