REDMOND, Wash. and MILAN, Italy -- Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) and Telecom Italia today announced a plan to jointly test and deliver next-generation television services using the Microsoft(R) TV Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) software platform. The announcement demonstrates Microsoft's significant momentum in working with the world's leading network operators to bring next-generation television services to consumers via the operators' broadband network infrastructures.

Telecom Italia joins several other top-tier telecommunications companies worldwide, including Bell Canada, Reliance Infocomm Ltd., SBC Communications Inc., Swisscom/Bluewin and others working with the Microsoft TV IPTV platform, to take advantage of the significant growth opportunities IPTV represents.

"We are extremely pleased to trial the Microsoft TV IPTV platform, which enables the development and distribution of integrated broadband services," said Massimo Castelli, Wireline marketing director, Telecom Italia.

"The Microsoft TV IPTV platform will help Telecom Italia realise even more value from its existing broadband network by enabling the delivery of high-quality TV services to its customers," said Moshe Lichtman, corporate vice president of the Microsoft TV Division. "Leading operators like Telecom Italia recognise the significant potential of IPTV to extend their business in new ways that bring exciting new services to their customers and real benefits to their bottom line."

Microsoft Corp.

Telecom Italia SpA