MACH's Connectivity Business Unit and Microsoft Renew Agreement to Expand
Windows Live Mobile Messaging Services Globally

WUERZBURG, Germany , Oct. 15 /CNW/ - MACH, the leading provider of solutions to simplify and accelerate the creation and operation of the mobility supply chain, today announced the renewal of its relationship with Microsoft to further extend global coverage of Microsoft's Windows Live mobile messaging services.

MACH's Connectivity business unit, a successful Microsoft partner for more than 8 years, offers carrier grade messaging solutions with global SMS coverage. MACH plays an important role in Microsoft's strategy to provide services such as Windows Live Hotmail, Windows Live Messenger and integrated mobile features to mobile users all over the world. Under the terms of the extended agreement, MACH will roll out Windows Live SMS services in new markets, alongside established markets in Europe and the Middle East .

MACH's Connectivity business unit recently launched the Windows Live Hotmail SMS service to large Windows Live user bases in Singapore and Spain . This service allows Windows Live Hotmail users to receive their Hotmail emails via SMS on their mobile phones. It also allows users to reply directly to the sender's inbox via SMS or to browse the mobile Hotmail portal, as well as perform other common tasks directly from their mobile phone.

"The extension of our relationship with Microsoft is powerful validation from the industry leader both of MACH's global SMS aggregation solutions and of our ability to deliver," said Alexander Schebler , MACH's Vice President Marketing and Sales, Connectivity. "We are delighted that MACH will continue to play a key role in support of Microsoft's growing portfolio of innovative mobile messaging services."

MACH provides the technical interface between Microsoft and Mobile Network Operators (MNO's), and manages integration, commercial contracts with operators, and operator support. MACH's Connectivity business unit currently delivers Windows Live Mobile services to more than 44 MNO's in 18 countries.

"Our vision is to get the vast majority of Windows Live users around the world interacting with Windows Live on their mobile devices ," said Tom Bailey , Microsoft's Senior Director Product Management Windows Live for mobile. "Working with MACH enables us to acheive global reach quickly, leveraging the partnerships that MACH already has in place with mobile operators throughout the world".

About MACH

MACH is the leading provider of hub-based mobile communications exchange solutions, uniting the global telecommunications marketplace. MACH solutions accelerate operators' and providers' time to market, optimise service delivery to the mobile end-user, and accelerate the settlement of inter-operator financial liabilities.

MACH HUB-XC(R), a unique suite of integrated hubbing applications and managed services, connects any provider of any mobile application over any technology to build, deliver and monetise customer-centric mobile business models. HUB-XC(R) connects Communications Service Providers (CSP's) at every stage of the mobile application value chain and enables the efficient flow of mobile traffic, of service validation, delivery and billing information, and of settlement transactions.

MACH solutions unite CSP's to expand their service offerings and to extend their reach. They connect CSP's for the reliable, seamless, cost-effective delivery of mobile services, and they empower CSP's to optimise performance and to identify new market opportunities.

MACH is the largest provider of data and financial clearing solutions for wireless roaming, and more than 50% of the world's roaming calls are processed through MACH systems. 15 out of the 24 members of the GSMA executive committee use MACH's clearing services.

MACH operates the world's largest open connectivity roaming hub, Link2One, and more than 60% of all NRTRDE files are processed and verified in MACH's NRTRDE hub.

Founded in 1987, MACH today incorporates the experience and expertise of market-leaders such as Dan Net , Cibernet, End2End and PROGRATOR/gatetrade.

Headquartered in Luxembourg , MACH has offices in 12 countries and employs more than 1,000 people worldwide serving over 650 mobile network operators (MNO's), as well as technology providers, fixed network operators, application stores, SMS aggregators, and supply chain management customers in nearly every country in the world. http://www.mach.com/solutions/

For further information: Enquiries: MACH, Barbara Schaffer, Marketing Manager, Connectivity, [email protected], [phone]; Microsoft, Ted Roduner, Senior Public Relations Manager, [email protected], [phone]