Microsoft, Dell Add E-Mail Solutions

Microsoft has teamed with Cbeyond to launch a hosted e-mail service aimed at small and midsize businesses, while Dell will add MessageOne to its suite of software-as-a-service (SaaS) offerings.The Microsoft-Cbeyond solution is based on Microsoft Exchange Server 2007. The hosted service includes appointment scheduling and shared contact information that is accessible via Outlook on a PC, a Web browser, or a smartphone. The data can be synced with mobile devices over the air.

The service is offered as part of a unified communications package that also includes hardware and air time for mobile phone service, local and long-distance phone service, and broadband Internet access. Currently available in Atlanta, plans are to roll it out in Chicago, Denver, Detroit, Houston, Los Angeles, Miami, San Diego and San Francisco.

Dell, meanwhile, is in the process of acquiring MessageOne for $155 million in cash. MessageOne focuses on e-mail continuity, compliance, archiving, and disaster recovery services. The service is aimed at large companies but can be scaled down for small and midsize companies, said Steve Schuckenbrock, president of Dell Global Services. Dell will make the MessageOne service part of its ProSupport suite of IT support services.InformationWeek, ChannelWeb