Tech Shout!

New York City-based Verizon announced on Tuesday that it had signed an agreement to offer co-branded versions of Windows Live products to its DSL and FiOS high-speed customers. The deal is an extension of a prior one between the two companies that has existed since April 2002. Over the past year, the service had primarily been promoting its Yahoo partnership more expansively.

Thanks to this association, users would have access to co-branded versions of Live.com, Windows Live Toolbar, Verizon e-mail powered by Windows Live Mail, a co branded Windows Live Messenger, and a free version of the Windows Live OneCare safety scanner.

“With the co-branded offering, customers get the best of both worlds. The broadband users have the applications that they can use their speed for. They get a lot of premium services to add extra value for the customer, and our research has shown that customers who use our co-branded services are much more loyal customers and they are more satisfied,” said Bobbi Henson, a spokeswoman for Verizon.

Steve Berkowitz, senior vice president, Online Services Group at Microsoft said, “Verizon continues to be a highly valuable partner for us in delivering Windows Live services that unite consumers’ interests, information and relationships in a way that’s most meaningful to them.”

Microsoft and Verizon work cohesively on bringing other Windows Live services to Verizon customers. Until the co-branded Windows Live service is ready sometime early 2007 Verizon would continue to offer MSN Premium in the meantime.

Microsoft already signed one deal to offer Windows Live to Qwest high-speed customers back in June. Several Windows Live services, including Windows Live OneCare, and a co-branded Windows Live home page, Windows Live Mail and Windows Live Messenger are available through Qwest. Like Verizon, Qwest had offered its customers a co-branded version of MSN Premium as part of its high-speed package.