Microsoft makes cloud deal with South Korean telco

Microsoft is to make its Online Services available through the LG Uplus service

Microsoft has signed a deal to bring cloud computing applications to customers of the LG Uplus telecoms service in South Korea.

Under the deal, Microsoft will work with the provider to offer cloud computing services for enterprise customers and consumers.

The services include cloud computing platforms as well as improvements to television and mobile services for consumers. As part of the rollout, Microsoft will offer its Online Services platform as part of the LG Uplus Smart Workplace service.

"We envision a partnership that will help South Korean businesses improve productivity and boost their competitiveness, while delivering integrated services across the PC, TV and mobile phone to consumers," said Microsoft chief executive Steve Ballmer.

"The cloud represents a remarkable opportunity for Microsoft and our partners such as LG Uplus where together we can connect users to their favourite people, places and things in more seamless ways than ever before."

The deal comes as part of a large-scale campaign by Microsoft to push into the cloud computing market.

With services such as Google Docs taking aim at Microsoft's Office in the productivity suite market, the company has moved to bring its applications to the web, and to port its expertise in operating systems to the cloud with the Azure platform.