Software giant and telco announce wide-ranging collaboration

Sealing the deal: Cernuda (left) and Zamzamzairani exchanging documents on the collaboration. The cooperation will cover services and products for segments ranging from ordinary consumers to multinational companies based in Malaysia.

Microsoft and Telekom Malaysia Bhd announced a landmark joint effort last week to deliver cloud-based digital experiences for Malaysians, enabling them to meet the converging demands of life and work.

This collaboration aims to combine the portfolio strength of both companies to deliver integrated services designed for consumers and businesses.

While this helps fulfil TM’s promise of “Life Made Easier” and “Business Made Easier”, it will also provide Microsoft with the opportunity to innovate replicable go-to-market models with Malaysia as a launch pad.

Combining Microsoft’s cloud and mobile offerings with TM’s capability in converged connectivity and ICT, this strategic collaboration was made official during an executive discussion followed by the exchange of documents between the two companies in Redmond, in the US last week attended by Microsoft president for Asia-Pacific Cesar Cernuda and TM group chief executive officer Tan Sri Zamzamzairani Mohd Isa.

The exchange of documents was witnessed by Microsoft Corporation chief executive officer Satya Nadella,

Zamzamzairani said, “As Malaysia’s leading integrated communications services provider, we strive to provide the right solutions that make life easier for our customers. TM and Microsoft have been offering productivity solutions for Malaysian businesses through past collaborations such as the Office-in-a-Box with Microsoft Office 365, UniFi with Microsoft Office 365, and Good Bye XP, Good Buy Windows 8 programmes. I am truly excited about extending our successful work together into this strategic joint effort that will deliver great value to our customers across all segments — from consumers to multi-national enterprises.”

He also said the collaboration with Microsoft would break new ground in its ongoing efforts to enrich customer lifestyles and experiences through innovative, next-generation services.

“At TM, we endeavour to make this digital age of technology and communication convergence a reality — and together with Microsoft’s unique solutions we are making it possible for all our customers to meet the growing demands of life easier.

“Today’s announcement marks our ongoing commitment in elevating a progressive Malaysia, in line with the country’s vision of becoming a developed nation by 2020,” he said.

Meanwhile, Nadella said, “At Microsoft, we are passionate about empowering every individual and every organisation on the planet to achieve more.

“Together with Telekom Malaysia, we will deliver digital cloud-based experiences to empower people across Malaysia to get more out of every moment, enable the Malaysian government to provide enhanced citizen services and help businesses of all sizes across the country thrive in the mobile-first, cloud-first world.

Calling the collaboration both significant and exciting, Microsoft and TM highlighted that they would seek to define innovative solutions that address key industry challenges by exploring the creation of integrated offerings between existing Microsoft products and TM products;and new business opportunities for both TM and Microsoft via co-development and joint financial funding models, among other things.

TM and Microsoft will subsequently engage in further discussions for each of the proposed integrated offerings within areas as diverse as consumers, small and medium enterprises, large enterprises and government, smart cities, developers, start-ups and application builders

Cernuda said, “For more than 20 years, Microsoft has been transforming lives and businesses in Malaysia through technology.

It’s clear that consumers and businesses in Malaysia are embracing the benefits of a mobile-first, cloud-first world. Our strategy is to bring the best productivity and platforms to every individual and organisation, enabling all Malaysians to make the most out of every moment whether you are at home, work, school or on the move.

“We are delighted to have a strategic collaboration with TM, who shares our vision and who is committed to delivering unique experiences for their customers in Malaysia.”