Microsoft and T-Systems have signed a major five-year deal that will allow Shell employees to work together online globally. Shell will buy SharePoint services dynamically via the internet with the hope to increase flexibility at work and to reduce costs.

Shell uses SharePoint as a collaboration platform. With a target date of April 2011, T-Systems is preparing to provide Shell employees a customised version of the Microsoft SharePoint solution virtually, from its own data center.

"For us as a globally operating company, SharePoint is a key instrument for smooth cooperation in projects with decentralized teams. This joint solution will allow us to appreciate considerable cost reductions and greater flexibility," said Shell's VP IT Services Jay Crotts.

Microsoft and T-Systems are working jointly on the project, with Microsoft SharePoint providing a central platform for various applications such as document and content management as well as organisation and collaboration in project work.