Bangkok--13 Jun--AIS AIS and Microsoft to further collaborate on services for Thai SME market Joint efforts to tap the strong demand from SMEs for hosted services Advanced Info Service Plc (AIS), Thailand's leading mobile operator, announced that it will further collaborate with Microsoft to bring more services to market for the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) market in Thailand. Based on the initial success, both companies intend to capitalise on their network of resellers and partners in Bangkok and other cities to serve SMEs. This is in response to the good sign-up rate of over one hundred Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) since the trial in Bangkok . It has also signed up over twenty resellers extending the sales channel for SMART Office. SMEs can subscribe for the service through AIS’ Corporate Call Centre and the resellers. AIS will now extend the service nationwide. The solution runs on Microsoft Solution for Hosted Messaging and Collaboration, offers SMEs hosted email, shared contact list, calendar, tasks, anti spamming/virus and own domain name. During the trial phase, SMART Office has experienced strong demand in the marketplace, this proves that SMEs will benefit from the service, without the costs and headaches of managing spam, specialized IT support and storage requirements that come with deploying and running a messaging system onsite. "We are encouraged by the number of subscribers who have signed up for the new service and in identifying mobility as a top priority for businesses as part of our go to market strategy for SMEs. We are delighted to see strong demand for secure and reliable enterprise-grade push email solutions by our SME customers," said Tul Somsamarn, Vice president Enterprise Business, Advanced Info Public Company Limited. "It shows that SMEs and corporate users alike want rich email services such as calendaring and scheduling, and significantly reduce their IT expenditures by managing their messaging requirements." "We are thrilled at the success that AIS has had at delivering enterprise-class and cost-effective hosted email and services to SMEs and corporate users in Thailand. Microsoft along with our partner AIS and VSNL international will introduce more solutions for the Thai SME segment," said Surasak Rhianprakaisaeng, Director, Enterprise Partner Group, Microsoft Thailand. "AIS' success has proven that there is a demand for subscription-based software driven by the software as a service model and we are confident that the strong demand from service providers for the Microsoft Solution for Hosted Messaging and Collaboration will continue." The Microsoft Solution for Hosted Messaging and Collaboration Version is a hosted solution that enables service providers to offer SMEs enterprise-class e-mail services, mobile device data access, team Web sites and online presence information. More information about Microsoft’s hosting solutions can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/serviceproviders/hostedmessaging .About AIS Thailand Advanced Info Service Public Company Limited (AIS), a subsidiary of Shin Corporation PCL., is the established leader in Thailand’s wireless communications industry after more than 15 years of services with its market share more than 50%. To date, AIS service network covers 795 districts (amphur) throughout Thailand, plus international roaming across in six continents. AIS has continuously enhanced and expanded its network in order to respond to the market and technological advances, whilst keeping abreast of consumers’ growing demands and needs. It continues to integrate the latest in advanced technology and deliver more than just voice communication, with GPRS and EDGE technology. AIS strongly believe that wireless communications bring changes to the way Thai people live their life, regardless of who they are and what they do. With endless communications possibilities, the quality of life is better. Visit our web site at www.ais.co.th About Microsoft Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Established in 1993, Microsoft (Thailand) Limited provides world-class software that is easy to use and localized to suit the local market’s needs. It also has a compelling and consistent platform to build powerful business solutions that can scale from a notebook computer to a mainframe — class multiprocessor systems using Microsoft technology. For further information, information, please visit the Microsoft (Thailand) website at: http://www.microsoft.com/thailand . Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. Further information for media please contact AIS PR Waralee, 022995063 } 0818112412 [email protected] Sudaporn 0 26874127, 0819206611 [email protected] Click for photo release at www.thaipr.net