Microsoft Canada News Centre

Still on Microsoft Windows XP? Time is running out

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Thu, 11 Apr 2013 21:50:00 GMT

Key questions all businesses should think about as part of their migration planning

Mississauga, ON – April 8, 2013 – While Windows XP is no longer the most used operating system on the planet – Windows 7 surpassed it last year – the upcoming April 2014 deadline to receive support for older Windows XP devices raises the question for many businesses of what to do with their older technology as they look to protect valuable IP and customer information.

Business and personal technology has dramatically changed over the last decade. Traditional desktop and laptop PCs are being joined by newer form factors like Ultrabooks, all-in-ones, and tablets. Writeable CDs are increasingly being replaced by cloud-based storage solutions like SkyDrive. Connectivity and accessibility once limited to offices is now possible at home, in the car or even on a beach. Windows 8, released this fall, reflects this evolution.

As businesses evaluate their migration path from Windows XP, there are a few key questions to consider:

· What does support look like for the software applications you need for work? As Windows XP heads off into the sunset, many of the applications that were originally written for it will cost extra in support costs – especially as independent software vendors increasingly stop supporting their newer apps running on Windows XP. This is one of the reasons why firms like IDC predict the longer businesses wait to move to Windows XP to Windows 7 or Windows 8, the pricier custom support for Windows XP gets.

· What kinds of form factors do your employees need to be successful? With an ever-increasing lineup of Windows 8 form factors to choose from – from notebooks, tablets and all-in-ones that use touch – you can replace older hardware with a newer Windows device that reflect the unique needs of your employees and how they prefer to work today.

· How do you want to manage devices running on your corporate network? Businesses in particular are feeling the most pressure to stay up-to-date, with an increasing need to protect their data and manage all their devices, all while ensuring security and compliance.

Companies such as BT PLC, Emirates Airlines, Seton Hall University and Toyota Racing Development moved from XP to Windows 7 and are now deploying Windows 8 because of how it reflects their needs today.

Not sure what’s the right solution for you? Microsoft is offering a variety of resources to help businesses, including deals through sites like www.Get2Modern.com.

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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.

Press inquiries:

Carmi Levy

PR Segment Lead

calevy@microsoft.com

416-726-9854

Cara Eng
PR Segment Lead

carae@microsoft.com

647-296-0507

Microsoft Grows Surface Family

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 14:46:00 GMT

REDMOND, Wash. — Jan. 22, 2013 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that its Surface family of PCs is growing. Its newest model — Surface Windows 8 Pro — will be available for purchase on Feb. 9, 2013, in the United States and Canada at all Microsoft retail stores, microsoftstore.com, Staples and Best Buy in the U.S., as well as from a number of locations in Canada.

Powered by an Intel Core i5 processor, Surface Windows 8 Pro provides the power and performance of a laptop in a tablet package. Perfect as your one device — at home, in the office, or on the road — it can run Windows 8 applications, as well as current Windows 7 desktop applications. Starting at an estimated retail price of C$919, Surface Windows 8 Pro will be available in 64GB and 128GB models.¹ A Surface pen with Palm Block technology, designed specifically to work with Surface to let customers edit, collaborate and get things done, is included with Surface Windows 8 Pro.

In addition to being able to buy Surface Windows 8 Pro in the coming weeks, customers will soon be able to purchase Surface Windows RT in 13 additional markets worldwide,² more than doubling the number of markets in which Surface is currently available.

“The response to Surface has been exciting to see,” said Panos Panay, general manager, Microsoft Surface. “We’re thrilled to continue growing the Surface family with the availability of Surface Windows 8 Pro on Feb. 9 and by increasing the number of places customers can experience Surface firsthand.”

Additional Surface accessories will also soon be available, allowing customers to further personalize and customize their computing experience and get more done with Surface.

· Surface Windows RT will be available in a new 64GB¹ standalone version for an estimated retail price of C$619 to allow customers the option of selecting a Touch Cover of their choice.

· Three new Touch Cover Limited Editions in red, magenta and cyan will be sold at an estimated retail price of C$139.99.

· Customers will have the option of purchasing a Wedge Touch Mouse, Surface Edition, for an estimated retail price of C$69.95 in all markets in which Surface is currently sold³ with additional markets to follow in the coming weeks.

Additional details on Surface are available at http://www.Surface.ca and Surface on Facebook. Those interested can follow Surface or Panay on Twitter for additional updates.
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 System software uses significant storage space; your storage capacity will be less. See surface.ca/spec. 1 GB = 1 billion bytes.
2 Austria, Belgium, Denmark, Finland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland
3 Australia, Canada, China, France, Germany, Hong Kong, the United Kingdom and the United States

For more information, press only:
Joe Cariati, on behalf of Microsoft Canada
416-644-1378, joseph.cariati@highroad.com

Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may 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/news/contactpr.mspx.

Microsoft Launches Windows 8 in Canada

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 13:54:00 GMT

New offers, apps and range of hardware options offers choice and opportunity for customers as Windows 8 becomes globally available.

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. – October 25, 2012 – Today, Microsoft announced the availability of Windows 8 for its customers in Canada and around the world. Beginning on Friday, October 26, consumers and businesses worldwide will be able to experience all that Windows 8 has to offer: a beautiful new UI, a wide range of apps with the grand opening of the Windows Store, available on more than 1000 Windows 8 certified PCs and tablets. Windows 8 will be available for download to upgrade existing PCs in over 140 markets and 37 languages at http://windows.microsoft.com/en-CA/windows/home and at retail locations around the world including the Microsoft Holiday Retail Stores at Toronto’s Eaton Centre, Edmonton Mall, Metropolis shopping mall in Burnaby and the Oakridge Centre in Vancouver. Windows 8 devices will be available at local retail stores across Canada, including Best Buy, Future Shop and Staples. Starting November 16, consumers can also purchase Windows 8 at the first Canadian Microsoft Retail Store at Yorkdale Mall.

“With the launch of Windows 8, Microsoft is unveiling a reimagined Windows to the world,” said Max Long, President, Microsoft Canada Inc.. “Whether you want a tablet or a PC, whether you want to consume or create, whether you want to work or play – Windows 8 delivers a personalized experience that fits your unique style and needs.”

Windows 8 will be available in two versions at retail, Windows 8 and Windows 8 Pro. And for our business customers, Windows 8 Enterprise offers new possibilities in mobile productivity with features like Windows To Go, DirectAccess, and BranchCache, as well as enhanced end-to-end security with features including BitLocker and AppLocker. Launching at the same time is a new member of the Windows family designed for ARM-based tablets, Windows RT, which will be available pre-installed on new devices. Windows 8 features the new fast and fluid Start screen that gives people one-click access to the apps and content they care most about, the entirely new Internet Explorer 10 that is perfect for touch, and built-in cloud capabilities with SkyDrive.

In addition to the range of new devices available, consumers can also upgrade their existing PCs. Through the end of January, consumers currently running PCs with Windows XP, Windows Vista or Windows 7, are qualified to download Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of $39.99 (CAD). And eligible Windows 7 PCs purchased between June 2, 2012, and January 31, 2013 in more than 140 countries can download Windows 8 Pro for an estimated retail price of $14.99 (CAD) with the Windows Upgrade Offer, available at http://www.windowsupgradeoffer.com/en-CA.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Some information relates to a prerelease product, which may be substantially modified before it is commercially released. Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to the information provided here.

Windows Server 2012 Powers the Cloud OS

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Wed, 05 Sep 2012 14:54:00 GMT

New server is built from the cloud up for the modern datacenter.

REDMOND, Wash. - Sept. 4, 2012 - Today in a global online launch event Satya Nadella, president of Microsoft Server and Tools Business, announced the general availability of Windows Server 2012. In his keynote speech, Nadella described how Windows Server 2012 is a cornerstone of the Cloud OS that provides customers with a modern platform for the world's applications.

"The operating system has always been the heartbeat of IT and is now undergoing a renaissance in the new world of continuous cloud services, connected devices and big data," Nadella said. "Microsoft's unique legacy in the most widely used operating systems, applications and cloud services positions us to deliver the Cloud OS, based on Windows Server and Windows Azure, helping customers achieve a datacenter without boundaries."

Enabling the Modern Datacenter

Microsoft built Windows Server 2012 from the cloud up, applying its experience operating global datacenters that rely on hundreds of thousands of servers to deliver more than 200 cloud services. Windows Server 2012 expands the definition of a server operating system, incorporating traditionally separate technologies, such as advanced storage, networking, virtualization and automation capabilities. Hundreds of new features can help customers achieve a transformational leap in the speed, scale and power of their datacenters and applications. In combination with Windows Azure and System Center, Windows Server 2012 empowers customers to manage and deliver applications and services across private, hosted and public clouds.

Customers Find Success With Windows Server 2012

Customers can use their existing skills and investments in systems management, application development, database, identity and virtualization to take advantage of Windows Server 2012 and realize the promise of cloud computing. Many enterprise customers are already seeing tremendous value in early deployments. A survey of 70 early adopter customers from across the globe revealed that they expect, on average, 52 percent reduction in downtime, 41 percent reduction in workload deployment time, and 15 hours of productivity time saved per year, per employee. 91 percent of the companies surveyed expect a reduction in server administration labor, and 88 percent expect reduction in network administration labor.^*
Menzies Aviation, an airline passenger and cargo handling company that employs more than 17,000 people, is using Windows Server 2012 to provide identity access management and information access policies to its employees as it rapidly incorporates newly acquired businesses.

"We are very impressed by Windows Server 2012 and Microsoft's overall solution to help us manage our systems and applications across our private cloud environments as they scale with our business," said Martin Gallington, senior vice president of IT at Menzies Aviation. "This is a dramatic leap forward, matched by a simple, cost-effective pricing model."

Equifax is a global information solutions provider that organizes and assimilates data on more than 500 million consumers and 81 million businesses worldwide. It now counts on Windows Server 2012 for improved reliability and uptime of its information services to clients.

"Windows Server 2012 revolutionizes how we can operate our datacenter, allowing us to better meet our commitments," said Bryan Garcia, chief technology officer at Equifax. "The new high availably technologies help us deliver 'always-on' applications, and we're betting on Hyper-V as a critical component of our private cloud strategy. We are gaining tremendous efficiencies, which translate into more time to innovate for company growth."

More information about Windows Server 2012 and the Cloud OS is available here. Read Satya Nadella's post on The Official Microsoft Blog here. The conversation on Twitter can be followed at #WinServer.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

^* "Windows Server 2012 Rapid Deployment Program: TCO Study Whitepaper," Microsoft Corp., June 2012

Microsoft Office 365 for Education Launches, Gets High Marks From Schools

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Wed, 27 Jun 2012 16:03:00 GMT

Students and educators around the world benefit from cloud-based desktop suite and collaboration tools.

