duminică, 12 decembrie 2010
luni, 24 august 2009
Windows 7 Wins on Netbook PCs
REDMOND, Wash., -- Feb. 3, 2009 – Small, mobile and affordable PCs, often referred to as “netbooks” or “mini-notebooks,” were one of 2008’s hottest technology trends. Virtually unknown a year ago, these PCs pushed the design innovation envelope by enabling easy Web surfing, instant messaging, general-purpose computing (e.g., e-mail, social networking and photo sharing) and media playback in one small, ultra-portable device. This convenience, coupled with an affordable price tag, makes these PCs a great option for many consumers.
|
Brad Brooks, Microsoft’s corporate vice president for Windows Consumer Product Marketing, sat down with PressPass to discuss the company’s take on small-notebook PCs.
PressPass: Almost everyone seems to have an opinion on how netbook PCs will evolve in 2009. What is Microsoft’s view on small-notebook PC prospects in the coming year?
Brooks: The term “netbook” was coined by Intel to define notebook PCs that run on their Atom processor. They’re also sometimes referred to as “mini-notebooks” and “sub-notebooks.” But at the end of the day they are just small, portable PCs, and we’re committed to delivering the same exceptional Windows experience on these machines as any on other notebook or desktop PC.
|
Over the last 10 months we’ve seen pretty strong demand for these PCs and we expect that to continue in 2009. In fact, research firm IDC recently increased its initial mini-notebook sales forecast for 2008 to 11.4 million, and predicted that number would climb to 42.2 million by 2012.*
PressPass: Most small-notebook PCs today run Windows XP, and this has raised many questions about the impact strong sales of these machines have on Microsoft’s bottom line. What can you tell us about that?
Brooks: We’ve seen spectacular Windows growth on small-notebook PCs as folks opt for the familiarity, compatibility, and ease of use of Windows over Linux. We value every Windows customer, and we’re excited that the vast majority of small-notebook PC users want Windows.
To share some numbers: since February 2008, Windows OS share has gone from 10 percent to over 80 percent on these machines, and our research shows that these are overwhelmingly new PCs and/or PC users. To put it another way, we think most small-notebook PC buyers are either purchasing a secondary machine or buying a PC for the first time. And we think purchasers are drawn to these PCs by their small size and affordability, particularly given the current environment.
So, looking at trends, we’re incredibly optimistic about the coming year.
PressPass: Over the last 10-12 months, what has fueled the popularity of small-notebook PCs?
Brooks: In two words: hardware improvements. When these PCs first hit the shelves, they were designed for people who wanted an inexpensive, mobile computer to browse the Web, do e-mail, instant message and perform other general computing tasks. Computer-makers responded by designing PCs built with lower performing — but also very inexpensive — hardware.
But Moore’s Law, which states that performance at a given price point will double about every 18 months, has worked in the customers’ favor. Today, we see small-notebook PCs with enhanced capabilities and improved quality at the same price points — and sometimes even cheaper — than earlier models.
At the same time, our customers told us that they want mobile, small-notebook PCs to go beyond basic Internet activities and deliver premium capabilities such as increased graphics functionality, which lets people play games, view pictures and watch videos with richer, eye-popping quality.
With Windows, customers get these premium capabilities in a familiar OS that is compatible with the applications and devices they already own and use.
PressPass: How are these small-notebook PCs different from other notebooks and desktops?
Brooks: Small-notebook PCs run the same Windows that people know and love, but there are certain trade-offs customers make when they buy these devices.
|
For example, they typically have much smaller keyboards and screen sizes and lack a DVD or CD drive, and the small size can make tasks like creating presentations, typing documents, or editing photos and video difficult. Typing over a long period of time can also be a little challenging. Finally, the screen size isn’t optimized for the Web, so plan on doing plenty of panning and scrolling.
It’s important to remember that these small-notebook PCs weren’t designed to replace a full-featured notebook or desktop.
