Enterprise software.

• Position: Technology Tools - Microsoft Corp. and Siebel Systems Inc. sign multiyear global strategic alliance

Microsoft Corp. and Siebel Systems Inc. have announced a multiyear global strategic alliance to deliver the first enterprise solutions that the companies say "fully exploits Web services to meet the demands of today's enterprises." The alliance includes collaborative development, demand creation, global sales and integrated support for enterprise customers.

Through the combination of Siebel Systems' sales, marketing and service applications and business processes based on industry-specific best practices and the groundbreaking Web services technology of Microsoft[R] .NET, the alliance will deliver what is being called the most efficient and cost-effective application integration ever, as well as raise user productivity and decision-making to new levels. "The joint solution will set the new standard for the economics of enterprise application deployment, integration and support with the lowest total cost of ownership," the companies said in an announcement.

The alliance is a major expansion of the long-standing relationship between the two companies. Siebel's enterprise sales, marketing and service applications will be fully optimized for Microsoft.NET, and integrated product road maps will help ensure...