It's no secret that Microsoft [1] is getting into the VoIP business, but statements this week from combative CEO Steve Ballmer [2] have a somewhat different tone than what we've heard previously. The AP caught Ballmer speaking to a Microsoft conference in Tokyo, where he said his company will "enter the voice-over-IP market in the beginning of next year." We know about its communications server and its deal with Nortel. But Ballmer apparently was talking about deploying VoIP across its entire product line--and the timing seems to be consistent with the expected shipment of the next-generation Vista [3] operating system.
For more information about Microsoft and VoIP:
- check out this article [4] from TheStreet.com
Related Articles:
Microsoft and Nortel announce alliance. Report [5]
Microsoft to hide VoIP phone in Zune? Report [6]
IDC: Microsoft's in VoIP for the applications. Report [7]
Links:
[1] http://www.fiercevoip.com/search/node/Microsoft
[2] http://www.fierceenterprise.com/story/spotlight-steve-ballmer/2006-10-11
[3] http://www.fierceenterprise.com/story/enterprise-version-of-vista-delayed/2006-10-26
[4] http://www.thestreet.com/_googlen/newsanalysis/techsoftware/10320342.html?cm_ven=GOOGLEN&cm_cat=FREE&cm_ite=NA
[5] http://www.fiercevoip.com/story/microsoft-and-nortel-announce-alliance/2006-07-18
[6] http://www.fiercevoip.com/story/microsoft-to-hide-voip-phone-in-zune/2006-09-22
[7] http://www.fiercevoip.com/story/idc-microsoft-s-in-voip-for-the-applications/2006-08-08