PressPass: Customers who do decide to purchase one of these small-notebooks PCs are also often faced with another decision — Linux or Windows. What do buyers need to consider when comparing the two operating systems?
Brooks: Customers choose Windows because they want the best possible user experience. While many initial small-notebook PCs in the market were Linux-based, they didn’t live up to customers’ expectations. Customers expected a Linux-based PC to look and function like their Windows-based desktop PC and they were disappointed.
Windows provides a level of application and device compatibility you simply don’t get with Linux. Windows works with everyday programs like Microsoft Office and popular applications like Apple’s iTunes and Microsoft’s Zune, PC games like “World of Warcraft,” and a host of others. It also works with the largest set of printers, digital cameras and other devices. Linux doesn’t come close to doing any of these things.
That may be why return rates of Linux-based netbooks are so high. Partners MSI and Canonical have mentioned to press that return rates on their Linux-based small-notebook PCs are about four times those of Windows-based small-notebook PCs.
PressPass: Microsoft has invested heavily in its Windows Live suite. How does Microsoft see these cloud-based tools enhancing the small-notebook PC experience?
Brooks: We’re really excited about what we’re offering with Windows Live Essentials. This suite includes free downloads of Windows Live Mail, Windows Live Messenger, Windows Live Toolbar, Windows Live Writer, Windows Live Photo Gallery, Windows Live Movie Maker beta and Windows Live Family Safety. All these applications help people connect with their family and friends, and they light up the Windows experience. In addition, Windows Live Hotmail and Windows Live SkyDrive, which provides 25 GB of free online storage, deliver on-demand access to e-mail and online file storage.
And unlike an OS, which can take two to three years to develop, Windows Live is on a much shorter development cycle. And we’re always looking at new ways to deliver enhanced functionality and strong integration with additional Web services.
PressPass: How is Microsoft supporting small-notebook PCs with Windows 7?
Brooks: Microsoft is offering a clear path for Windows 7 across the board, so as we demonstrated at PDC, WinHEC and CES, Windows 7 provides a great user experience on small-notebook PCs.
With Windows 7, we’ve matched hardware improvements with some investments of our own. With Windows 7 we are on track to have a smaller OS footprint; an improved user interface that should allow for faster boot-up and shut-down times; improved power management for enhanced battery life; enhanced media capabilities; and increased reliability, stability and security.
These engineering investments allow small notebook PCs to run any version of Windows 7, and allow customers complete flexibility to purchase a system which meets their needs. For OEMs that build lower-cost small notebook PCs, Windows 7 Starter will now be available in developed markets. For the most enhanced, full-functioning Windows experience on small notebook PCs, however, consumers will want to go with Windows 7 Home Premium, which lets you get the most out of your digital media and easily connect with other PCs.
You can find more information on all our Windows 7 SKUs here.
PressPass: What’s the one piece of advice you would give to someone thinking about buying one of these PCs?
Brooks: I tell people to spend some time thinking carefully about what types of activities they want to do with their computer. There are many full-size notebook options out there that are also very affordable and portable. Ask yourself what you want your computer to do, balancing those needs with how mobile you want it to be. There isn’t a one-size-fits-all option.
* IDC, Worldwide Mininotebook PC 2008-2012 Forecast Update and 3Q08 Vendor Shares, Doc # 215072, November 2008
Microsoft Releases Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2
REDMOND, Wash. — July 22, 2009 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the release to manufacturing (RTM) of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, the next versions of its flagship desktop and server operating systems. With the completion of this development phase, industry partners are readying products in time for the Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 worldwide general launches. Windows 7 will be generally available to customers around the world on October 22, and Windows Server 2008 R2 will be generally available on or before that date. As always, current customers of the Windows Volume Licensing program, Microsoft Developer Network (MSDN) subscribers and TechNet subscribers will be among the first to get customer access to Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 in the coming weeks.
