AT&T and Microsoft Corp. today announced a groundbreaking strategic alliance that is expected to revolutionize the development, deployment and delivery of next-generation Internet Protocol (IP)-based communications services.

The alliance leverages the far-reaching AT&T global IP network, which can be accessed from 149 countries, and Microsoft® Connected Services Framework, an integrated software solution that enables the rapid delivery of converged communications services across multiple networks and end-user devices. Using Connected Services Framework, AT&T will be able to dynamically create new network-based IP services and applications that can be deployed when and where they are needed.

In addition, the two companies committed to developing a broad array of network-enabled right-time communications services during the next five years that will focus on messaging, collaboration, media and business applications. These services will expand on AT&T’s existing IP services portfolio, including the company’s recently announced Dynamic Network ApplicationsSM (DNA) portfolio, and Microsoft’s set of hosted collaboration, communications and business applications, and will drive the development of other service bundles.

One of the first goals of the five-year road map will be an effort by Microsoft to Web services-enable AT&T’s voice over Internet protocol (VoIP) service so it can be delivered through the Microsoft Connected Services Framework to enterprise customers along with other communications services. This would give AT&T DNA end users click-to-dial capabilities within any Microsoft Office application.