TORONTO, ON - June 27, 2012 - Starting today, Microsoft Office 365 for education is available, providing the world's best productivity, communications and collaboration experiences to schools at no cost. Office 365 for education is a cloud-based suite that includes the familiar Microsoft Office desktop applications, as well as Microsoft Exchange Online, Microsoft SharePoint Online and Microsoft Lync Online. It provides educators with powerful tools to create anytime, anywhere^* learning opportunities across multiple devices in addition to email, calendars, Microsoft Office Web Apps, video and online meetings plus advanced document creation features for curriculum planning and student projects.

"The cloud and online learning are key trends transforming education today. Office 365 for education delivers a holistic collaboration platform that will change the game," said Shann McGrail, national director of education, Microsoft Canada. "As schools face ever-tightening budgets and the pressure to innovate, we are offering enterprise quality technology for free that will modernize teaching practices and help prepare students for the jobs of tomorrow."

Schools Benefiting From Office 365

Announced as part of the one-year anniversary of Office 365, prestigious K-12 and higher education institutions around the world are moving to Office 365 for education.

Here in Canada Cambrian College of Applied Arts and Technology has leveraged the features of Office 365 for education to drive student engagement and collaboration while increasing access to education.

"We were looking to further invigorate student engagement and break down geographical barriers for our students," said Michael Alloy, CIO at Cambrian College. "With Office 365 for education, in conjunction with our on premise Microsoft Lync implementation, both staff and students are able to connect and communicate instantly, at any time, across multiple devices. Group work has gone virtual, and so too have our classrooms - a key advantage for all of our students. Plus, by working on the latest suite of Microsoft tools, Office 365 for education is teaching our students on the tools they'll be using in the workforce, setting them up for success. Through using Microsot Lync for Virtual College delivery, we have already helped employers to retrain their workforce, without our students having to leave their family, career, or home community."

Classrooms Without Boundaries

Office 365 allows schools to teach from virtually anywhere,^* reach more students, teach software skills employers are looking for and provide enterprise-class tools that reduce IT costs.

- Students can engage in ad-hoc instant messaging or video chats to collaborate on class projects in real time, regardless of where they are working or on what device. They can create documents with Office Web Apps that provide the same features as the desktop version of Microsoft Office, share class notes by synchronizing OneNote notebooks, and create digital portfolios.

-Teachers can create curriculum, record lectures and publish them on online class sites in the cloud where students are able to view, open, produce, edit and share their homework. Office 365 provides new ways to extend classroom teaching time and distance learning, tutor students online, and whiteboard ideas.

-Educational institutions and parents will get peace of mind knowing students' content and personal data are protected and won't be scanned for advertising purposes, thanks to a rich set of privacy, security and protection capabilities that adhere to federal laws.

-School IT departments can save money and free up more critical time by counting on Microsoft to manage routine tasks such as applying server updates and software upgrades. With the influx of digital content, data center demands and lessened and with 25GB mailboxes, people won't be forced to purge files.

Education institutions currently using the Microsoft Live@edu platform will be upgraded to Office 365 beginning this summer. Customers can sign up for a 30-day trial now. More about Office 365 for education is available at http://www.microsoft.com/education/office365.

About Microsoft in Education
At Microsoft, we are deeply committed to working with governments, communities, schools and educators to use the power of information technology to deliver technology, services and programs that provide anytime, anywhere learning for all. For more information: http://www.microsoft.com/education.

About Microsoft Canada
Established in 1985, Microsoft Canada Inc. is the Canadian subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq "MSFT") the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft Canada provides nationwide sales, marketing, consulting and local support services in both French and English. Headquartered in Mississauga, Microsoft Canada has nine regional offices across the country dedicated to empowering people through great software - any time, any place and on any device. For more information on Microsoft Canada, please visit www.microsoft.ca.

For more information, press only:
Becky Brescacin
High Road Communications
416-644-1398
Becky.Brescacin@highroad.com

Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may 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/news/contactpr.mspx.

Microsoft Canada Announces Student Winners of Imagine Cup 2012

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Thu, 10 May 2012 15:43:00 GMT

Team from George Brown College representing Canada in the software design category at the worldwide finals in Australia

TORONTO, May 10, 2012 /CNW/ - Showcasing some of the country's brightest young minds, Microsoft Canada is proud to announce the winners of the 2012 Imagine Cup Canada, a design competition that encourages students to change the world through the innovative use of the latest technology tools.

Team Greeni, from George Brown College, won the software design category and will represent Canada at the worldwide finals in Sydney, Australia. Team Project Beacon, from Carleton University, won the Windows 7 phone game design category.

This year marks the 10th anniversary of the Imagine Cup, one of the world's premier student technology competitions. This year, Microsoft Canada selected six finalists from high schools and post-secondary schools across the country in two categories - software design and Windows Phone 7 game design - to compete in the national championship at the University of Waterloo on April 30.

These students, fuelled by Microsoft-based technology, were inspired to develop innovative ways to address some of the world's biggest problems such as healthcare in developing countries and rural areas, climate change, world hunger, and medical research.

Winning the software design category, George Brown students Timur Sharaftinov, Alecsander Granger, Vasily Gurin, and Dmitry Zhivotovsky created a solution to help save energy. Called Greeni, their solution uses Microsoft Kinect, light and carbon dioxide sensors and programming logic in the cloud on Windows Azure to monitor workspaces and determine when lighting and ventilation systems should be active. A pilot project in their school lab produced energy savings.

"Great ideas don't accomplish much if they remain on paper," says team mentor Leo Salemi, a faculty member from the Centre for Construction and Engineering Technologies at George Brown College. "I'm very proud of Team Greeni and we are thrilled to be given the opportunity to showcase how we used technology to turn our ideas into reality at Imagine Cup 2012 in Australia."

Winning the Windows Phone 7 game design category are students Gar Lam, Clark McGillis, Curtis Field, and Eva Demers-Brett, along with mentor Jean-Sylvain Sormany, from Carleton University, who developed a game demonstrating the impact of human activity on the planet. Players in the game help an astronaut, who has returned from space to find earth polluted, solve puzzles to clean up the earth before his oxygen runs out.

"I am extremely impressed and inspired by our winners, our six finalists and all our student competitors at this year's Imagine Cup. They clearly demonstrated the amazing things that can happen when we mix education, intuition, creativity and drive to transform technology into global solutions," said Gladstone Grant, Vice President, Developer & Platform Group, Microsoft Canada Inc. "These students have shown they have what it takes to make a real difference, and Microsoft is proud to be able to give them the platform to display their skills on the world stage."

The Imagine Cup 2012 Worldwide Finals takes place from July 6 to 10 in Sydney Australia, where the winners from each local software design competition and the top 10 international finalists in the Windows 7 Game Design category will compete for global titles.

About Imagine Cup

The Microsoft Imagine Cup is one of the world's premier student technology competition. Eligible students from around the world are invited to use their imagination and passion to create a technology solution that addresses the Imagine Cup 2012 theme: Imagine a world where technology helps solve the toughest problem. In ten years, the Imagine Cup has grown to be a truly global competition focused on finding solutions to real-world problems. Since 2003, more than 1.4 million students have participated in the Imagine Cup with 358,000 students representing 183 countries and regions registering for the Imagine Cup 2011 competition. This year, the Imagine Cup 2012 Worldwide Finals take place in Sydney, Australia from July 6-10. For more information on Imagine Cup, please visit http://www.imaginecup.com/.

About Microsoft Canada

Established in 1985, Microsoft Canada Inc. is the Canadian subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq "MSFT") the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft Canada provides nationwide sales, marketing, consulting and local support services in both French and English. Headquartered in Mississauga, Microsoft Canada has nine regional offices across the country dedicated to empowering people through great software - any time, any place and on any device. For more information on Microsoft Canada, please visit www.microsoft.ca.

For further information:
Or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Kara Carnduff
High Road Communications
416-644-2271
Kara.Carnduff@highroad.com

Survey shows Office Workers, Bosses Want to Work from Everywhere and Anywhere

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Thu, 29 Mar 2012 12:28:00 GMT

Microsoft Canada survey results found workers and bosses often feel more productive working remotely

March 29, 2012 – Microsoft Canada today announced the results of its Flexible Workspaces survey – a study which examined the workstyle preferences of employees and bosses with regards to working remotely and how they ranked their productivity while working remotely. The survey found that while many employees are seeking flexible work arrangements, not all of their bosses believe they work as efficiently when they are working outside the office. In fact, only one-quarter of Canadian bosses polled feel employees are more productive when working remotely, compared to when in the office. However, the findings from employees countered the bosses’ perceptions, with 55% reporting that they believed they were more productive when working remotely. The survey polled Canadians who work full time in an office with 10 or more employees and for companies which allow remote working arrangements.

“What we once considered the traditional office is changing,” said James Nicholson, Deployment Specialist for Windows with Microsoft Canada. “More and more customers, colleagues and technology partners are finding themselves taking business calls from airport waiting lounges, reviewing work documents as they wait at the dentist office or sit on the train, or running important personal errands during their work day. And at the centre of their workstyles, people expect increased technological capabilities to keep up with them – everything from real time collaboration with colleagues to video conferencing and secure access to their files.”

» Infographic: What are employers doing to create a flexible workspace that works?

The good news is: almost half of the polled bosses (42%) say that they do support remote working arrangements for their employees. Mike Kennedy, Vice President at Aon Hewitt and National Lead, Health Strategies and Solutions, agrees, “As workers juggle longer hours and aim to maintain a work-life balance, employers who can offer flexible workspaces to their employees are leading the pack in becoming employers of choice. We are seeing more and more that employees are seeking out flexible work arrangements and the opportunity to work outside the office walls – anywhere and anytime, from the airport to the soccer field. And as the competition for top talent continues, particularly for the next generation entering the workforce and for the highly skilled experienced talent, employers who aren’t keeping up may be left behind.”

Thinking Outside the Cubicle

The need for up-to-date technology is one thing everyone can agree on, the study found. The overwhelming majority of both bosses (95%) and employees (90%) polled say that it is very important to have similar capabilities when working remotely compared to when working in the office.

“Organizations that will be successful in the future are those that remove the barriers between people, workplace and technology,” said James Nicholson. “When you empower your people by creating a workplace that facilitates flexibility with the technology and solutions that help them to be productive wherever they are, you get the most out of your people.”

The top reasons cited by the survey respondents for working remotely include needing to finish work that couldn’t be finished at the office (48%); having fewer distractions (44%); being more productive than in the office (35%); and having a better balance of work/home priorities (35%).

Leading Change – Right from the Top

“Boundaries between work and life are blurring, “says Carolyn Buccongello, Vice President of Human Resources with Microsoft Canada. “You may dismiss this as a Generation-C issue but this speaks broadly to all generations. There are pros and cons to this new way of work, but it is not going away and technology can become the key to resetting those boundaries.”

According to Ms. Buccongello, there are three core dimensions to transforming business for flexible work:

*Technology – With the advances made in technology, the ability to work any time, any place, from virtually anywhere shatters the myth of the office as the primary work location.