Microsoft will make the announcement on its Windows Team and Windows Server Blogs later today. More information about today’s news is available via the following links:
| • | |
| • | |
| • | Partner Web sites, http://readyset7.com and http://talkingaboutwindows.com/Default.aspx |
| • | Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 for businesses |
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspxEngineering Accessibility into Windows 7
A few weeks ago I wrote a blog post about Government 2.0, accessibility and tools that are available to help developers make information technology more accessible to people with disabilities. As a longtime member of Microsoft’s accessibility community, I’m pleased to share with you another valuable resource – a new book entitled, Engineering Software for Accessibility (Microsoft Press, 2009; 100 pages). The book is available as a free download or as a hard-copy via Barnes & Noble and Amazon. My Microsoft accessibility colleague Jason Grieves, a program manager on the Windows Accessibility Team, and his colleague Masahiko Kaneko co-authored the book, which describes much of the process our engineers used to make Windows 7 the most accessible operating system Microsoft has yet produced.
Read more from the Windows team about the book and the efforts that went into writing it.
Action! LifeCam Cinema Introduces 720p HD Widescreen Video
Action! LifeCam Cinema Introduces 720p HD Widescreen Video
| Widescreen capture is perfect for uploading and sharing videos; be a star on Facebook and YouTube. |
REDMOND, Wash. Aug. 20, 2009 Widescreen technology is everywhere these days, built into virtually every new notebook, desktop monitor and flat-panel TV,1 and today Microsoft Hardware sets a new standard for webcams with the launch of LifeCam Cinema, the first consumer webcam on the PC to offer widescreen video with a native 720p sensor.2 The timing couldn’t be better, with more and more people going online to share videos with friends and family; in fact, more than 10 million videos are uploaded each month to Facebook alone.3 LifeCam Cinema webcam’s 720p widescreen sensor will deliver clear, quality videos — without leaving anyone out of the shot. “When we started working on LifeCam Cinema almost a year ago, we were motivated by the fact that new computer displays were predominantly widescreen and top social networking sites were allowing widescreen video,” said Stuart Milton, systems engineer for Microsoft Hardware. “LifeCam Cinema sets the stage for the next generation of webcam use: uploading widescreen videos with amazing quality to social networking sites and soon chatting live with friends and family in widescreen format.” Feel Like a Movie Star in Virtually Any Light LifeCam Cinema was created to deliver an experience like the movies, with great high-definition (HD) video and clear sound. However, life doesn’t happen on a movie set, and most people don’t have a lighting team in their house to make them look camera-ready. In common indoor settings (low-light situations4) Microsoft Corp. is delivering an easy way to show amazing video quality in these scenarios. Maintaining a high frame rate even in the lowest lighting, LifeCam Cinema helps ensure that users look well lit and that video remains smooth. Webcam Goes Wide As the only PC consumer webcam on the market today with a native 720p sensor that delivers widescreen video capture at 16:9,2 LifeCam Cinema provides 720p high-definition video and features Auto Focus to keep video sharp from across the room all the way up to 4 inches from the webcam. Also launching with LifeCam Cinema is Microsoft’s ClearFrame Technology, which offers faster image processing technology to help deliver smooth video at any resolution and improved noise reduction technology to reduce image graininess and keep video sharp. Finally, the LifeCam Cinema webcam’s widescreen technology allows the widest angle of capture ever for a Microsoft webcam, at 74 degrees — no need to worry about leaving anything out of the shot again.
Easily Edit and Share Videos After people create high-end videos and take crystal-clear still photos with LifeCam Cinema, they will now have access to two new integrations with Windows Live that make editing and uploading videos and photos a breeze:
New LifeChat Headset Microsoft also today announced the LifeChat LX-1000, a headset with high-quality audio and a noise-canceling microphone. The Microsoft LifeCam and LifeChat family now offers a full range of products meeting consumers’ needs at multiple price points and for desktop, notebook and netbook communication needs. Pricing and Availability LifeCam Cinema and LifeChat LX-1000 will be available in September for the estimated retail prices of $79.95 and $24.95 (U.S),5 respectively. They will be available for pre-sale on Amazon.com starting on Aug. 24, 2009. Microsoft backs the LifeCam Cinema with a worldwide three-year limited hardware warranty, and the LifeChat LX-1000 with a two-year limited hardware warranty. More information about these and other Microsoft Hardware products can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/hardware.
