CHT and Microsoft Sign MOU to Join Forces in Delivering Cloud Services

TAIPEI, Taiwan, Nov. 9 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today Microsoft Corp. signed a memorandum of understanding (MOU) with Chunghwa Telecom Co. Ltd. (CHT) announcing a collaboration on software applications and cloud services for end-user devices, together creating new business opportunities in cloud services. This strategic alliance will allow CHT to leverage Microsoft's innovative platforms and technologies in delivering convenient, value-added mobile and cloud services, bringing higher efficiency to enterprise users and convenient, smart digital user experiences to consumers.

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The MOU signaling the beginning of a collaboration on software applications and cloud services for end-user devices was signed by Simon Leung, corporate vice president, chairman and CEO of Microsoft Greater China Region, and Shyue-Ching Lu, chairman and CEO of CHT, in the presence of Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer.

"Microsoft and Chunghwa Telecom have a strong partnership based on a shared vision for delivering great products and services that enable our customers to take full advantage of mobile technology at work and at home," Ballmer said. "We're expanding the scope of our collaboration because CHT is a great partner in these efforts and because we are committed to working closely with companies in Taiwan to help strengthen the Taiwanese IT industry."

"Through this agreement, Microsoft and CHT will work together to deliver a new generation of seamless, connected experiences that bring the power of cloud computing to consumers and to business of all sizes here in Taiwan," Ballmer continued. "These efforts will include everything from the implementation of an optimized, dynamic datacenter to hosted services for businesses and new cloud-based services for consumers that span PCs, mobile phones and the television."

"We hope that our strategic alliance with Microsoft will result in a more convenient mobile experience for consumers," Shyue-Ching said. "CHT has continuously enhanced our software applications and service scopes, and devoted ourselves to digital services including audio, video, information security and entertainment services. The combination of Microsoft's innovative technologies and CHT's resources is intended to accelerate the application of cloud technologies on actual services, bringing consumers convenient services and fresh user experiences."

"Allowing enterprise users and consumers to easily access information and services with different end-user devices anytime, anywhere has been a common aspiration and goal for CHT and Microsoft over the years. CHT's vast experience in leading Internet infrastructures and providing consumers and enterprise users with rich software applications will certainly stimulate the realization of this goal," Leung said. "This MOU with CHT represents a shared ambition to integrate cloud services with the three screens -- PC, smartphone and TV. We believe that with the mutual sharing and incorporation of Microsoft's cloud platform technologies and consulting services with CHT's technology resources and service platforms, the vision of consumers and enterprise users being able to quickly access information and services anytime, anywhere, with any device is going to be within reach very soon."

CHT, Microsoft to Create Innovative Cloud Services and Enhanced Mobile Experiences
The collaboration between Microsoft and CHT on cloud services focuses on three areas, software as a service (SaaS), platform as a service (PaaS) and infrastructure as a service (IaaS):

• SaaS. CHT will become Microsoft's local telecom partner in providing Microsoft Business Productivity Online Suite (BPOS) online services.
• PaaS. CHT and Microsoft will conduct technology exchange in the area of public cloud computing. CHT will work with Microsoft in the Windows Azure Platform Metro Early Adoption Program. Through technology collaboration and support from the Microsoft Innovation Center, CHT will develop and deploy early adoption of cloud services on the Windows Azure platform and offer these services to consumers and enterprise users.
• IaaS. In the form of technology sharing with CHT, Microsoft will introduce the professional technology named Microsoft Global Foundation Services and Dynamic Data Center Toolkit. This joint effort enables CHT to provide optimized dynamic datacenter cloud services on the basis of energy conservation, reduction of carbon footprint, power savings, space savings, and enhancement of cloud resource monitoring and management.
  

Value-Added Services for PCs, Smartphones and TV Bring Consumers Closer to a Convenient Digital Lifestyle

In addition to cloud services, CHT and Microsoft will leverage the many opportunities created by the worldwide launch of Windows 7 and are planning to take further cooperative efforts for the three screens -- PC, smartphone and TV -- with the goal of enabling users to enjoy the convenience that modern technology brings.

In the area of PCs, CHT will build Microsoft products and technologies including Windows Gadget, customized applications such as Microsoft Internet Explorer 8 and Microsoft Silverlight technology into netbooks, enabling end consumers to enjoy these applications and services directly upon turning on their netbook.

The two parties will work together on built-in, customized, value-added service interfaces for Windows® phones as well. CHT and Microsoft also plan to cooperate in the area of digital home entertainment application services for at-home TV users.

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