Orange to Become a Key Partner to Microsoft in Europe, Bringing Windows Phone 7 Series Phones Across its Footprint With Specialised Customer Support

Barcelona, February 15, 2010 (ots/PRNewswire) - Orange today announced
it is to become a key partner to Microsoft in Europe for the Windows
Phone 7 Series, extending its long-term partnership to deliver a
range of phones in 2010 with smarter design and software integration
that are optimised for Orange customers. Planning to launch later
this year on a range of handsets in France, UK, Spain, Switzerland
and other markets Orange and Microsoft are working more closely than
ever before, sharing platform, service and network innovation to give
Orange customers a simpler, richer experience on Microsoft Windows
Phones with specialised customer support.

In line with Orange's strategy to give mobile customers the best
possible access to content, the companies are continuing to work
together to customise Windows phones by integrating Orange and
Microsoft services into one easy-to-find window on the 7 Series. For
the first time, Orange plans to combine its SIM and network
authentication with Microsoft Windows Phone 7 Series to create a
single customer "ID", simplifying sign-in and eliminating the need to
register for multiple accounts.

This move would allow Orange customers on 7 Series handsets to
enjoy single sign-on access to Microsoft services such as Xbox LIVE
and Zune Music, alongside a range of Orange services which are
seamlessly integrated within the Windows Phone 7 Series platform.
Depending on which market, Orange services are expected to include
Orange TV and Orange Navigation and access to exclusive, localised
content such as the national football league in France (Ligue 1).

Together with the Windows Phone 7 Series, the extended Orange and
Microsoft partnership will also see joint collaboration that goes
beyond devices, delivering enhanced customer care services to help
customers get more out of their phones.

Olaf Swantee, SEVP of Orange's global mobile business, comments:
"We have a long-standing and successful relationship with Microsoft,
having introduced the first ever SmartPhone together back in 2002.
Eight years on, our collaboration continues to bear fruit as we look
to bring Orange Windows Phone 7 Series customers more than just a
phone, but a full end-to-end multimedia experience that will give
them enhanced access to content and dedicated in-store support. This
partnership we are planning with Microsoft, sharing service
capabilities expert customer assistance, is just part of how Orange
is working with the industry to revolutionise customer care and bring
mobile multimedia to everyone."

"People want a phone that focuses on what matters most to them,
works on their behalf and simplifies common tasks. They want a phone
that helps manage and organize all of the information that is
constantly swirling around them. Windows Phone 7 Series brings
together related content from the web, applications and services into
a single view to make life easier," said Andy Lees, senior vice
president of Mobile Communication Business at Microsoft. "We are
excited that Orange will use Windows Phone 7 Series to offer
differentiated services and added value to their customers throughout
Europe with their dedicated care package."

About Orange

For more information: http://www.orange.com,
http://www.francetelecom.com , http://www.orange-business.com

ots Originaltext: Orange
Im Internet recherchierbar: http://www.presseportal.de

Contact:
CONTACT: Contact: Georgina Hart:
+44-(0)7730989693georgina.hart@orange-ftgroup.com; Vanessa Clarke:
+44-(0)7891056593vanessa.clarke@orange-ftgroup.com