Today at IBC2005, the International Broadcasters Convention, Microsoft Corp. and Siemens Business Services announced that they are working together to develop integrated solutions, including supporting a collaborative- environment architecture, for the media industry. Built on proven Microsoft� Office and conferencing products, the new platform will enable media companies to transform the way they communicate and collaborate.

With programming becoming increasingly complex, the new platform will help media companies work more effectively, both externally with partners such as production companies and post-production houses as well as internally among employees.

As part of its strategic collaboration strategy, the British Broadcasting Company (BBC) will become the first company to benefit from the Siemens and Microsoft relationship. Using their combined expertise, Siemens and Microsoft plan to deliver an integrated communications system over the next 12 to 18 months that includes instant messaging, videoconferencing and integrated telephony. This will enable the BBC to offer industry partners and employees access to a security-enhanced extranet through mobile platforms, supporting its proactive and innovative approach to flexible working.