Microsoft Integrates Verizon VoIP with Local Search Service

Press Release - June 7, 2007

Microsoft Corp. is hoping to improve its local search service by adding VoIP click-to-call software from Verizon Business to Windows Live Maps.

The new feature lets searchers place calls to local businesses, such as shops and restaurants, directly over the internet. Calls are routed over Verizon’s SIP Gateway network, and do not require an adapter or any other special equipment.

“This makes it easy for folks to get in touch with a merchant or a vendor of some sort with a voice type call,” commented Mike Yancey, the director of wholesale voice product management at Verizon Business. “With all this new technology, we now are beginning to enable a whole new set of services that will make things easier for consumers.”

“This is using typical search capabilities but instead of having to find who you are looking for and then write it down, this features enables the consumer to complete the call right there,” Yancey went on to say. “They are just one click away from the information.”