Shanghai Telecom Co. Ltd., a wholly owned subsidiary of China’s largest telecommunications operator, China Telecom Corp. Ltd., has deployed the Microsoft Solution for Hosted Messaging and Collaboration version 3.5 as the messaging platform for Business Navigator, an application delivery platform developed by China Telecom for enterprises.

Shanghai Telecom has begun a three-month messaging services trial with more than 150 small and midsize businesses (SMBs).

The Microsoft Solution for Hosted Messaging and Collaboration version 3.5 is designed to help service providers offer SMBs rich e-mail services, mobile device data access, team Web sites, and online presence information

The pre-engineered solution uses an integrated set of Microsoft Windows Server System software products and includes deployment automation tools and scripts, code samples, and documented procedures and best practices that help service providers rapidly deploy a more secure and scalable messaging and collaboration infrastructure. Management and monitoring tools also help ensure stable operation of the solution and enhanced service levels to end users.

Shanghai Telecom joins a growing set of service providers worldwide which includes KPN, Verizon Business and IS Interned Services in partnership with T-Mobile Netherlands, using the Microsoft Solution for Hosted Messaging and Collaboration version 3.5 to offer messaging services.