Lastminute.com and Microsoft are to get cosy thanks to a strategic alliance over MS'.NET Web platform.

The pair reckon they'll benefit from joint marketing initiatives and the move will enable lastminute.com to expand its reach and exposure in the UK, now that the online bucket shop has become an "early adopter".
Which all sounds painfully dull, but there you have it.

In a statement (surely, he never actually said this) Brent Hoberman, cofounder and CEO, lastminute.com said: "As a leading consumer brand that delivers inspiration and solutions to customers, lastminute.com is excited by the potential of .NET Web services."

Delivers inspiration? Excited by .NET? Who's he trying to kid?

But it gets worse. In the same statement Neil Holloway, MD Microsoft Ltd, Vice President EMEA, said: "Microsoft is committed to perfecting and inspiring the user experience of the Internet."

Inspiring the user experience?

They'll be giving away incense and whale music next. ®