*Places – Canadian workers are on the move from airports, other offices, commuting home on the train – they are becoming more fluid in terms of their physical presence.

*People – Canadian modern society is shifting as technology becomes commonplace, enabling Canadians to work and communicate in different ways.

“To create a flexible workforce begins with leadership teams building a culture of trust and a vision that focuses on individual results rather than how much time they spend at their desk. You have to empower your people with self-direction. That’s not just common sense, that’s business sense,” said Ms. Buccongello.

According to Mr. Kennedy, employers who combine these three elements will empower both the organization and people with an environment that lets them do their best work wherever they are. “For businesses large and small, there are several benefits including increased productivity, and the ability to attract and retain the best talent,” said Mr. Kennedy.

Additional stats-at-a-glance:

*The survey revealed bosses’ top pet peeves in dealing with remote workers were: the inability to talk face-to-face (49%), lack of focus (26%), lack of accountability (22%) and the belief that employees are doing less work (22%).

*Bosses are much more likely than employees to conduct business in public spaces (62% vs. 34%).

**The most frequent places mentioned by bosses include while driving (46%), on public transportation (29%) and at a bar or restaurant (25%).

*The majority of respondents (89%) indicate that their companies provide tech support for company owned devices. In contrast, more than half (54%) of companies that respondents work for do not provide tech support for personally owned devices.

*Bosses (62%) rate themselves higher than employees (55%) in feeling that they are more productive when working remotely.

To learn more about how Microsoft can accelerate your team’s productivity, visit: www.microsoft.com/canada/media.

In 2011, Microsoft was ranked the #1 overall “Best Workplaces in Canada”, for companies with more than 1,000 employees.

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About Microsoft Canada

About the survey:

From February 14, to February 21, 2012, an online survey was conducted among 1,249 employees (n=607) and bosses (n=642) who are Angus Reid Forum panelists. Employees are defined as Canadian adults who work full time in an office with 10 or more employees; Bosses are defined as Mid-Tier Managers and Business Owners who have direct reports and work in an office with 10 or more employees. All respondents must work in companies which allow remote working arrangements. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Maria De Romana
High Road Communications, on behalf of Microsoft
416-644-1720
maria.deromana@highroad.com

Cloud powers innovation, spurs sky high job growth in Montreal and across the globe

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Wed, 14 Mar 2012 13:37:00 GMT

New IDC study says cloud will deliver almost 7,800 new Montreal jobs by 2015; 70,000 in Canada

Montreal, March 14, 2012 – Cloud technology is expected to create millions of new jobs around the world and will be an important force in inspiring the business innovation needed to restore global economic health, according to a new IDC study released today. The study, commissioned by Microsoft, found that by the end of 2015, nearly 14 million new jobs will be created worldwide, and just over 70,000 across Canada.

In Montreal, new jobs related to the cloud will increase an average of 20 per cent annually, resulting in almost 7,800 by 2015.

The cloud is a web-based way to process, manage and store data – an IT solution so cost-effective that businesses of all sizes are moving away from the expensive maintenance of legacy systems, and instead opting to build on top of the cloud’s common infrastructure. By using the cloud’s global scalability, businesses can, in turn, invest those savings directly into business innovation.

IDC reports that worldwide, at least 75 per cent of IT spending is currently tied up with the maintenance of legacy systems and routine upgrades.

“By harnessing the power of the cloud, businesses can benefit from reduced fees and equipment costs, and in turn free up IT staff to turn their focus to more mission-critical and strategic tasks,” says John Weigelt, National Technology Officer, Microsoft Canada. “But we often overlook one of the cloud’s most compelling benefits: by empowering business innovation and helping to increase revenues, using cloud technology can lead to job creation across all sectors, and in turn, drive Canada’s economy forward.”

The IDC also reveals several other interesting cloud facts:

- In 2011, more than $28 billion was spent on cloud services worldwide.
- In 2011, the cloud helped businesses around the world generate more than $400 billion in additional revenues and 1.5 million new jobs. More than 50 per cent of those jobs accrued to small and medium businesses.
- By 2015 in Montreal, businesses with less than 500 staff (SMEs) will see an increase of more than 3,800 new jobs, while larger enterprise companies will increase by more than 4,000 jobs.

“At Microsoft, we’re challenging businesses to really see the path that the cloud offers: increased flexibility and technology cost savings, allowing for greater productivity, more innovation, and eventually, business growth,” says Weigelt. “Businesses across the globe are realizing that if they act now, they can reap big benefits both today and into the future.”

Canadian company VRX Studios has been reaping the benefits of the cloud. After ten years of faithfully serving the company, VRX Studios’ home grown digital asset management system wasn’t able to support the company’s size, scale and growth rate. Realizing its dilemma, VRX Studios needed to quickly find a new, highly scalable, enterprise-class digital asset management system that could meet the global needs of its business. With over 10,000 hotel customers around the world and more than 20 terabytes of data, the benefits the cloud offered were too good to ignore.

“We knew we needed to build a system that was 100 per cent cloud-based in order to eliminate the enormous capital expenses that would be required to launch a global solution and to reduce operating costs to a small fraction of what an on-premises or collocated system would,” says David MacLaren, President and CEO, VRX Studios. “Using Microsoft’s Windows Azure platform, we developed the first 100 per cent cloud-based digital asset management system to improve our content production, licensing and distribution business. Since building the core system, we’ve branded it MediaValet and now offer the solution as a stand-alone SaaS product, providing cloud-based digital asset management services to companies of all sizes, industries and locations. Due to the demand that we’re seeing for this new product, we expect MediaValet to surpass the success of VRX Studios within the next few years.”

Microsoft offers a variety of cloud computing solutions worldwide, ranging from platform and infrastructure offerings (Windows Azure, Windows Server), productivity offerings (Office 365) and private cloud solutions (Windows Server, System Center) to consumer-focused offerings (Xbox Live, Hotmail).

For more information on Microsoft’s cloud services, please visit www.microsoft.com/cloud.

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About Microsoft Canada
Established in 1985, Microsoft Canada Inc. is the Canadian subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq "MSFT") the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft Canada provides nationwide sales, marketing, consulting and local support services in both French and English. Headquartered in Mississauga, Microsoft Canada has nine regional offices across the country dedicated to empowering people through great software - any time, any place and on any device. For more information on Microsoft Canada, please visit www.microsoft.ca.

For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:
Alexandre Lainesse
High Road Communications
514-908-0110 x 310
Alex.Lainesse@highroad.com

Cloud powers innovation, spurs sky high job growth in Canada and across the globe

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Mon, 05 Mar 2012 14:33:00 GMT

New IDC study says cloud will deliver more than 14,500 new Toronto jobs by 2015; 70,000 in Canada

Toronto, March 5, 2012 – Cloud technology is expected to create millions of new jobs around the world and will be an important force in inspiring the business innovation needed to restore global economic health, according to a new IDC study released today. The study, commissioned by Microsoft, found that by the end of 2015, nearly 14 million new jobs will be created worldwide, and just over 70,000 across Canada.

In Toronto, new jobs related to the cloud will increase an average of 20 per cent annually, resulting in more than 14,500 by 2015.

IDC reports that worldwide, at least 75 per cent of IT spending is currently tied up with the maintenance of legacy systems and routine upgrades.

The IDC also reveals several other interesting cloud facts:
- In 2011, more than $28 billion was spent on cloud services worldwide.
- In 2011, the cloud helped businesses around the world generate more than $400 billion in additional revenues and 1.5 million new jobs. More than 50 per cent of those jobs accrued to small and medium businesses.
- By 2015 in Toronto, businesses with less than 500 staff (SMEs) will see an increase of more than 6,300 new jobs, while larger enterprise companies will increase by more than 8,100 jobs.

“As our company grew, we realized our resources weren’t able to support the IT infrastructure needed to ensure our employees could in turn, provide the best customer experiences possible,” says Randy Clemens, CEO, Redwood Global Inc. “Redwood shifted its business to the cloud using Microsoft Office 365, and since then we have been able to scale our business exponentially by hiring more people and opening our services to new markets. Our employees can now work remotely in different locations providing our clients with the same experience they would have at our headquarters in Toronto.”

For more information on Microsoft’s cloud services, please visit www.microsoft.com/cloud.

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For more information or to arrange an interview, please contact:

Kara Carnduff
High Road Communications
416-644-2271
Kara.Carnduff@highroad.com

Becky Brescacin
High Road Communications
416-644-1398
Becky.Brescacin@highroad.com

Microsoft Announces Availability of Windows 8 Consumer Preview

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Wed, 29 Feb 2012 18:57:00 GMT

Milestone lets users explore a re-imagined, no-compromises Windows experience.

BARCELONA, Spain — Feb. 29, 2012 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the availability of the Windows 8 Consumer Preview — the next milestone of the Windows operating system. This latest preview will be made available for download starting today at http://preview.windows.com. The Windows 8 Consumer Preview offers a more robust experience for testing the world’s most popular operating system and is available to the widest range of people yet following the initial release of the Windows 8 Developer Preview late last year. The Developer Preview received more than 3 million downloads.

“With Windows 8, we reimagined the different ways people interact with their PC and how to make everything feel like a natural extension of the device, whether using a Windows 8 tablet, laptop or all-in-one,” said Steven Sinofsky, president of the Windows and Windows Live Division at Microsoft. “The Windows 8 Consumer Preview brings a no-compromises approach to using your PC.”

At a Windows 8 Consumer Preview event in Barcelona that was attended by partners from Europe and around the world, the company shared some key new updates in the Windows 8 Consumer Preview:

• Broad range of product changes and improvements. Since the Developer Preview in September, designed to preview the programming platform, Windows 8 has progressed across every dimension. From completing the user experience for touch, keyboard and mouse to refining the development platform, the Consumer Preview improves performance, quality and reliability across all subsystems. With the added features, it represents a more complete view of the capabilities of Windows 8.

• Windows Store with new apps. The Windows 8 Consumer Preview marks the beta opening of the Windows Store, which is filled with a variety of new Metro style apps from both third-party developers and Microsoft. During the Consumer Preview, these apps are available to try and experience at no cost to users. The Windows Store will offer personalized recommendations, and Windows 8 gives users the ability to take their apps and settings with them across multiple PCs, making it easy to discover and try new apps while offering developers the greatest opportunity of any platform.

• Connecting to the cloud across Windows-based PCs and Windows Phone 7. The Windows 8 Consumer Preview offers seamless integration with the content people care about across their Web services. An optional additional sign-on with a Microsoft account provides access to a host of features, including the ability to roam all settings, use cloud storage, communicate with email, calendar and contacts, and connect to a broad range of services. Your connection to the cloud works across your Windows-based PCs and your Windows 7 phones.

