Verizon Voice Over IP Powers Microsoft Windows 'Live Call for Free' Service via the PC to Connect Consumers With Merchants

BASKING RIDGE, N.J. --  Consumers searching online at http://maps.live.com for businesses such as area restaurants, hotels or car dealerships can now conveniently click to make free PC-to-phone calls to many advertisers, using the power of the Verizon Business IP network. 

Windows Live Call for Free from Microsoft uses Verizon Business' advanced voice-over-Internet-protocol (VoIP) capabilities and expansive global network to give consumers an easy-to-use, convenient and no-cost way to find services they need. 

"We continue to deliver on the promise of our strategic alliance with Microsoft by developing and delivering next-generation services," said Nancy Gofus, senior vice president and chief marketing officer for Verizon Business. "This new service, which adds value for Microsoft advertising partners while enhancing the Live Search experience, is the latest in a long string of innovations that Verizon and Microsoft have brought to market since entering into a global strategic relationship in May 2004." 

Brian Arbogast, corporate vice president of the Windows Live Developer & Communication Platform at Microsoft Corp., said, "Together, Microsoft and Verizon Business have built standards-based Web solutions, bringing new applications to life.  Because it is a Web-based solution, Windows Live Call for Free allows for the easy integration of voice with other multimedia Web services such as Live Search.  These voice-based services are filling a real need today while paving the way for future enhanced service offerings."

About Windows Live Call for Free

Consumers can make free* calls to merchants on the Web at http://maps.live.com.  In the top search box, enter a business type or name and below a zip code or city/state.  The merchant results are listed in the left column by the business name.  Just click "Call For Free" and select "Use My Computer" to connect with the participating merchant.

Verizon' SIP Gateway Service

Verizon Business' SIP Gateway Service enables Verizon customers, such as Microsoft, to quickly and easily offer packet-based telephony products and services to their end-users.  SIP Gateway accepts call traffic from retail VoIP telephony providers over Verizon Business' global IP backbone and terminates to the public switched telephone network (PSTN).   

Verizon Business is a recognized leader in delivering advanced communications and information technology (IT) services for large-business customers around the world.  The company was recognized by Forrester Research in February for leading the competition on VoIP strategy by providing in-depth roadmaps with the specialized resources to help customers transition to VoIP at their own path and pace.  The study, "Forrester Wave™: US Enterprise-Class VoIP Services, Q1 2007," found that "Verizon Business is best in class on overall voice- over-Internet-protocol (VoIP) strategy, leading others on technology strategy, planned performance and customer service enhancements, and price."

About Verizon Business
Verizon Business, a unit of Verizon Communications (NYSE: VZ), is a leading provider of advanced communications and information technology (IT) solutions to large business and government customers worldwide.  Combining unsurpassed global network reach with advanced technology and professional service capabilities, Verizon Business delivers innovative and seamless business solutions to customers around the world.  For more information, visit www.verizonbusiness.com.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

*There may be potential charges from a customer's wireless carrier

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