I read the following news posted in techtree:-

Bharti Airtel has announced a strategic tie-up with Microsoft that is expected to deliver better value to all Airtel customers, panning across mobile, landline, and Broadband services.

Under the tie-up, Airtel and Microsoft have launched Microsoft's Windows Mobile 5.0 platform that provides all Airtel customers access to corporate email via direct push technology. Airtel says it is the first telecom operator in the country to offer this technology to its customers.

The Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 platform offers a host of applications. All Airtel users will now have an access to MS Office (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Internet Explorer), multi-media functionality (camera, MP3, video recording), and business line applications like Sales Force Automation on their mobile phones.

Speaking at the launch, Manoj Kohli, president, Bharti Airtel, said, "Our partnership with Microsoft reinforces and strengthens our commitment to innovation. This is a great beginning for two leaders in the industry to come together, and forge a strategic partnership with a single-minded focus of providing value to the end user.

Adding to it, Ravi Venkatesan, chairman, Microsoft India, said that the launch of Windows Mobile 5.0 is in line with their proposed objective of creating people-ready businesses. Windows Mobile 5.0 is the perfect solution for the global mobile workforce to work in an always-on environment, and better organize their work and personal lives.

Venakatesan added that the alliance with Bharti Airtel reflects the synergy between two industry leaders, both focused at innovating to help individuals realize their true potential. With this association, Bharti Airtel joins the 115-odd existing mobile operators who currently offer Windows Mobile solutions world-wide.

Microsoft Windows Mobile 5.0 will be available to Airtel customers on the latest HP I-Paq and I-Mate handsets that are priced between Rs 16,000 and Rs 65,000; whereas the service will be offered under plans ranging from Rs 399 to Rs 799.