Verizon today said it is extending its ongoing relationship with Microsoft to add Microsoft Windows Live to the co-branded portal the two companies have operated since 2003.

The new additions include a co-branded Live.com home page with access to Verizon and Windows Live services, a Windows Live Toolbar, a co-branded Windows Live Search page, Verizon e-mail powered by Windows Live Mail, a co-branded version of Windows Live Messenger and increased security via a Windows Live OneCare safety scanner.

Customers of Verizon’s FiOS fiber-to-the-home and DSL services currently choose between the Microsoft co-branded portal, a Yahoo co-branded portal or a Verizon-only portal, a spokeswoman said.

“When our broadband customers go to register, they select the portal they want,” she said. “Our strategy is all about giving our customers more choices.”

Research shows that customers who use the co-branded portals are more loyal customers and get more engaged in the service, the spokeswoman added.

“They are getting more value from the service,” she said.

Microsoft and Verizon first signed a co-branding agreement in 2002, and launched their first service together in 2003. Since then, it has been continually upgraded. Verizon added a Yahoo co-branded portal in January 2005.

The two companies are still working together on developing new services that will capitalize on Windows Live capabilities, the spokeswoman said.

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