About Microsoft Hardware For more than 26 years, the Hardware Group has employed innovative engineering, cutting-edge industrial design and extensive usability testing to create products of exceptional quality and durability that enhance the software experience and strengthen the connection between consumers and their PC. Microsoft Hardware leads the industry in ergonomic engineering, industrial design and hardware/software compatibility, offering consumers an easier, more convenient and more enjoyable computing experience. In 2008, the Hardware Group debuted the world’s most advanced tracking technology — Microsoft BlueTrack Technology — allowing consumers to track on more surfaces than optical and laser mice. More information about the Hardware Group is available at http://www.microsoft.com/hardware. About Microsoft Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. 1 Widescreen in more than 95 percent of notebooks, desktop monitors and flat-panel TVs — NPD Group Inc., Retail Tracking Service (January–June 2009) 2 There are enterprise webcams on the market that feature native 720p sensors. 3 Facebook Statistics, http://www.facebook.com/press/info.php?statistics, 2009 4 Internal Microsoft research 5 Actual retail prices may vary. Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspx. |
Compassion or Cruelty? The Race for the Crown of Albion Begins in “Fable III” Exclusively on Xbox 360
COLOGNE, Germany — Aug. 19, 2009 — Alexander the Great. Genghis Khan. Queen Elizabeth I. Che Guevara. Throughout history, revolutionary leaders have taken very different paths to power, bringing about prosperity and poverty, peace and sometimes anarchy to their people. Now Microsoft Corp. and Lionhead Studios will explore the journey to rule, with you in pursuit of a kingdom, in “Fable III,” the exciting new game in the critically acclaimed “Fable” franchise. The title’s debut was confirmed today at gamescom in Germany by Peter Molyneux, Lionhead’s creative director, and will be available exclusively on Xbox 360 in the 2010 holiday season.
“Be not deceived. Revolutions do not go backward.” — Abraham Lincoln
Since its inception, the blockbuster “Fable” franchise has offered players the opportunity to choose their own destinies as a hero, villain or someone between, where the possibilities are limitless and the consequences can weigh heavily on the path to greatness. In this new adventure, players will witness tyranny, poverty and injustice plague their land. They will see a people divided, and they will be compelled to stand up for change. They will also be forced to answer a question: What would you sacrifice to secure the crown of Albion? Will you uphold the values and principles that led to your ascension, or will you be corrupted by the station you’ve strived to acquire? Will you be a monarch of the people, or bring the entirety of Albion to the brink of collapse?
“We’ve spent a lot of time at Lionhead thinking about how we can innovate the gameplay and progress the world of the ‘Fable’ games for its third chapter, and we’re confident that players won’t second-guess what we have planned for ‘Fable III,’” said Molyneux, who also serves as creative director of Europe, the Middle East and Africa for Microsoft Game Studios. “Though I can’t give too much away right now, players should expect to have to make much tougher choices with far wider consequences than ever before in Albion — and with many more interactive adventure elements.”
In the epic story of “Fable III,” the journey to rule the throne of Albion begins five decades after the events of the last chapter, and you play as the child of your hero from “Fable II.” As you rule your kingdom as king or queen, you will be called upon to make choices and sacrifices that will test your morality and can affect your entire kingdom. Themes of heroism, leadership and consequence are taken to a grand scale as you fight to unite a divided people.
“Fable II” in Single-Serving Sizes
While “Fable II” has become the best-selling role-playing game of all time on Xbox 360, there are some who still have not experienced the magic and adventures that await them in Albion. For those who have watched from the outside, unsure if they were hero material, a surprise awaits. Microsoft and Lionhead Studios are about to embark on a new journey with the episodic release of “Fable II” on Xbox LIVE. The launch of “Fable II: Game Episodes” will debut Sept. 29 with the release of the first episode for free download exclusively on Xbox LIVE.