• Internet Explorer 10 Platform Preview 5. The best way to experience the Web on Windows is with Internet Explorer 10. The browser has been re-imagined to create a new experience designed specifically for Windows 8 devices. It provides an edge-to-edge user interface that is all about less browser and more Web. Fast and fluid, Internet Explorer is hardware-accelerated to enable Web performance.

• Preview of new hardware capabilities. At the event, Microsoft also showcased Windows 8 running on a wide range of new x86- and ARM-based reference hardware. This hardware will be available to select developers for trial and testing as previously announced.

The Windows 8 Consumer Preview will be available worldwide for download in English, French, German, Japanese and simplified Chinese languages. More information about Windows 8 and how to download the Consumer Preview is available at http://preview.windows.com or http://windowsteamblog.com.

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: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news.

CLICK Launch Brings Hospitalized Children the Power of Play with Help from Microsoft Canada, Children’s Miracle Network and McMaster Children’s Hospital

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Fri, 24 Feb 2012 21:04:00 GMT

Interactive computer technology allows Mac Kids to stay connected with friends, family and school

HAMILTON, February 24/CNW/ - Today, through its partnership with Microsoft Canada and Children’s Miracle Network, McMaster Children’s Hospital launched the CLICK (Child Life Interactive Computers for Kids) Program. CLICK has been designed to improve the patient experience through the power of play and create a sense of normalcy for children who experience hospitalizations for any length of time.

CLICK provides access to technology, Tablet PCs, software, HD webcams, digital cameras, projectors, Xbox, Kinect and more to hospitalized children during their stay. Various games and internet applications offered through CLICK can provide distraction, reassurance and reduce anxiety and stress. Some of these activities include computers for playing games, access to Internet search engines and social networks, e-mail, creating personal blogs, posting messages, tracking homework assignments and chatting online with families and friends.

“Microsoft is committed to CLICK because we have seen how technology can change the patient experience. Microsoft has supported CLICK in 4 other hospitals. This is something we strongly believe in,” said Michael Eisen, Chief Legal Officer, Microsoft Canada. “Our goal is to make sure hospitalized children are not isolated and have creative tools to get their minds back on having fun.”

As part of the Program, Microsoft Canada also funds a Child Life Specialist to teach the children and their parents how to use the technology. McMaster Children’s Hospital has taken the program one step further to integrate the CLICK Program into rehabilitation and other aspects of pediatric care.

“The unique aspect of this program is that it benefits children of all ages and can be used for so many purposes within the hospital environment,” said Pearl Veenema, President and CEO, Hamilton Health Sciences Foundation. “Bringing this technology to Mac Kids will enable our young patients and their families to remain connected to the outside world, explore options for creativity, support rehabilitation, and provide distraction from the serious conditions that brought them into our care.”

McMaster Children’s Hospital is the fifth hospital across Canada to implement the CLICK Program. Over 1.2 million dollars has been committed to date.

"Corporate partners like Microsoft help form the backbone of support for children’s healthcare,” said John Hartman, Chief Operating Officer, Children’s Miracle Network. “The incredible asset of Microsoft in CLICK – is they support such innovative and creative opportunities with funding and internal expertise to maximize the impact of helping children get better. They simply do not cut a cheque – they unleash their talent as well."

Facts:

Microsoft Canada has financially supported the CLICK program at five hospitals who are members of Children’s Miracle Network:
• McMaster Children’s Hospital (Hamilton, Ontario)
• Alberta Children's Hospital (Calgary, Alberta)
• Centre Hospitalier Universitaire du Quebec (Quebec City, Quebec)
• Children's Hospital of Eastern Ontario (Ottawa, Ontario)
• IWK Health Centre (Halifax, Nova Scotia)

CLICK integrates a combination of donations from Microsoft:
• Laptops installed with Skype, HD cameras and Microsoft Movie Maker
• Windows Tablets
• Microsoft HD webcams
• Headsets
• Xbox Kinect Games
• Kinect for Xbox 360 Bundles
• Digital Cameras
• TV with DVD player
• Projectors

Media Contact:

Sarah Louise Gardiner
sarah.gardiner@fleishman.ca
(647) 339-6445

McMaster Children’s Hospital

McMaster Children’s Hospital is one of Canada’s leading pediatric health care facilities and is the regional referral centre for children who are seriously ill, injured or require specialized services in south-central Ontario. With more than 180,000 patient visits a year, we provide a full range of specialized pediatric services including a dedicated emergency department, 40 outpatient clinics, the province’s largest neonatal intensive care unit and the only pediatric trauma centre in the region. In addition, a range of specialized outpatient services operate at the Chedoke site, including autism, developmental pediatrics & rehabilitation, and mental health. It is also home to the CanChild Centre for Childhood Disability Research and the internationally renowned Offord Centre for Child Studies.

Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.

Children’s Miracle Network

Children’s Miracle Network® raises funds for 170 children’s hospitals, 14 of which are in Canada. These hospitals, in turn, use the money where it’s needed the most. When a donation is given, it stays in the community, ensuring that every dollar is helping local kids. Since 1983, Children’s Miracle Network has raised more than $4 billion, most of it $1 at a time. These donations have gone to support research and training, purchase specialized equipment, and ensure excellence in care, all in support of our mission to save and improve the lives of as many children as possible. Learn more at ChildrensMiracleNetwork.ca.

Upper Canada District School Board Invests in Students’ Future Through Historic Education Alliance Agreement with Microsoft Canada

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 17:38:00 GMT

The first-ever Canadian Education Alliance Agreement will help UCDSB students achieve their full potential and prepare them for success in the workforce

February 9, 2012 – The Upper Canada District School Board (UCSDB) and Microsoft Canada are pleased to announce the formation of an Education Alliance Agreement that will transform the education experience in the region and help to strengthen the local economy. This agreement is the first of its kind in Canada and will provide the UCDSB’s 30,000 students and 2449 teachers with access to leading-edge technology that will empower educators, enrich instruction, and help prepare students and communities join the 21^st century workforce.

As part of the agreement, Microsoft Canada has committed to providing the UCDSB with a variety of software and educational resources. UCDSB schools will have access to the latest Microsoft software available in labs, classrooms, and on student PCs. Additionally, the full suite of Microsoft software design and development tools will be made available to all UCDSB computer science students. As a member of the Partners in Learning program, the UCDSB will also have access to a rich library of digital resources and lesson plans aimed at effectively supporting the use of technology in the classroom.

“We are looking forward to working together with Microsoft Canada to benefit from leading-edge technology that will create a more innovative teaching and learning environment and also help to ensure that our students are equipped with the necessary skills to succeed in the future,” says Jeremy Hobbs, Chief Information Officer, Upper Canada District School Board. “Education and digital literacy is crucial to the economic development and competitiveness of our region, and the UCDSB believes that technology in classrooms will help educators deliver transformational learning experiences.”

“Microsoft Canada is committed to helping transform classrooms and learning environments across the country through the strategic and creative use of technology,” says Shann McGrail, Director of Education, Microsoft Canada. “We are thrilled to be supporting students and educators from the Upper Canada District School Board, and we look forward to seeing first-hand the difference this technology is going to make in the schools and in surrounding communities.”

About Upper Canada District School Board

The Upper Canada District School Board is a diverse, public educational organization in Eastern Ontario. It consists of dedicated individuals committed to quality education that fosters life-long learning for all, creative and challenging learning experiences. Our Mission: We prepare all students for a successful life. Vision: Creating Futures, Leading and Learning for All. Values: Caring, Fairness, Empathy, Honesty, Preseverance, Resilience, Responsibility, Respect.

About Microsoft Canada

For more information:

Terry Simzer

Upper Canada District School Board

Tel: 613-342-0371 ext. 1119

Email: terry.simzer@ucdsb.on.ca

Kara Carnduff

High Road Communications on behalf of Microsoft Canada

Tel: 416-644-2267

Email: kara.carnduff@highroad.com

MICROSOFT LOOKING TO CANADIAN STUDENTS TO HELP SOLVE WORLD’S TOUGHEST PROBLEMS

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Mon, 06 Feb 2012 13:33:00 GMT

The Imagine Cup Canada 2012 registration now open

TORONTO, February 6, 2012– Microsoft Canada is challenging Canadian high school and post-secondary students to imagine a world where technology helps solve the toughest problems during the Imagine Cup Canada 2012. Registration is now open for this global competition which requires students to creatively use technology to solve real-world problems.

Students can register for Imagine Cup Canada 2012 at www.microsoft.ca/imaginecup to compete in one of two Canadian platform categories: Windows Phone 7 Game Design, registration closes February 14; and Software Design, registration closes March 13. Microsoft will fly the top three teams from each category to Toronto for the Canadian Finals. The winning Software Design team in Canada and the top 10 international finalists in the Game Design category will then be flown to compete in the Worldwide Finals in Sydney, Australia this July.

“The Imagine Cup is a global competition that empowers and inspires passion and idealism in students and encourages them to apply classroom learning to solve real-world problems,” said Gladstone Grant, Vice President, Developer & Platform Group, Microsoft Canada Inc. “Microsoft is proud to support our Canadian students through this annual competition which cultivates a spirit of social and technological entrepreneurialism.”

By participating in the Imagine Cup 2012, students have the chance to learn new technological skills and win cash, grants and prizes. They also have the opportunity to network with peers, pursue career opportunities and test themselves against the brightest students from around the world. Last year, more than 350,000 students representing 183 countries and regions entered the competition.

“Competing in the Imagine Cup is a unique experience that offers students the opportunity to creatively apply classroom learning to real-world problems, while pushing the envelope to create ideas never thought of before,” said William Hoang, Engineer Team Lead on team Bamboo & Papyrus: embedded software design, 1st place finalist Imagine Cup Canada 2009. “At the same time, students gain valuable technical skills and learn how to overcome challenges while building friendships and gaining real-world experience. Imagine Cup Canada is an unforgettable experience for any student.”

For inspiration, students can review some of the world's most challenging social issues as identified within the United Nations’ Millennium Development Goals. From desgining mobile healthcare applications to enabling access to quality education for all children and creating mobile games that teach youth disease prevention or environmental sustainability, young social innovators are using technology to make a difference in the life of people around the world and in their own communities. Canadian students can also enter to compete globally in additional categories as identified on the global Imagine Cup website.

Every student team has the opportunity to engage a mentor – someone to inspire them, answer their questions and guide them through the competition. Mentors can be faculty members from the students’ schools or industry experts who wish to support the next generation of student developers. More details on mentorship can be found on the Canadian Imagine Cup website.

About the imagine cup

The Microsoft Imagine Cup is the world’s premier student technology competition. Eligible students from around the world are invited to use their imagination and passion to create a technology solution that addresses the Imagine Cup 2012 theme: Imagine a world where technology helps solve the toughest problem. In ten years, the Imagine Cup has grown to be a truly global competition focused on finding solutions to real-world problems. Since 2003, more than 1.4 million students have participated in the Imagine Cup with 358,000 students representing 183 countries and regions registering for the Imagine Cup 2011 competition. This year, the Imagine Cup 2012 Worldwide Finals take place in Sydney, Australia in July.

