Microsoft to dial-up communications partner

Microsoft is planning a big tie-up Tuesday as part of its continued push into the unified communications arena.

Steve Ballmer will hold a press conference on Tuesday morning to announce "a significant industry partnership," according to a media alert just sent out by the software maker. The deal will "accelerate the company's vision for unified communications and strategy for migrating voice, video and data communications into a unified experience," Microsoft said. A company representative declined to reveal the mystery partner or offer further comment.

The company announced its broad strategy for the market at a San Francisco event last month.