Microsoft has paired up with media and communications services provider arvato in a five-year deal.

The agreement sees Microsoft consolidating operational activities for several key business lines previously handled by multiple suppliers with one vendor.

The provider will handle several operations including software licensing and distribution, partner reward schemes, day-to-day invoice processes, technology deployment, technical support and customer services.

“Moving from many to a single vendor with such extensive international reach will not only be more efficient, but also help ensure global consistency in the way we do business,” said Matt Rossmeissl, Microsoft Vice President Commercial Operations.

Matthias Mierisch, Head of arvato’s Global BPO Unit for Microsoft and CEO of arvato UK & Ireland, said: “We will now be focusing on ensuring Microsoft realises the true benefits from this latest substantial investment in arvato.”

arvato will support this business globally from their operations based in Dublin, Singapore, Reno (Nevada), Fargo (North Dakota), Manila and Buenos Aires.