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For media inquiries, please contact:
Livy Feldgajer
High Road Communications, 416-644-2280 or livy.feldgajer@highroad.com

Over half of Canadians surveyed do not think about how their online activities affect their online reputations

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Wed, 25 Jan 2012 20:16:00 GMT

Microsoft encourages parents to help children manage their online profiles and offers helpful tips

TORONTO, Jan. 24, 2012 /CNW/ - As part of Data Privacy Day 2012, Microsoft is offering guidance and tips to help Canadians better manage their online profiles and maintain a positive reputation. Everything a person does online, from responding to emails and texts, uploading photos, making purchases or clicking the "like" and retweet buttons on favorite web pages contributes to their online reputation. However, new global research commissioned by Microsoft surveyed 5,000 respondents from Canada, U.S., Spain, Germany and Ireland suggests adults and children may want to be more mindful of how their digital activities impact their online reputations. In Canada, 57 percent of adults and 55 percent of children aged 8-17 years old surveyed do not think about the long-term impact of their online activities on their personal reputation, and only 37 percent of adults and 41 per cent of children think about the long-term impact of their online activities on the reputations of others.

"Protecting what you share online is very important. Online information can affect your friendships, promotions and job offers. It shapes how people see you," said John Weigelt, National Technology Officer, Microsoft Canada. "Without protection, your personal data can also be used against you in online fraud or by unwanted marketers. Canadians need to protect themselves and help children get into the right habits as well."

The results showed that children could use more help managing their online reputations from their parents. Only one-third (34%) of parents surveyed help their children manage their online reputations. Children 8-14 years old are more than twice as likely to receive parental help as children 15-17 years old (66% vs. 25%). Among children who posted information online at a social networking site, children 15-17 years old were more likely to experience a negative consequence to their online reputation compared to children 8-14 years old (62% vs. 50%).

The survey also showed that uploading photos in general is not viewed as a major contributor to online profiles. While only 6 percent of adults and 9 percent of children responded that it was a major contributor, photos are considered one of the biggest influences on online reputations.

To help Canadians put their best digital foot forward, Microsoft Canada offers the following tips to help cultivate and maintain a positive online reputation:

Think before you share.
- Think about what you are posting (particularly photos and videos), who you are sharing the information with, and how it will impact your reputation. Talk with friends and family about what you do and do not want shared about you and ask them to remove anything you don't want disclosed.
- 11 percent of Canadian adults have been negatively impacted by the online activities of friends or family. Of those, 13 percent believed it led to being fired from a job, 8 percent being refused health care, 6 percent believed it resulted in being turned down for a job they were applying for, and 11 percent being turned down for a mortgag

Stay vigilant and conduct your own "reputation report" from time to time.
- Search all variations of your name in Bing and other popular search engines, and evaluate if the results reflect the reputation you'd like to share with current or future employers, colleagues, friends and family members.
- Research found that 39 percent of Canadian adults rarely or never do thi

Consider separating your professional and personal profiles.
- When job hunting, applying to a school or looking for new insurance or a loan, remember that your overall online profile can be a determining factor for hiring managers and application reviewers. Be sure to use different email addresses, screen names, referring blogs and websites for each profile, and avoid cross-referencing personal sites.
- 56 percent of Canadian adults think about taking steps to keep their work and personal profiles private; however, 15 percent of Canadian adults have shared information online that was intended to remain private. Most commonly shared are details about one's personal life (61%) and personal photos (35%

Adjust your privacy settings.
- In Internet Explorer 9 or other Web browsers, and on social networking sites, personal blogs and other places where you maintain personal data, use privacy settings to help you manage who can see your information, search for you on online networking sites, and how you can block unwanted access.
- According to our research, 34 per cent of Canadian adults do not use privacy settings on social networking site

Be a good digital citizen.
- The web has a long memory. Always conduct yourself in a civil manner, showing respect for those with whom you engage.
- Microsoft offers guidance on how to be a better digital citizen in our Digital Citizenship in Action Toolkit.

For further details on this survey, Microsoft's commitment to privacy and the company's involvement in Data Privacy Day, please visit: www.microsoft.com/privacy/dpd

About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.

Image with caption: "What does YOUR ONLINE IMAGE project about YOU? (CNW Group/Microsoft Canada)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20120124_C6267_PHOTO_EN_9138.jpg

For further information:

Microsoft PR Contacts
Sarah Louise Gardiner, Fleishman-Hillard
Phone: (647) 339 6445
Email: sarah.gardiner@fleishman.ca

Microsoft Brings the Cloud Down to Earth for Enterprises

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Wed, 18 Jan 2012 15:07:00 GMT

System Center 2012 is a true "private cloud builder."

REDMOND, Wash. - Jan. 17, 2012 - In an online broadcast today from Microsoft Corp. headquarters, Satya Nadella, president of Microsoft Server and Tools Business, laid out how Microsoft's private cloud solution will help businesses move faster, save money and better compete in 2012. He highlighted how companies, such as webcast participants Lufthansa Systems, T. Rowe Price and Unilever, can use Microsoft System Center 2012 to build and operate private clouds for the delivery of business applications across both private and public cloud platforms. System Center 2012 is available today in a Release Candidate as a single, integrated private cloud management solution for the first time.

"IT leaders tell me that private cloud computing promises to help them focus on innovation over maintenance, to streamline costs and to respond to the need for IT speed," Nadella said. "We are delivering on that promise today. With System Center 2012, customers can move beyond the industry hype and speculation, and progress into the here and now of private cloud."

All Together Now: Private Cloud Simplicity and Best Economics

New advances in System Center 2012 demonstrate Microsoft's commitment to easing the acquisition, deployment and economics of private cloud computing.

"A private cloud is our answer to corralling our server infrastructure into a single entity we can use to more rapidly deliver services that really matter to our business," said Peter Daniels, vice president of IT at T. Rowe Price. "System Center 2012 is truly a game changer."

System Center 2012 integrates eight separate component products into one unified solution, streamlining installation and reducing the time it takes to deploy from days down to hours. The number of product versions has also been simplified, so customers will be able to choose between the Standard and Datacenter editions of the product, based on their virtualization requirements. And because System Center 2012 Datacenter edition licensing covers unlimited virtual machines, customers can continually grow their private clouds without additional licensing costs for virtualizing their infrastructure and applications.

The Microsoft Private Cloud: Built for the Future. Ready Now

Lufthansa Systems and Unilever are also relying on System Center 2012 and the Microsoft private cloud.

"We are making the move to cloud computing across our company, and after looking at our options, Microsoft offers the right solutions for us," said Holger Berndt, head of Microsoft Servers at Lufthansa Systems. "With the integrated approach and technology, we can use the people and skills we have in place now to build the private cloud services we need to meet the complex IT requirements of our customers. Microsoft brings it all together, including the clear path to public cloud on Windows Azure."

"Our private cloud will help us meet our goal of doubling Unilever's business without increasing our environmental footprint," said Mike Royle, enterprise services IT director at Unilever. "Working with Avanade, we are betting on System Center 2012 as the management platform to extend our investments in virtualization toward private cloud, to automate processes, and to ensure the reliability of our infrastructure and application services."

More information is available here, including the on-demand broadcast, links to the Microsoft private cloud evaluation software and more. The conversation on Twitter can be followed at #MSFTprivatecloud.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

For more information, press only:

Rapid Response Team, Waggener Edstrom Worldwide, (503) 443-7070, rrt@waggeneredstrom.com

WESTBPRIVATECLOUDTEAM@waggeneredstrom.com

Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may 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/news/contactpr.mspx.

HP and Microsoft Deliver Global Communications and Collaboration Solutions via the Cloud

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Thu, 08 Dec 2011 16:02:00 GMT

Public and private cloud services to provide IT efficiency and flexibility for enterprises and governments

PALO ALTO, Calif., and REDMOND, Wash., Dec. 8, 2011 - HP Enterprise Services and Microsoft Corp. today announced a global, four-year initiative to deliver Microsoft's leading communications and collaboration applications via global private and public cloud services.

Under the agreement, HP and Microsoft will offer private and public cloud solutions designed to help organizations rapidly scale new users, shift IT resources from maintenance to innovation and change IT from a capital to operating expense. The solutions include:
- Private cloud: HP Enterprise Cloud Services - Messaging, HP Enterprise Cloud Services - Collaboration and HP Enterprise Cloud Services - Real-Time Collaboration deliver Microsoft Exchange Server 2010, Microsoft SharePoint Server 2010 and Microsoft Lync Server 2010 productivity applications as a service from HP data centers around the world.
- Public cloud: Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft's Office collaboration and productivity tools, will be delivered by Microsoft through the cloud.
- Hybrid solution: HP will resell Microsoft Office 365 with HP Enterprise Cloud Services - Messaging, HP Enterprise Cloud Services - Collaboration and HP Enterprise Cloud Services - Real-Time Collaboration.⁽¹⁾

HP and Microsoft engineering resources will collaborate to deploy, support and enhance the new solutions. The solutions will launch globally, with initial availability this month in Australia, Canada, the United Kingdom and the United States.

"Large organizations, particularly those in regulated industries like financial services and public sector, have demanding functionality and service level requirements," said Brandt Faatz, vice president, Workplace Services, HP Enterprise Services. "HP and Microsoft help meet these needs with a flexible range of global, cost-efficient, cloud-based productivity solutions running on the latest technology."

"Microsoft is committed to putting the unique and ever-evolving needs of customers at the core of cloud innovation," said Mark Hill, vice president, Enterprise Partner Group, Microsoft. "This alliance with HP not only broadens Microsoft's geographic reach, it gives customers maximum flexibility to choose a cloud computing solution that meets their organization's specialized messaging and collaboration needs."

HP and Microsoft have delivered technical innovation together for more than 25 years. They offer joint solutions that help organizations around the world improve services through the use of innovative technologies. More information about the HP and Microsoft alliance is available at http://h10134.www1.hp.com/insights/alliances/microsoft/.

The new solutions enable organizations in their pursuit of an Instant-On Enterprise. In a world of continuous connectivity, the Instant-On Enterprise embeds technology in everything it does to serve customers, employees, partners and citizens with whatever they need, instantly.

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.

About HP

HP creates new possibilities for technology to have a meaningful impact on people, businesses, governments and society. The world's largest technology company, HP brings together a portfolio that spans printing, personal computing, software, services and IT infrastructure to solve customer problems. More information about HP (NYSE: HPQ) is available at http://www.hp.com.

(1) HP Enterprise Cloud Services - Messaging, HP Enterprise Cloud Services - Collaboration and HP Enterprise Cloud Services - Real-Time Collaboration for some end users, and Microsoft Office 365 for others.

