Microsoft has signed a global business process outsourcing partnership with arvato AG, one of the world’s largest internationally networked media and communication services providers.

The five-year agreement – which sees Microsoft consolidating operational activities for several key business lines previously handled by multiple suppliers with one vendor – commences in January 2010.Arvato will support this business globally from their operations based in Dublin, Singapore, Reno (Nevada) Fargo (North Dakota), Manila and Buenos Aires.

In its new role as a key global business process outsourcing partner, arvato will manage services for Microsoft Dynamics (formerly known as Microsoft Business Solutions), Commercial Operations, Services and OEM (Original Equipment Manufacturer) divisions.
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Netherlands company Margento maintains a mobile transaction service based on what it call “Data-over-Voice”, which essentially works the same as the French solution above – your phone transmits data via sound, which is read and decoded by a scanner at the point of sale. It has announced it is entering into a 50-50 joint venture with the services branch of multinational company Bertelsmann, Arvato Services. Margento and Arvato will be using the Data-over-Voice system for loyalty/coupon redemption, payments for products and services, balance top-up, mobile tickets, and electronic gift vouchers.

Via GoMo News

arvato services, the services arm of Bertelsmann’s arvato division, and Margento B.V., a technology company from the Netherlands, today announced the formation of a joint venture. The JV, headquartered in Munich, will offer customers comprehensive transaction and payment services via the mobile phone.

Margento will bring its proven transaction platform to the 50-50 joint venture, as well as its patented Data-Over-Voice (DOV) technology, while arvato services will invest in the JV and contribute its extensive expertise in Marketing, Customer Relationship Management (CRM), Supply Chain Management (SCM) and Finance services.

“We are excited about opening up the German market for mobile transaction services with arvato as our partner,” said Margento CEO Gregor Breznik. arvato services’ managing director Mario Schwegler added: “The JV’s balanced mix of expertise in services and technology forms an outstanding basis for a nationwide implementation of mobile loyalty and payment services in Germany.”

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