Microsoft Online Services Go Global

Microsoft Online Services are now live at a global scale. The move comes simultaneously with Microsoft wrapping up the upgrade to the Microsoft Online Customer Portal (MOCP). Technical product manager for Microsoft Online Services, Paul Englis indicated that with the latest refresh MOCP was up to version 9.1. The worldwide availability of the Microsoft Online Services means that the Redmond company has
essentially opened up the Business Productivity Online Suite and the Business Productivity Online Deskless Worker Suite on no less than 19 markets.

“We’re experiencing a significant amount of partner momentum around Microsoft Online Services and the Business Productivity Online Suite,” explained Ron Markezich, corporate vice president of Microsoft Online. “Based on the increasing demand and enthusiasm we’re seeing, it’s clear that partners are recognizing the opportunity, and that this is the right time to embrace Microsoft’s software-plus-services approach.”

In addition to giving the green light to global sales of Exchange Online, SharePoint Online, Office Communications Online and Office Live Meeting, as part of Microsoft Online Services, the Redmond company is also cutting the costs associated with the services. According to Microsoft, customers purchasing the Business Productivity Online Suite no later than the end of June 2009 will benefit from a 25% discount. At this point in time Microsoft Online Services are enjoying support from no less than 4,000 company partners around the world.

“The upgrade of the Microsoft Online Customer Portal (MOCP) is complete, and with that upgrade the 9.1 release is fully deployed. MOCP is the commerce engine that power Microsoft Online Services. The MOCP 9.1 release enables the Business Productivity Online Suite to be trialed and purchased in 19 countries around the world. Commercial availability was announced on March 3; the 9.1 release makes realizes the capabilities noted in the March 3 announcement,” Englis stated.