This news release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks, uncertainties and assumptions. If such risks or uncertainties materialize or such assumptions prove incorrect, the results of HP and its consolidated subsidiaries could differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements and assumptions. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including but not limited to statements of the plans, strategies and objectives of management for future operations, including execution of growth strategies, transformation initiatives and restructuring plans; any statements concerning expected development, performance or market share relating to products and services; any statements regarding anticipated operational and financial results; any statements of expectation or belief; and any statements of assumptions underlying any of the foregoing. Risks, uncertainties and assumptions include macroeconomic and geopolitical trends and events; the competitive pressures faced by HP's businesses; the development and transition of new products and services (and the enhancement of existing products and services) to meet customer needs and respond to emerging technological trends; the execution and performance of contracts by HP and its customers, suppliers and partners; the protection of HP's intellectual property assets, including intellectual property licensed from third parties; integration and other risks associated with business combination and investment transactions; the hiring and retention of key employees; expectations and assumptions relating to the execution and timing of growth strategies, transformation initiatives and restructuring plans; the resolution of pending investigations, claims and disputes; and other risks that are described in HP's Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the fiscal quarter ended July 31, 2011 and HP's other filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission, including but not limited to HP's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended October 31, 2010. HP assumes no obligation and does not intend to update these forward-looking statements.

© 2011 Hewlett-Packard Development Company, L.P. The information contained herein is subject to change without notice. The only warranties for HP products and services are set forth in the express warranty statements accompanying such products and services. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting an additional warranty. HP shall not be liable for technical or editorial errors or omissions contained herein.

For media inquiries:
John Clute, High Road Communications on behalf of Microsoft Canada
416-644-2267
jclute@highroad.com

Canadian businesses unclear when it comes to cloud computing

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Thu, 24 Nov 2011 14:48:00 GMT

19 per cent of Canadian businesses who thought they weren’t using cloud services actually are

MISSISSAUGA, ON, November 24, 2011 –Canadian businesses are unclear when it comes to cloud computing reveals a Microsoft Canada survey released today. The survey, conducted by Leger Marketing, polled Canadian C-level executives across all sectors and found that 19 per cent of those who indicated they are not currently using cloud services were in fact leveraging cloud computing solutions and services like Microsoft Web Apps, Microsoft Office 365 and Windows Azure.

Simply put, the cloud is a network-based way to cost-effectively process, manage and store all of your data – everything from corporate documents to family photos.

The survey also found that those who are not using cloud-based services (67 per cent) admit they don’t know enough to make major decisions about it at this time.

“This confusion comes as no surprise because “Cloud” can refer to a wide variety of different services,” says John Weigelt, National Technology Officer for Microsoft Canada. “The market is rife with misinformation and myths surrounding cloud computing, and Canadian businesses are losing out as a result. The truth is that the cloud can deliver huge benefits such as cost-savings, increased productivity and greater efficiency, but businesses don’t know where to start.”

The survey indicated security and privacy are the top two barriers for entry into cloud computing for organizations including government and healthcare, whereas security and reliability (data loss) are the major barriers for private sectors.

“Many businesses are already in the cloud whether they know it or not,” says Weigelt. “It’s time to take stock of what is already used in-house and consider what other cloud technologies can be introduced. Only by understanding the principles, technology and processes associated with Cloud computing, will Canadian businesses be able to reap the rewards and unlock the potential that cloud offers.”

“It’s important that businesses become more knowledgeable about cloud computing and understand that they can have both privacy and functionality,” said Dr. Ann Cavoukian, Information and Privacy Commissioner for Ontario. “With proper privacy protections designed into the system from the very beginning of its lifecycle, and integrated at every system layer, businesses can gain the huge financial and competitive advantages of cloud and ensure security.”

Many Canadian businesses also don’t realize they have a choice between adopting public or private cloud solutions or a combination of both, called a hybrid approach, allowing businesses to select services from locations where they make the most sense. A private cloud can be managed in-house or by a third party, with data hosted on or off-site, whereas public cloud is an infrastructure made available to the general public or a large industry group, owned by a vendor providing cloud services.

“Every organization’s journey to the cloud will be unique. Some organizations will call for customized, dedicated cloud resources, while others will benefit most from the massive scale of the public cloud,” says Weigelt. “In many cases, a hybrid approach is the answer, providing the freedom to select services from where they will most benefit the organization and even move back and forth at will.”

Canadian organizations are beginning to take advantage of the cloud for their service delivery initiatives, reaping the benefits of the low-cost, low-management and flexible cloud offerings.

“At the University of Toronto, we are implementing Microsoft Live@edu email and software service for all of our 70,000 students to simplify online collaboration and document sharing, while keeping students’ data private and promoting online safety,” said Robert Cook, Chief Information Officer, University of Toronto. “This cloud-based service helps the university reduce costs through lower IT management and hosting fees, allowing us to divert resources back into the core of our academic mission. Our students benefit from improved communication and collaboration and are equipped with the tools for success in both their academic pursuits and future careers.”

Survey Design/Research Methods

The Leger Marketing Survey was completed using Leger Marketing’s online panel, LegerWeb, with a sample of 705 Canadian businesses/organizations across all sectors/industries and with a minimum of five computers in use in their individual installed bases. Leger Marketing is the largest Canadian-owned polling and market research firm. Founded in 1986, the company now has over 650 employees, including more than 115 professionals specializing in marketing research, communication effectiveness and public opinion polling. Our professionals are located in Montreal, Quebec City, Toronto, Ottawa, Winnipeg, Edmonton, Calgary, and Philadelphia, Denver and Tampa in the United States.

About Microsoft Canada

###

For media inquiries:

Allison Colalillo, High Road Communications on behalf of Microsoft Canada
416-644-1644
acolalillo@highroad.com

Livy Feldgajer, High Road Communications on behalf of Microsoft Canada
416-644-2280
livy.feldgajer@highroad.com

Illegal software harms Canadian and global economies

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Thu, 17 Nov 2011 16:09:00 GMT

Microsoft's global Play Fair Day spotlights the $1.5 billion disadvantage pirated software causes in local economies.

MISSISSAUGA, Ontario - Nov. 17, 2011 - Manufacturing companies in Brazil, Russia, India and China that choose to use illegal software steal more than U.S. $1.5 billion from their in-market competitors that choose to play fair by using genuine software.

As part of a study to examine the broader economic impacts of software piracy, analysts from Keystone Strategy evaluated the illegitimate competitive advantage of companies that use illegal software. For example, manufacturers in China that "play fair" with legal, licensed software lose more than $863 million to companies using pirated software. This translates to more than $1 billion each year that cannot be reinvested into the economy in the form of 500 new manufacturing plants; or 65,000 new machines; or 200,000 additional employees in China alone.

Released as part of Play Fair Day, a global Microsoft initiative to emphasize the importance of utilizing legitimate software, this study examined the financial impact using illegal software has on the competitive landscape within developing and developed economies and quantifiably demonstrates the harm software piracy has on businesses that choose to play fair.

"Software piracy strains our industry's ability to innovate and generate jobs in Canada, harms local IT service firms, saps government tax revenues and increases the risk of computer security problems," said Chris Tortorice, Corporate Counsel, Anti-Piracy, Microsoft Canada. "The underlying effect these illegal activities have on the economy go beyond software publishers; they can have negative repercussions across the entire economic landscape. Companies that do not pay for the software they use have an unfair cost advantage over companies that do."

Here in Canada, the effects of illegal software piracy do not go unnoticed. Channel resellers are feeling the pinch as revenue for potential sales is lost to those unscrupulously selling illegal versions or from businesses not licensing their software

For Mike Marracino, Vice President of sales and marketing at Hypertec Systems Inc., a company that designs, develops and distributes computer products, sales would be higher if he didn't have to compete with grey market and pirated software resellers.

"Being a business manager in a slower economy, I can sympathize with a customer who recognizes the need to upgrade their technology, but feels limited in what they can afford at the moment," said Marracino. "Often times, the counterfeit or pirated software some customers buy online or perhaps in a backstreet shop creates serious problems with their hardware. Our sales and technical support teams are forced to spend a lot of time trying to put out fires our hardware didn't cause.

Unfortunately, because our clients decide to take a risk and buy from the least expensive vendor - rather than through a trusted advisor like me, my business suffers. The criminals producing this software have an unfair advantage, making it extremely difficult for businesses like mine to compete. It is time for all companies to play fair."

Playing fair begins when people and businesses take a stand and demand legal software. More information about the financial impacts of using illegal software can be found by visiting http://www.playfairday.com. More information on software piracy and its effects can also be found on the official Microsoft antipiracy Twitter account, @MSFT_BuyLegit.

Tips from customers and technology partners are vital in helping law Microsoft address piracy. Microsoft encourages anyone who receives suspicious software to visit http://www.howtotell.com for more information about genuine Microsoft products, licensing and labels.

About Microsoft Canada

# # #

For more information, press only:

Samia Makhlouf, Fleishman Hillard

(416) 416-598-5792

Samia.makhlouf@fleishman.ca

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.

Great Place to Work® Unveils World’s Best Multinational Workplaces

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Fri, 28 Oct 2011 13:20:00 GMT

Microsoft Tops the List of the 25 Best Companies to Work For in the World

NEW YORK – October 27, 2011 – Great Place to Work^®, a global research, consulting and training firm, today announced its first-ever Top 25 World’s Best Multinational Workplaces List at a gala awards ceremony at the New York Stock Exchange. Microsoft topped the list at no. 1, followed by SAS, NetApp, Google and FedEx Express, rounding out the top five. In addition, Cisco, Marriott, McDonald's, Kimberly Clark, and SC Johnson took the honors in the top 10.

Since launching the first Best Companies to Work For^® lists in partnership with FORTUNE magazine in the United States and Exame in Brazil in 1997, Great Place to Work now recognizes leading workplaces in some 45 countries. The World’s Best Multinational Workplaces List is the first integrated look at survey data from employees and managers from thousands of companies across six continents; making it the world’s largest annual study of workplace excellence.

“This list recognizes global companies that have demonstrated a truly serious commitment to creating workplaces that foster trust, pride and camaraderie amongst their employees,” said José Tolovi, Jr., Global CEO of Great Place to Work. “Each and every one of the companies on this inaugural ranking should be proud of this noteworthy accomplishment. Based on this survey, we can say, without a doubt, that these 25 companies are the best workplaces in the world.”

Based on data from surveys taken by more than 2.5 million employees, representing a 10-million strong workforce, and workplace culture analytics from more than 5,500 companies, these rankings form the world’s largest and most respected yearly studies of workplace excellence and management practices. Positions on these rankings are highly sought after by companies from around the globe –helping to bolster profitability and recruitment efforts, according to Tolovi.

“Employees around the world spoke out and told stories about our culture of trust, commitment to innovation and our passion for how technology can transform our customer’s lives,” said Lisa Brummel, chief people officer at Microsoft. “This ranking is a testament to the quality of the company culture that our employees have collectively created.”