In the first episode, players will experience childhood and the trials of being a young adult in the world of Albion. After completing the chapter, players have the choice to then purchase the next installment or the entire game (in select regions). “Fable II: Game Episodes” delivers the entire “Fable II” experience in five consecutive instalments, with all the Achievements, challenges and excitement of the disk-based game, as well as full compatibility with the previously released Game Add-ons, “Knothole Island” and “See the Future.” The episodes are also fully compatible with the disk-based, retail version of “Fable II,” allowing players to enter Albion and continue their story should they purchase “Fable II” at retail. All editions of the game offer cooperative play with friends on the same couch as well as on Xbox LIVE.*
“With the launch of Games on Demand on Xbox LIVE, we have a great tool in place to deliver classic titles in an incredibly convenient fashion,” said Phil Spencer, general manager of Microsoft Game Studios. “With the ‘Fable II’ episodic model, we’re encouraging people to experience the first chapter of the game for free, then move onto other chapters when they are ready. It’s a unique model and one that will appeal to gamers who’ve been hesitant to dive full into the original retail release.”
“Fable III” will deliver a sweeping, powerful story and new innovations in gameplay and Xbox LIVE functionality when it is made available in the 2010 holiday season, only on Xbox 360. More information about “Fable III” and the episodic release of “Fable II” will be made available at a later date at http://www.lionhead.com.
About Lionhead Studios
Acquired by Microsoft Game Studios in 2006, the U.K.-based Lionhead Studios has developed a unique formula for creating original and innovative games such as the extremely successful “Black & White” for Windows in 2001, “Fable” for Xbox in 2004, “Fable: The Lost Chapters” for Windows in 2005, “Black & White 2,” “The Movies” in 2005, and “Fable II” in 2008, the best selling role-playing game of all time on Xbox 360.
About Xbox 360
Xbox 360 is a premier video game and entertainment system. It is home to the best and broadest games as well as the largest on-demand library of standard- and high-definition movies and TV shows connected to the television — with music coming this fall. The digital center of the living room, Xbox 360 blends unbeatable content with the largest online social network of 20 million members on Xbox LIVE to create a limitless entertainment experience that can be shared at home or across the globe. With the addition of currently code-named “Project Natal,” Xbox 360 will forever transform social gaming and entertainment with a whole new way to play — no controller required. More information about “Project Natal” and Xbox 360 can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/projectnatal and http://www.xbox.com.
About Xbox LIVE
Xbox LIVE is the largest gaming and entertainment network and delivers more entertainment than any device connected to the television, including movies, TV and games, with music coming this fall. This fall, Xbox LIVE also will be the only entertainment service to provide instant-on 1080p streaming high-definition video from Zune in supported countries. With an active community of more than 20 million people across 26 countries, Xbox LIVE lets you play the best games, enjoy the largest on-demand library and, coming soon, listen to millions of songs — all while connecting to friends anytime. An Xbox LIVE Gold Membership provides you with exclusive benefits and premium access to entertainment from the top studios and services, all in one place. More information about Xbox LIVE can be found online at http://www.xbox.com/live.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
* Xbox LIVE Gold membership required for online multiplayer.
Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspx.
BorgWarner Improves Global Collaboration Using Microsoft Solutions
REDMOND, Wash. — Aug. 17, 2009 — BorgWarner Inc., a leading supplier of highly engineered components and systems for automotive powertrains worldwide, has improved global collaboration and outside partner relationships with the launch of its new intranet and extranet, powered by Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007, Microsoft Corp. reported today.
BorgWarner sought an innovative way to bring the corporation’s 60 international locations together into a single, seamless collaboration platform.
