Tata, India's largest outsourcing company, and Microsoft Consulting Services are working together to deliver an integrated IT solution to British telecom operator BT Group's retail arm, BT Retail, a joint statement said here.

It would "enable BT Retail to roll out affordable and easy-to-use Web-based services to small businesses."

Microsoft and Tata plan to collaborate on several key initiatives, including implementation of the so-called Microsoft Connected Services Framework with telecommunications providers, the statement said.

The framework is intended to help wireless operators more efficiently utilize their infrastructure and set up new services.

The combination represents "a win-win for our customers," said Maria Martinez, corporate vice president for Microsoft's Communications Sector.