Business News

Windows 7 early adoption beats Vista's 2-to-1

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:25:00 GMT

In the five months since its release, Microsoft's Windows 7 has captured twice the usage share than did Vista in the same time period, a Web metrics company said Monday.

Award in Recognition of the Inuktitut Version of Microsoft Windows Vista and Office 2007

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:24:00 GMT

Award in Recognition of the Inuktitut Version of Microsoft Windows Vista and Office 2007

IQALUIT, Nunavut (February 12, 2010) - Honourable Lorne Kusugak, Minister of Community and Government Services, on behalf of Louis Tapardjuk, Minister of Languages, presented Microsoft Canada Inc. with an award in recognition of their contribution to Inuit Language promotion. The presentation occurred during a demonstration of 'Microsoft in the Inuit Language' at the Nunavut Language Summit in Iqaluit on February 11, 2010.

On behalf of the Government of Nunavut, I would like to thank Microsoft Canada, the Pirurvik Centre and others who contributed their time and expertise to make this interface available," said Minister Kusugak.

Since 2004, Microsoft Canada Inc., in collaboration with the Pirurvik Centre and the Government of Nunavut have been working on the development of the Microsoft Inuktitut Language Interface Packs. More than a million words have been translated and approximately 5000 of those terms newly created through this project. With this latest release, users of Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office are able to freely download Inuktitut versions of Windows XP, Windows Vista, Office 2003 and Office 2007.

"This is a great example of the government and the private sector working successfully together to help make the Inuit Language working language in our territory," said Tapardjuk. "This is a significant achievement in terms of making Inuktitut available in the information technology systems, and advancing the use of Inuktitut in the workplace."

"Microsoft Canada is committed to developing technology to help improve the lives of all Canadians," said Shann McGrail, Director of Education, Microsoft Canada. "This download will give Inuktitut-speaking Canadians the opportunity to communicate in their own language, something the rest of Canada takes for granted. We hope the language pack will help preserve the language and thank the government of Nunavut for helping us make this a reality."

The Inuktitut versions of Microsoft Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 were officially launched last Spring. The introduction of language-specific programs allows for an increased use of Inuktitut in the workplace, in schools and in the home. Microsoft initiated their Local Language Program to support small and emerging market languages to create localized versions of Office 2003 and Windows XP. This is a first time a small language user group of less than 100,000 speakers are able to use Microsoft interface in their language.

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Media contact:

Napatchie Kolola

Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth

Telephone: (867) 975.5526

E-mail: nkolola@gov.nu.ca

Allison Stokes

Media Profile

Telephone: (416) 342-1830

Email: allison.stokes@mediaprofile.com

Microsoft revenues boosted by Windows 7

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:52:00 GMT

If Microsoft's bottom line is any indication, consumers are opening up their wallets again after a long frugal period. Businesses, however are not.

Steve Ballmer on The Hour

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Mon, 18 Jan 2010 13:50:00 GMT

Watch as Steve talks about his experiences as head of the world's largest software company.

City of Edmonton Innovates with Microsoft on Open Data Catalogue

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 21:32:00 GMT

Becomes first North American City to Leverage Open Government Data Initiative Solution

EDMONTON, AB. - January 14, 2010 - The City of Edmonton announced today that it is working with Microsoft towards the development of the region's first public open data catalogue. The online site will give citizens and developers easier and more transparent access to information and allow them to develop new solutions and suggest ideas that enhance public infrastructure and services.

"Today's launch of the City's open data catalogue demonstrates our commitment to enhancing engagement and collaboration with the citizens and community developers of Edmonton," said Chris Moore, CIO of the City of Edmonton. "By moving to a more open model and working with Microsoft, we hope to harness the talent and innovation that resides locally to drive Edmonton forward."

Edmonton is the first North American city to use the Open Government Data Initiative (OGDI) solution from Microsoft. The solution has been implemented rapidly and at a very low cost to the City by using open source components and Microsoft's newest cloud operating system, Windows Azure^TM technology platform. Using open standards and application interfaces (API), local developers and City IT staff can retrieve data easily for use in new and innovative online applications or mashups that can help improve citizen services, enhance collaboration between the City and private organizations, and increase City transparency.

"OGDI-based solutions not only provide easy access to government data, but also demonstrate how cloud computing can help significantly reduce the cost, complexity and time to market for solutions that consume the data," said John Weigelt, National Technology Officer, Microsoft Canada. "Citizens and community developers will now be able to help solve the business needs of the City of Edmonton, resulting in new solutions in a very short amount of time."

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:

Najat Mahammed, on behalf of Microsoft Canada
416-644-2240, nmahammed@highroad.com

Microsoft and HP Expand Cloud Collaboration

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:51:00 GMT

In a joint conference call this morning, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and HP chairman/CEO Mark Hurd announced a significant expansion of their business collaboration.