“Our old intranet required employees to retrieve information from up to 50 different intranet sites that differed in look, function and content. It was a static environment with information that was inconsistent, redundant and often outdated,” said Sandra Short, director of Enterprise Business Systems for BorgWarner. “Our goal was create a platform that drove collaboration, not just archived information. SharePoint Server enabled us to speed the process of design, workflow and collaboration, bring products to market faster, and reduce steps in engineering, development and manufacturing processes.”
BorgWarner implemented its new intranet, branded as the Information Collaboration Environment (ICE), to provide its decision-makers, buyers, marketers, engineers, researchers and accountants with accurate, up-to-date information across its global offices. BorgWarner also launched an extranet (ExtraICE) to give its suppliers and partners a single portal through which they can gather general company information, supplier manuals and performance scorecards.
The new intranet has enabled BorgWarner to foster collaboration among its geographically dispersed management leadership teams and communicate consistent messages to employees globally. BorgWarner also found ways to improve its partner relationships, attain better service and reduce costs with ExtraICE, where suppliers can find monthly scorecards and view their performance to identify areas for improvement.
“With SharePoint Server, the intranet has taken on a whole new level of importance at BorgWarner,” Short said. “By putting the power of ICE into the hands of our staff, we’re seeing people in every functional area finding innovative ways to use the technology on a regular basis.”
For example, BorgWarner’s Noise, Vibration and Harshness Group, which provides engineers with specific results from tests the group performs on their behalf, launched a SharePoint Server-powered site where test results are posted as soon as they become available. This enables engineers at a central location to search, find and evaluate test results. In another ICE application, the BorgWarner Morse TEC Engineering Processes Team re-engineered the worldwide engineering sign-off (ESO) process. The re-engineered ESO uses workflow processes for document approval, takes advantage of scheduling and calendaring functionality to coordinate meetings across time zones, and enforces version control.
On the manufacturing floor, one BorgWarner plant improved the manual process of tracking defective materials by launching an ICE site that alerted the quality manager whenever materials were found to be defective. Another location facilitated lean manufacturing processes by using webcams to allow a vendor to manage its inventory through the extranet.
“Microsoft’s integrated collaborative tools are being used to drive process efficiencies in areas such as product development, manufacturing, and sales and marketing across the automotive industry. In today’s environment cost reduction and innovation are paramount,” said David Graff, U.S. automotive industry solutions director at Microsoft. “BorgWarner’s ICE deployment is a powerful display of the global collaboration, day-to-day efficiency improvements and speed of return on investment driving true process innovation.”
BorgWarner has also derived savings from no longer having to pay hosting fees and its new ability to self-publish content. BorgWarner’s ongoing cost of its intranet environment has decreased by 64 percent per year, and the company has already achieved the return on its investment. ICE has grown to more than 5,500 sites, with more than 1 million indexed items to search and 400 gigabytes of storage. The system has been deployed in 18 countries across 60 locations.
About BorgWarner Inc.
Auburn Hills, Michigan-based BorgWarner Inc. (NYSE: BWA) is a product leader in highly engineered components and systems for vehicle powertrain applications worldwide. The FORTUNE 500 company operates manufacturing and technical facilities in 60 locations in 18 countries. Customers include VW/Audi, Ford, Toyota, Renault/Nissan, General Motors, Hyundai/Kia, Daimler, Chrysler, Fiat, BMW, Honda, John Deere, PSA, and MAN. The Internet address for BorgWarner is: http://www.borgwarner.com.
About Microsoft in Automotive
Microsoft has been working with the automotive industry for more than a decade. The Microsoft Automotive and Industrial Equipment vertical works with industry partners to develop solutions based on Microsoft technologies that enable original equipment manufacturers (OEMs), suppliers and customers to improve efficiency, effectiveness and knowledge across the business. Business applications, Microsoft .NET Framework-based technologies and enterprise platform support help manufacturers accelerate time to market, collaborate globally with engineers, reduce costs by leveraging the power of the Internet, and increase visibility into their production and supply chain processes. More information can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/automotive.
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspx.