Dubbed "Oslo," the strategy involves building on the model-driven and service-enabled principles of Microsoft Dynamic IT and extending the benefits of service-oriented architecture (SOA) outside company networks.

As part of a technical road map, Microsoft has made available new tools and guidance to help organisations take advantage of "real-world SOA", including new SOA resources from Microsoft and a host of industry partners.

Jeff Raikes, president of Microsoft Business Division said, "The combination of our current software-plus-services approach and the new wave of 'Oslo' technologies will enable IT to deliver high-impact business solutions."