Verizon Tapped for 'Click to Call' Integration

Microsoft has teamed with Verizon's business arm to provide consumers with one-click phone calls to businesses found on its Live Search listings, the telecommunications company said on Monday.

"Windows Live Call for Free" will be powered by the Verizon Business IP network, and gives consumers a way to immediately contact businesses they discover through using Windows Live Search and other products.

"Because it is a Web-based solution, Windows Live Call for Free allows for the easy integration of voice with other multimedia Web services such as Live Search," Windows Live communications chief Brian Arbogast said in a statement.

"These voice-based services are filling a real need today while paving the way for future enhanced service offerings."

After the consumer uses Live Search to find a business, a "Call for Free" button will appear. Clicking that allows the consumer to connect to the participating merchant.