Verizon Co-Brands Windows Live

Verizon  and Microsoft  deepened their alliance today, offering digital subscriber line (DSL) and fiber optics service (FiOS) subscribers online services tied to Windows Live.

Expanding on a 2002 deal with the software giant over co-branded DSL, Verizon said broadband customers will get a co-branded Live.com home page and Windows Live Search page, as well as a co-branded version of Windows Live Messenger.

The augmented pact also means DSL and fiber subscribers will gain e-mail access backed by Windows Live Mail, a Windows Live Toolbar and Windows Live OneCare computer safety scans, the companies said in a statement.

The new services will replace the current MSN Premium service offered by Verizon, the companies said.

Moreover, the refreshed pact signals a coup of sorts for Microsoft; Verizon’s adoption of the Windows Live platform means Microsoft’s OneCare will replace McAfee security software.

Offered as a bundle with Verizon’s broadband products, the co-branded services are slated to be available early next year, according to a Microsoft spokesperson.

John Wimsatt, senior vice president of broadband solutions marketing at Verizon, said the deal signals that Verizon is “offering more and better choices than cable and creating a superior online experience.”

The news follows the companies’ co-branded DSL service launch from June 2002.

In that deal, Verizon Online with MSN service was made available to all Verizon Online DSL customers and MSN Broadband Internet Access customers located in Verizon’s network.