To view the entire World's Best Multinational Workplaces list, please visit www.greatplacetowork.net/worldsbest.

For more information about Great Place to Work, please visit www.greatplacetowork.net.

About Great Place to Work®:

Great Place to Work^® Institute is a global research, consulting and training firm that helps organizations identify, create and sustain great workplaces through the development of high-trust workplace cultures. Great Place to Work serves businesses, non-profits and government agencies in 45 countries on all six continents.

About the World’s Best Multinational Workplaces List:

The World’s Best Multinational Workplaces List ranks the top 25 global companies to work for. The ranking marks the first time Great Place to Work will present a global best workplaces list. Qualifying companies must have appeared on at least five national Great Place to Work lists, have at least 5,000 employees worldwide, and at least 40 percent of their global workforce must work outside of the company’s home country.

Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Launches Worldwide

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Mon, 03 Oct 2011 13:51:00 GMT

Modern, "powerfully simple" enterprise resource planning solution delivers true business value to customers.

REDMOND, Wash. - Sept. 8, 2011 - Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) CEO Steve Ballmer today announced that Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 is available to customers around the world in 25 countries and 23 languages. Kicking off a series of more than 100 global launch events celebrating the general availability of Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012, Ballmer and Microsoft Business Solutions president Kirill Tatarinov joined industry experts, customers and partners to share how technology innovations enable companies to be more agile, breaking down the barriers and limitations of outdated enterprise resource planning (ERP) solutions.

"Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 is a new generation of business applications. It's the ERP solution that sets customers free and puts them in control of their business," said Ballmer. "Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 helps companies be more agile, simplify decision-making and succeed in any environment."

The flexible architecture of Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012, which includes built-in capabilities for multiple industries and geographic regions, lets people make quick and easy changes to processes and personal experiences to fulfill the shifting needs of their business, no matter how complex the organization. The simplicity of the Microsoft Dynamics RoleTailored experience gives people across the company the information they need to do their job, access to the Microsoft productivity tools they use every day, and built-in, contextual business intelligence, empowering better decisions. And because Windows Azure-based cloud services, such as Rapid Start, Site, Payment and Commerce services, are directly accessible from within Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012, companies can immediately realize the benefits of public cloud services from within their private cloud or on-premises deployment.

"With 57 locations and 30,000 customers across Canada, Microsoft Dynamics AX will help us streamline our industrial component distribution business," said Francois Arbique, Information Technology Vice-President at Montreal-based Kinecor Inc. "New out-of-the-box features of Dynamics AX 2012, combined with the solution's flexible architecture will provide us with greater efficiency as well as increased services to our customers."

As enterprise organizations recognize the limitations of legacy ERP solutions to enable their dynamic businesses, Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 serves as a highly scalable, yet cost-effective, solution for their operations, subsidiaries or divisions to maintain a competitive edge, while retaining their legacy investment to cover administrative ERP needs at the corporate level.

At the same time, large and midmarket companies are looking to Microsoft as a safe haven from current ERP vendors that may not offer clear product road maps or commitment to long-term innovation. One such customer is the City of Redmond, which chose to replace its JD Edwards system because it couldn't support the city's operations, was hard to use and caused concerns about continued support. The City of Redmond implemented Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012, significantly improving operations, user satisfaction and efficiency. City employees are now provided with transparent, relevant and rich information so that they can provide innovative services to their citizens.

To help businesses transition to Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 more easily, Microsoft will offer a range of incentives. The first of those is a 50 percent license discount on Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 for eligible customers with valid Lawson S3 or M3 licenses who make the switch. In addition, qualifying partners can receive a revenue credit for each Lawson-certified consultant that obtains Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 certification. These offers are valid from Sept. 8, 2011, until June 22, 2012. Customers and partners can learn more at http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics/switch-to-ax.aspx.

While all customers and partners benefit from the prebuilt industry capabilities in Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012, global independent software vendors, such as Aldata, Ferranti, Harris and LexisNexis, take things a step further, embracing Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 as the core foundation they offer to customers, complemented with their own unique solutions across a wide range of verticals and industries, such as retail, utilities, professional services and legal services, to name a few.

More information about Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012, a replay of the opening keynote webcast and information about local launch events can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/dynamics/ax2012launch/. The Microsoft Dynamics ERP team can be followed on Twitter at @MSDynamicsERP and by using the hashtag #AX2012.

About Microsoft Dynamics

Microsoft Dynamics CRM and ERP solutions empower your people to be more productive and your systems to last longer and scale as your business grows, while enabling you to derive the insights necessary to respond quickly in an ever-changing world of business.

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.

For more information, press only:

Allison Colalillo, High Road Communications on behalf of Microsoft Canada

(416) 644-1644

Allison.Colalillo@highroad.com

Microsoft Dynamics AX 2012 Launches Worldwide

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Thu, 08 Sep 2011 16:06:00 GMT

Modern, "powerfully simple" enterprise resource planning solution delivers true business value to customers.

About Microsoft Dynamics

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.

Top Priority For Students This Fall: Staying Socially Connected

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Tue, 23 Aug 2011 18:41:00 GMT

Top Priority For Students This Fall: Staying Socially Connected

More important than academic success, Microsoft survey shows 94% of students want to stay connected with friends and family as they head back to school

MISSISSAUGA, Ont. — As students tackle the transition between grade school to high school, or high school to university, their top priority is to stay connected to their social sphere. A new study revealed today just how important it is to university students that they stay connected as they head off for a new school year.

The study, commissioned by Microsoft Canada, surveyed Canadian students 18 and older to ask them about their attitudes and concerns as they approach the 2011 back-to-school season.

It revealed that 94 per cent of students say it is important to them to keep in touch with friends and family during the school year. This type of social connectivity ranked higher amongst students than their concern about educational success (90%), budgeting and financing for the school year (92%), safety (51%) and making new friends (57%).

The findings are in keeping with the profile of this generation, according to Dr. Karyn Gordon, a leading North American expert on family and relationships.

“For Gen Y, staying connected with friends is their highest value because it equals security and stability. With nearly 50% of families ending in divorce, many of this generation view their friends as their primary form of stability,” Dr. Gordon said. “In times of transition, such as moving from grade 8 to grade 9 and high school to university, being able to connect to their established base of friends helps students feel more secure, helping them better cope with new experiences.”

Technology takes social connections up a notch with PC-driven experiences such as face-to-face video chat, email, and photos or videos sharing. Familiar technology such as Windows and Windows Live services become empowering tools that allow people to stay connected and build the exceptional relationships students need to help feel secure.

“The same technology students use to get ahead in school can be instrumental in helping students maintain those important connections to friends and family,” said Ben Kaye, Product Manager at Microsoft Canada. “With Windows-based PC, Windows Live and even Windows Phone, students have access to an amazing number of ways to connect and share – whether it’s stories, photos, videos or even assignments – with their friends and family whenever or virtually wherever they are.”

With Windows plus Windows Live, students have the must-have technology for back-to-school success. Here are Microsoft’s top five tips for students this year:

1. Set up a Sunday night chat with Mom and Dad. While friends are an important source of security and support for students, you can’t neglect Mom and Dad. Sunday nights might not be the same, but you can check in on Mom and Dad using your Windows-based PC. Set up a weekly Sunday night video chat via Windows Live Messenger to establish a familiar routine that will help both parties adjust to the new school year.

2. Don’t miss a beat with your friends in different cities. Messenger offers great new ways to stay in touch, so students can connect with the people that matter to them the most – helping to bring a sense of security and stability to students who are experiencing change. Messenger makes is easy to chat or even just share a quick photo, allowing students to stay connected to their friends.

3. Stay in touch and organized with Windows Live Hotmail. Hotmail is designed to help students stay connected by offering features for an efficient and clutter-free inbox whether on a mobile phone or a PC. For example, 1-Click Filters allow users to filter the e-mails they are currently viewing to show only those that are unread, from contacts, or from social networks such as Facebook and LinkedIn so you can get to the important stuff fast. Helping students to be more organized can help to alleviate anxiety and stress.

4. Never lose a term paper again. Spilled coffee on your term paper? Left your laptop back at the dorm? Not a problem with Windows Live Sky Drive. For the 90 per cent that are worried about academic success, SkyDrive offers 25 GB of free storage space in the cloud, ensuring anytime, virtually anywhere access — from the dorm room, school library or friend’s house – to the files that matter most.

5. Ace your group projects with new Office Web Apps designed for success. Working on group projects can be challenging, but Office 2010 Web Apps make it a breeze. One of the best features is the ability to work together in real time, so everyone can write, edit and work on the same document at the same time. Lose the confusion and collaborate.

For more information on how to stay connected and get work done quicker, visit http://www.microsoft.com/canada/windows/ and www.explore.live.com/. And for easy how-to demos for Windows Live services such as Hotmail, Office Web Apps and Mesh visit http://www.youtube.com/MicrosoftTeamCanada.

About Microsoft Canada

Established in 1985, Microsoft Canada Inc. is the Canadian subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq "MSFT"), and the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. Microsoft Canada provides nationwide sales, marketing, consulting and local support services in both French and English. Microsoft Canada is headquartered in Mississauga, Ont., with MSN.CA offices located in Toronto and eight regional offices across the country. The company supports local communities across Canada by creating innovative technology and partnerships that help people realize their full potential. For more information on Microsoft Canada, please visit www.microsoft.ca.

About the Survey

From August 8th to August 9th 2011 an online survey was conducted among 1,005 randomly selected Canadian adults, including 118 students and 187 parents of children enrolled in school who are Angus Reid Forum panelists. The margin of error for the full data set—which measures sampling variability—is +/- 3.1%, 19 times out of 20. The results have been statistically weighted according to the most current education, age, gender and region Census data to ensure a sample representative of the entire adult population of Canada. Discrepancies in or between totals are due to rounding.

About Dr. Karyn Gordon

Dr. Karyn Gordon is one of North America’s leading relationship experts, and her mission is to inspire people to develop exceptional relationships at work and at home. She is a motivational speaker & trainer who has given over 1000 keynotes, a national media contributor, an author and a private consultant. She has worked with 100’s of organizations (Fortune 500 Companies, Non Profits & Government) and families, bridging the gap between work and family cultures while educating about the EQ skills (motivation, communication, career direction) that improve all types of relationships. She has a Bachelor in Psychology, a Masters in Counseling and a Doctorate in Marriage and Family.

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For more information please contact:

High Road Communications on behalf of Microsoft Canada

Maria de Romana

416-644-1720

maria.deromana@HighRoad.com

Tania DiVito

416-644-2262

Tania.divito@HighRoad.com

University of New Brunswick Adopts Microsoft Live@edu for Students

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Tue, 19 Jul 2011 16:20:00 GMT

UNB students will have access to a rich suite of online tools that further support their academic and technology needs.

July 19, 2011, FREDERICTON - Microsoft Canada and the University of New Brunswick (UNB) are pleased to announce that they are working together to bring Microsoft Live@edu, an innovative suite of online communication and collaboration tools, to UNB's 11,000 students. With Live@edu, UNB students will have the advantage of a leading technology environment to support their successes inside and outside the classroom.

