Qtel signs strategic alliance with Microsoft

Microsoft and Qatar Telecom (Qtel) have signed a broad strategic alliance to develop integrated cloud-based services, software applications, mobile services and devices over Qtel’s converged networks, RTTNews reported. The partnership aims to expand Qtel’s service portfolio including corporate and consumer-focused applications, with the first resultant products planned to be on the market by mid-2010. Qtel and Microsoft intend to engage in several work streams including joint sales and marketing, solutions collaboration, and corporate citizenship initiatives, whilst a Microsoft spokesperson said that the pair will collaborate on the development of emerging technologies to create innovative solutions for Qtel customers.