Microsoft working on ‘Unified Communications’ Device technology

Software giant Microsoft seems to be preparing itself to face the upcoming competition from Apple and their iPhone product.

The company has announced that they are working with partners on a new generation of phones and other devices that will connect to e-mail, instant messaging, real-time presence information, VoIP, and mobile platforms.

The announcement was made at the Microsoft Hardware Engineering Conference in Los Angeles. The company highlighted their “unified communications” strategy at the event.

Microsoft is working with several device manufacturers including LG-Nortel, NEC, Plantronics, Polycom, Samsung, ASUSTek Computer, GN, Tatung, and ViTELiX on the device specifications for this upcoming technology.

Jeff Raikes, president of the Microsoft Business Division spoke on this upcoming product range: “By weaving the business phone together with e-mail, instant messaging, presence, conferencing, and the productivity software people use most. We are putting voice communications back into business.”