July 17, 2006 12:13 PM PDT
Microsoft to dial-up communications partner
Microsoft is planning a big tie-up Tuesday as part of its continued push into the unified communications arena.
Steve Ballmer will hold a press conference on Tuesday morning to announce "a significant industry partnership," according to a media alert just sent out by the software maker. The deal will "accelerate the company's vision for unified communications and strategy for migrating voice, video and data communications into a unified experience," Microsoft said. A company representative declined to reveal the mystery partner or offer further comment.
The company announced its broad strategy for the market at a San Francisco event last month.
During her years at CNET News, Ina Fried has changed beats several times, changed genders once, and covered both of the Pirates of Silicon Valley. These days, most of her attention is focused on Microsoft. E-mail Ina. 