"Microsoft Live@edu was selected because it directly supports our vision to delight users, reduce costs for the university and advance UNB's mission of creating the premier university environment," says Terry Nikkel, associate vice-president, Integrated Technology Services at UNB. "Technology plays a key role in our students' lives and will be integral to their future careers. We're looking forward to offering Live@edu to our students. It will help them excel in their university studies and will prepare them to be active participants in the Canadian and global workforce."

Microsoft Live@edu provides the flexibility of Office Web Apps that include web-optimized versions of Word, Excel, OneNote and PowerPoint. UNB students will now be able to access these essential tools anywhere, anytime, on their PCs or mobile devices. Live@edu also includes Outlook for email plus a 10 GB inbox, and enables powerful document sharing and collaboration with 25GB of password-protected online storage. UNB joins a rapidly growing community of 10,000 schools worldwide whose students are benefiting from the power of Live@edu.

"With the implementation of Live@edu, UNB joins a growing number of universities providing the latest technology to help students prepare for their future careers," says Shann McGrail, director of education, Microsoft Canada. "Collaboration software and services are increasingly being used in the workplace and employers expect a certain level of experience from new grads. UNB students now have access to the tools that will allow them to enter the workforce and hit the ground running."

About Live@edu

Live@edu innovations include great tools such as:

Communication Services: Free, hosted email and calendaring with a 10 GB inbox and instant messaging through Outlook Live

Collaboration Services: Ability to access, share and collaborate through SkyDrive, with 25 GB of free online storage space

Productivity Services: Create, view, edit, and share Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and OneNote files online with SkyDrive

More information about Microsoft Live@edu can be found at www.microsoft.com/liveatedu

About University of New Brunswick

Established in 1785, UNB is one of the oldest public universities in North America. More than 11,000 full- and part-time students from more than 100 countries are studying on campuses in Fredericton and Saint John and several thousand more take UNB courses online and at partner institutions around the world. As the largest research institution in New Brunswick, UNB conducts more than 75 per cent of the province's university research. The university has an annual operating budget of more than $165 million and employs more than 3,500 faculty, staff and students.

About Microsoft Canada

For more information:
Name: Natasha Ashfield, Communications Officer, University of New Brunswick
Telephone number: (506) 458-7969
Email: natasha.ashfield@unb.ca

Name: John Clute, High Road Communications on behalf of Microsoft Canada

Telephone number: (416) 644-2267

Email: John.Clute@highroad.com

MICROSOFT CHOOSES TORONTO FOR 2012 WORLDWIDE PARTNER CONFERENCE

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Wed, 13 Jul 2011 22:46:00 GMT

15,000 people from 130 countries expected for prestigious conference in Toronto

TORONTO (July 13, 2011) – One of the world’s most prestigious and advanced conferences will come to Toronto next July as Microsoft Corporation announced today that its Worldwide Partner Conference will meet in Toronto in 2012.

More than 15,000 people are expected to attend the Toronto conference, representing technology companies in 130 countries. While the main hubs of the action will be the Metro Toronto Convention Centre and the Air Canada Centre, many other venues will be involved as 500+ events take place during the conference and at least 32 hotels across the Toronto region will host delegates.

“Winning a prestigious meeting, for such a widely admired company, is not only a boost to the local economy but a testament to Toronto’s ability to host major events,” said David Whitaker, President and CEO of Tourism Toronto, who submitted the winning bid along with provincial and local partners.

“Microsoft Corporation’s annual Worldwide Partner Conference attracts more than 15,000 delegates,“ said Eric Gales, General Manager, Microsoft Canada. “The four-day event celebrates the accomplishments of the company’s 640,000 global technology partners. Microsoft Canada is thrilled that next year’s event will be hosted in the city of Toronto and excited by the opportunity for the city to showcase its diverse culture, entertainment, and world-renown hospitality.”

From July 9 through 13, 2012, Worldwide Partner Conference is a must–attend conference for the technology industry that attracts delegates, vendors and suppliers from around the world. It is an opportunity to showcase Toronto as a destination as well as Toronto and Ontario’s innovative information technology businesses.

“Our government is thrilled that Toronto has been chosen to host next year’s Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference and we’re proud of our support to help bring it here,” said Laura Albanese, MPP York South-Weston. “This is a major win for the GTA and Ontario – it will put us front and centre on the world map, while boosting support for jobs, the economy and increased tourism.”

Tourism Toronto has committed to create a scholarship program to assist international students participating in the 2012 conference, with more details on this initiative to be shared in the coming months. Tourism Toronto will also provide opportunities for students in Ontario’s tourism and hospitality programs to gain valuable experience in event management through a marquee international conference.

“We are confident this will prove to be the most inspiring and technically advanced Worldwide Partner Conference ever for Microsoft, and will highlight our ability to come together as a tourism community to host large and sophisticated global corporate events,” said Mr. Whitaker.

Meetings in Toronto
The meeting and convention industry is a lucrative and competitive one that is a vital part of the tourism economy in the Toronto Region. Conventions generate spending on a range of services and businesses including meeting facilities, hotels, restaurants, retail, attractions and taxis. In 2010, meetings and conventions injected $495 million into the local economy. Overall, there are 224,000 people employed in tourism and hospitality in the Toronto region.

Toronto has been building a reputation among meeting planners as a desirable place to hold important meetings and was ranked #1 out of 46 North American cities in several key categories in the most recent survey of meeting planners by Watkins Research. This year some of the top global meetings will take place in Toronto:

· American Bar Association – August 2011 (20,000 attendees)

· SWIFT/SIBOS (Society for Worldwide Interbank Financial Telecommunications) – September 2011 (7,000 attendees)

· U.S. Green Building Council – October 2011 (25,000 attendees)

About Tourism Toronto
Tourism Toronto, Toronto’s Convention and Visitors Association, is an industry association of more than 1,200 members established to sell and market the greater Toronto region as a remarkable destination for tourists, convention delegates and business travellers around the globe. Tourism Toronto operates in partnership with the Ontario Ministry of Tourism and Culture as Regional Tourism Organization 5, representing the cities of Toronto, Mississauga and Brampton. For more information please visit www.seetorontonow.com.

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For more information contact:

Cathy Riches

Ph: 416-987-9077

Cell: 647-981-4834

criches@torcvb.com

Lack of uptake of Cloud technology leads Canadian businesses to risk chance at growth

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Tue, 28 Jun 2011 17:02:00 GMT

Seventy-three per cent of Canadian SMBs see the value, only thirty per cent are investing in cloud services, Microsoft Canada survey reveals

Mississauga, ON – June 28, 2011 - Canadian small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) are hesitant to harness the power of the cloud, in large part because they find it difficult to keep pace with rapid technology advancements, according to a survey conducted by Leger Marketing and commissioned by Microsoft Canada.

The study found that although nearly 73 per cent of SMBs understand that cloud-based technology offers a cost-effective means of accessing the latest technology, just 30 per cent are currently investing in cloud services.

“We all know that with great technology, you are at a better business advantage. Yet with 83 per cent of SMBs finding it hard to keep pace and 79 per cent settling on old tech even though they know there are better options, it is clear that Canadian businesses require simple and cost-effective cloud-based services to drive productivity, efficiency and give them the competitive edge,” says Eric Gales, President of Microsoft Canada. “Three-quarters of Canadian SMB are ready to invest in their own growth, but they want to invest smartly in technology that is going to work for them. This is why we’re so excited to announce the launch of Office 365 to meet Canada’s SMB technology needs.”

Office 365 brings together Microsoft Office, Microsoft SharePoint Online, Microsoft Exchange Online and Lync Online in an always-up-to-date service, with a predictable monthly cost that starts at just $7 per user, per month.

A game-changer for businesses of all sizes

Moving to the cloud with Office 365 doesn’t require a team to change the way it works, because the service is based on familiar tools people know and trust, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, OneNote, Outlook and more. Employees get new ways to work together with ease, on virtually any device or mobile phone, and businesses get the reliability, security and IT controls they need in the cloud, even without a dedicated IT staff.

“I’m a road warrior and my office is a coffee shop, a hotel room or my clients’ board room” said James Won, founder of Servant4Stewards, a financial planning consultancy. “Office 365 gives me the power to work anywhere with full access to my documents on my computer and my mobile phone. The best thing about Office 365 is the fact that I can collaborate with clients and third-parties, revising, sharing and updating documents seamlessly in the cloud. “

Office 365 partners

Microsoft is building a massive partner ecosystem around Office 365, which includes new ways of partnering with service providers such as telecommunications and hosting firms around the world. Bell, Canada’s largest communications company, is the first Canadian syndication partner. Bell will be offering Office 365 bundled with their communication services, creating a one-stop-shop for small and midsize businesses.

“Bell and Microsoft have worked closely for years to help Canadian businesses with their collaboration needs, and we’re happy to partner with Microsoft to bring Office 365 to the Bell cloud portfolio,” said Strahan McCarten, Director of Product Management, Hosting & Cloud Computing, Bell Business Markets, Bell Canada. “With Office 365, Bell customers can reduce their costs and maximize their IT productivity whether they’re starting a new business venture or enhancing their existing technology operations.”

About Office 365

With Office 365 for small businesses, customers can be up and running with Office Web Apps, Microsoft Exchange Online, Microsoft SharePoint Online, Microsoft Lync Online and an external website in minutes, for $7 per user, per month. These tools put email, voicemail, enterprise social networking, instant messaging, Web portals, extranets, video conferencing, web conferencing and more at everyone’s fingertips.

Office 365 for enterprises has an array of choices, from simple email to comprehensive suites to meet the needs of midsize and large businesses, as well as government organizations. Customers can now get Microsoft Office Professional Plus on a pay-as-you-go basis with cloud-based versions of the industry’s leading business communications and collaborations services. Each of these plans comes with the advanced I.T. controls, security, 24x7 IT support and reliability you expect from Microsoft.

Office 365 for small businesses and Office 365 for enterprises are available now. Businesses can try it for free for 30 days by signing up at www.office365.ca or from their local Microsoft partner. Follow Office 365 on Twitter (@Office365), Facebook (Office 365) and the Office 365 blog at http://community.office365.com for the latest information.

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About Microsoft Canada

Established in 1985, Microsoft Canada Inc. is the Canadian subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq "MSFT"), the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. Microsoft Canada provides nationwide sales, marketing, consulting and local support services in both French and English. Microsoft Canada is headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario with MSN.CA offices located in Toronto and eight regional offices across the country. The company supports local communities across Canada by creating innovative technology and partnerships that help people realize their full potential. For more information on Microsoft Canada, please visit www.microsoft.ca.

For more information, press only:

Marshneill Abraham, High Road Communications on behalf of Microsoft Canada

(416) 644-2271

Marshneill.Abraham@highroad.com