News

Microsoft-HP Renew Unified Communications Push

Microsoft and HP expanded their existing agreements on unified communications (UC) products and services on Tuesday.

The companies are planning an additional investment of up to $180 million in various UC technologies, including joint marketing, sales and services.

The news was highlighted at the Tuesday keynote address at Interop Las Vegas. Sharing the podium at Interop were Ann Livermore, HP's executive vice president of the Technology Solutions Group, and Stephen Elop, president of the Microsoft Business Division.

The deal centers on Microsoft's UC solutions, which are based on three server software products: SharePoint, Exchange and Office Communications Server.

For its part, HP offers its HP ProCurve software and hardware networking products, as well as its HP Halo Managed Services. HP's dx9000 TouchSmart Business PC and smartphone hardware also are involved in the joint UC effort.

The companies are providing their UC solutions to enterprise and small-to-medium businesses customers, as well as communications service providers. The UC solutions can be accessed via the customer's premises or as hosted services. Organizations can also use a combination of those two approaches. HP Financial Services will handle the financial arrangements with UC customers.

Further information on the Microsoft and HP joint UC initiative can be found here.

About the Author

Kurt Mackie is senior news producer for 1105 Media's Converge360 group.

Featured

  • Hands-On AI Skills Now Outshine Certs in Salary Stakes

    For AI-related roles, employers are prioritizing verifiable, hands-on abilities over framed certificates -- and they're paying a premium for it.

  • Roadblocks in Enterprise AI: Data and Skills Shortfalls Could Cost Millions

    Businesses risk losing up to $87 million a year if they fail to catch up with AI innovation, according to the Couchbase FY 2026 CIO AI Survey released this month.

  • Microsoft Cuts Windows 11 Recovery Time with New Update

    Microsoft has introduced two key enhancements to Windows 11 aimed at minimizing downtime and streamlining error resolution.

  • Microsoft Offers Support Extensions for Exchange 2016 and 2019

    Microsoft has introduced a paid Extended Security Update (ESU) program for on-premises Exchange Server 2016 and 2019, offering a crucial safety cushion as both versions near their Oct. 14, 2025 end-of-support date.