Hutch ties up with Microsoft

Telecom service provider Hutchison Essar has tied up with global software giant Microsoft for a mobile search alliance in India, as part of which Hutch subscribers can access 'Windows Live' services.

The 'Windows Live' search for mobile and other services including Windows Live Messenger, Windows Live Mail and Windows Live spaces will provide power for mobile internet to the customers.

Hutch customer in India will be able to search and access mobile content and information in a one'stop integrated search powered by 'Windows Live' search for mobile including news, sports and entertainment directly from the World Wide Web.

Hutch's 21 million mobile users will also be able to search for local business listing and services for major Indian cities.

"This alliance with Hutch allows Microsoft to partner with country's leading mobile data service operator to offer rich set of online services through the power of Microsoft's software technology", Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer said, who is here on a visit to India.

"It is terrific to be extending our relationship with Microsoft to help provide 'Windows Live' suit to our customers", Huchtison Essar MD Asim Ghosh said.