BARCELONA, Spain, February 11 /PRNewswire/ --

- Launches Windows Live @mobile, a scalable deployment programme for mobile operators.

Today at Mobile World Congress 2008, Microsoft Corp announced that it is releasing a new version of its Windows Live Mobile Developer Program, enabling developers to create mobile versions of its popular Windows Live services that can be built for virtually any mobile phone independent of phone operating system. Microsoft also announced Windows Live @mobile, a new programme that allows operators to adopt and deploy Windows Live services. These two initiatives will enable Microsoft's developer community to deliver compelling Windows Live services and provide flexibility to access the Windows Live platform to innovate on top of those services. In addition, mobile operators can connect their customers to Windows Live, one of the largest communications and sharing networks in the world, create additional revenue opportunities and enhance the customer experience.

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Windows Live Mobile Developer Program

These latest updates to the Windows Live Mobile Developer Program include new features to Microsoft's Mobile Services Protocol and a new software development kit (SDK), enabling developers to create mobile versions of Windows Live Hotmail, Windows Live Messenger and Windows Live Spaces that can work on any phone operating system. These updates give developers the capability to create applications with an exceptional user experience and more advanced functionality, all built on a WS(asterisk)-compliant protocol.

Microsoft launched the Windows Live Mobile Developer Program more than two years ago. Today, over 70 independent software vendor partners are building applications that work on more than 800 devices equipped to support Windows Live for Mobile. Recently Nokia, with its Series 60 platform, adopted the Mobile Services Protocol to offer new capabilities to its mobile phone offering, including the ability to share media files within an instant messaging conversation and e-mail, integrated access to users' Windows Live Contacts and phone address book, and one-click file photo upload to users' Windows Live Spaces.

"Our relationships with operators and developers are key to our strategy. By providing developers with access to these platforms, we are enabling operators to provide access to Windows Live services for their customers and make money as well," said Matt Champagne, director, Product Management, Mobile Communications Business at Microsoft. "Our Windows Live @mobile programme is all about enabling operators to deploy our services as quickly as possible by providing standard ways to launch our services."

Windows Live @mobile

Microsoft is also announcing the availability of Windows Live @mobile, a programme that enables mobile operators to deploy a set of standard Microsoft mobile services such as Windows Live for Mobile and MSN Mobile to their customers quickly and efficiently. These standard deals support different business models, providing operators with several choices, including subscriptions, transactions or advertising so they fit with their existing business or new business ideas. Operators can choose to deploy browser-based services that work on nearly any phone with a data plan or with any of the certified third-party clients developed by Microsoft partners.

Currently, @mobile is available in 46 countries and is expanding to additional markets in the next year. Additional information on both Windows Live @mobile and the Windows Live Mobile Developer Program can be found at http://msnmobile.members.winisp.net.

About MSN and Windows Live

MSN attracts more than 465 million unique users worldwide per month. With localised versions available globally in 42 markets and 21 languages, MSN is a world leader in delivering compelling programmed content experiences to consumers and online advertising opportunities to businesses worldwide. Windows Live, a comprehensive set of personal Internet services and software, is designed to bring together in one place all the relationships, information and interests people care about most, with enhanced safety and security features across their PC, devices and the web. MSN and Windows Live will be offered alongside each other as complementary services. Some Windows Live services entered an early beta phase on 1 Nov, 2005; these and future beta updates can be found at http://ideas.live.com. Windows Live is available at http://www.live.com. MSN is located on the web at http://www.msn.com. MSN worldwide sites are located at http://www.msn.com/worldwide.ashx.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.

About Microsoft EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa)

Microsoft has operated in EMEA since 1982. In the region Microsoft employs more than 16,000 people in over 64 subsidiaries, delivering products and services in more than 139 countries and territories.

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Web site: http://www.microsoft.com

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