Read more at IT in Canada

Microsoft, HP unveil ‘breakthrough’ stack integration

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:48:00 GMT

Microsoft Corp. and Hewlett-Packard Co. Wednesday announced a $250-million three-year investment toward integrating their respective technology stacks from infrastructure to application in a cloud-driven effort the companies said "represents the most integrated technology stack in the industry today."

Nearly Half of Canadians Worry About Mistakenly Buying Counterfeit Goods Online this Holiday Season

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:49:00 GMT

Microsoft Canada helps Canadians shop smart online with a series of tips

Mississauga, Ontario, - Dec. 2, 2009 - Seventy-five per cent of Canadians will shop online this holiday season, but nearly half are concerned about mistakenly buying counterfeit goods like toys, clothing, video games and software. Microsoft Canada Co. captured Canadians' views on counterfeiting in a national survey conducted by The Strategic Counsel, and found that 40 per cent of consumers are not confident they know how to ensure they are buying genuine software.*

Alongside the explosive growth of the Internet has been a surge in the number of counterfeit goods available online. Today counterfeiters have a global reach and peddle their wares to unassuming consumers through online auction sites, web sites and spam. The anonymity afforded by the web allows counterfeiters to operate with little chance of detection while the risks to consumers are high.

Canadian mother and accounting student, Krista Prong, said she purchased Microsoft Office Professional 2007 via eBay to help her family and herself with school projects.

"I really did my homework and knew the version and price of what I was looking for," she said. "The product looked legitimate when I received it and the seller had a good track record, but upon installing it, I realized I had been sold a high quality counterfeit package. I thought I was out of luck, but after a call to Microsoft's 1-800-R-U-LEGIT hotline, Microsoft helped replace the software."

"Consumers need to be vigilant when shopping online and in the store. That is why we provide resources like the www.howtotell.com website and other tools that help consumers buy smart," said Christopher Tortorice, Corporate Counsel, Anti-Piracy, Microsoft Canada Co. "Software piracy and counterfeiting is a complex, global problem, and we are committed to working with the Canadian government, the RCMP, local law enforcement agencies, and customers and technology partner communities to stay one step ahead of this illegal industry."

"Increasingly, highly sophisticated and organized networks are engaging in the global trade of counterfeit software and other pirated goods. We must continue to focus on effective public and private sector collaboration to unite in the fight against product counterfeiting and copyright piracy in Canada," said Insp. Peter Goulet, Officer in Charge, RCMP GTA Federal Enforcement Section. "The RCMP is committed to working with organizations like Microsoft Canada to help protect consumers."

A few tips to help consumers avoid buying counterfeit products this holiday season include:

1. Understand what you are buying - take time to learn more about the products that you are buying and from whom you are buying. Read reviews and talk to colleagues and retailers so that you build a knowledgeable perspective.

2. Check the prices - if the price seems too good to be true then it probably is.

3. Look for spelling mistakes on the package or a shoddy appearance.

4. For software products, make sure they are licensed. It is standard that every legal piece of software includes a developer's license agreement. This applies whether you are buying software for use on one machine, software to be networked across a number of machines or software that's preloaded as part of a system.

5. If you are unsure if a product is legitimate -- call the manufacturer.

*The online poll of 1,740 adult Canadians was conducted in November 2009 by The Strategic Counsel.

About Microsoft Canada

Established in 1985, Microsoft Canada Co. 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, please contact:

Rene Samulewitsch

416-644-2287

rsamulewitsch@highroad.com

Video: Canadian businesses discuss the value of Windows 7

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:25:00 GMT

Watch the City of London, Phaeton Automotive and others as they talk about the value of the newest Microsoft operating system.

Ballmer says Windows 7 sales booming

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:58:00 GMT

It's been less than a month since Microsoft launched Windows 7, but the new OS is already far exceeding the sales rate of previous Windows releases.

Read more at IT in Canada

Microsoft launches Windows Azure and supporting channel strategy

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:04:00 GMT

As part of its software plus services strategy, Microsoft Corp. has announced the commercial availability of its Windows Azure cloud platform, in addition to a new online marketplace and information and brokerage service for its developer partners.

Microsoft launches Office 2010 Public Beta

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:43:00 GMT

Microsoft on Wednesday launched the public beta of Office 2010, paving the way for all and sundry to experience the suite's expanded collaboration features and cloud computing integration.

Read more at IT in Canada

Microsoft launches Windows Azure platform

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:42:00 GMT

In his opening keynote, Ray Ozzie, Microsoft's Chief Software Architect, described Windows Azure and SQL Azure as core elements of the company's cloud services strategy.

New betas take stage on day two of Microsoft developers' conference

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:40:00 GMT

Microsoft invited developers to test new beta versions of Silverlight 4, Office 2010 and SharePoint 2010.

Microsoft PDC heads for the cloud

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 20:42:00 GMT

Developers of Microsoft Corp. software and services have been concentrating their efforts on the three screens and cloud as evidenced by numerous announcements at the Microsoft's annual Professional Developers Conference in Los Angeles this week.

Read more at IT in Canada