Agreement covers Amdocs’ use of Linux-based servers in its data centers
Microsoft has signed a patent cross-license agreement with Amdocs Software Systems, a company which delivers software for billing and other business services for telecom firms.
The patent licence agreement provides mutual access to each company's patent portfolio, including a license under Microsoft's patent portfolio covering Amdocs' use of Linux-based servers in its data centres.
Although specific terms of the agreement are confidential, Microsoft said that Amdocs will pay an undisclosed amount to the former under the agreement.
Microsoft Intellectual Property Group corporate vice president and deputy general counsel Horacio Gutierrez said this agreement with Amdocs adds to the more than 1,100 patent license agreements the company has entered into over the last decade.
"Microsoft's licensing program ensures respect for its world-class intellectual property portfolio while at the same time making available to others the result of its multi-billion dollar annual investment in research and development," Gutierrez added.
Amdocs, founded in 1982, provides software for billing and other business services such as customer relationship management and operations support systems.
The Missouri-based company has revenue of $3.2bn and over 19,000 employees.
Microsoft, which has posted its first ever quarterly loss in 26 years since becoming a public company in 1986, has been entering into licensing deals covering Android and Chrome OS platform.
Following its patent agreement with LG in January, Microsoft revealed that more than 70% of all Android devices sold in the US are now receiving coverage under Microsoft's patent portfolio.
Beginning July, two more companies, Aluratek and Coby Electronics, struck patent deals with Microsoft to use its patents associated with Google's Chrome and Android operating systems.
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