07 June 2007

Microsoft Corp. is hoping to improve its local search service by adding VoIP click-to-call software from Verizon Business to Windows Live Maps.

The new feature lets searchers place calls to local businesses, suchas shops and restaurants, directly over the internet. Calls are routedover Verizons SIP Gateway network, and do not require an adapter orany other special equipment.

This makes it easy for folks to get in touch with a merchant or avendor of some sort with a voice type call, commented Mike Yancey, thedirector of wholesale voice product management at Verizon Business.With all this new technology, we now are beginning to enable a wholenew set of services that will make things easier for consumers.

This is using typical search capabilities but instead of having tofind who you are looking for and then write it down, this featuresenables the consumer to complete the call right there, Yancey went onto say. They are just one click away from the information.