Press Releases

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

Eight-year-old from Saskatoon Boys and Girls Club Wins Microsoft Canada's National Holiday Greeting Card Contest

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:07:00 GMT

Eight-year-old from Saskatoon Boys and Girls Club Wins Microsoft Canada's National Holiday Greeting Card Contest

Mississauga, ON, December 9, 2009 - Roselle Castro, an eight-year-old girl from the Boys and Girls Club of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan is this year's winner of Microsoft Canada's 13^thannual Holiday Greeting Card contest. To capture the essence of the holiday spirit, children from Boys and Girls Clubs across Canada were invited to design a holiday card based on the theme "This holiday season I promise to...." Roselle's card was selected from over 800 entries. Her artwork will appear on Microsoft Canada's corporate holiday greeting cards that will be distributed to thousands of Microsoft employees, customers and partners across the country.

"Microsoft believes that every child has creative potential; the greeting card contest encourages children to express their creativity through art." said Gavin Thompson, Director of Citizenship, Microsoft Canada. "Roselle's holiday card was very imaginative and her message "...let in peace" was true to this year's theme."

Microsoft Canada presented Roselle with a laptop computer loaded with Microsoft software, a printer and a laptop bag. Microsoft also awarded the Boys and Girls Club of Saskatoon with a $1,000 donation. Microsoft Canada works with Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada across the country to provide programs designed to empower children and youth through technology. This is the 13^th year that Microsoft has partnered with Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada on this initiative.

"Being the contest winner is very exciting! I've been writing about the whole experience in my journal." said Roselle. "I'm very happy and excited to test out my brand new laptop!"

"We are all very proud of Roselle's artistic talents." said Karen McCullagh, Regional Director, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, Western Region. "We believe it's important to foster creative development among children and youth and Microsoft's greeting card contest is a fun activity that encourages all of our members to express their artistic skills and imaginations."

About Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada

Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada is a leading charitable organization providing programs that support the healthy physical, educational and social development of more than 200,000 children, youth and their families each year. In 700 community locations across Canada, clubs offer after-school programs in physical recreation, technology, the arts, personal growth and more. Many clubs also provide meals, emergency shelter, family support programs and other supports to children and youth at risk. Boys and Girls Clubs have been helping young Canadians to discover, develop and achieve their potential, for over 100 years. To learn more, visit www.bgccan.com.

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.

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For more information please contact:

Sherline Joe

Media Profile

sherline.joe@mediaprofile.com

416-342-1852

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

Don’t underestimate the gift of gab this holiday season

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 15:39:00 GMT

8 out of 10 Canadians judge a person based on his or her "social currency," according to an MSN.ca and Harris/Decima survey

Toronto -November 18^th, 2009- With holiday parties and festive staff functions on the horizon, it may be more important than you thought to be up to date on your current events. In fact, a survey released today by MSN.ca and Harris/Decima revealed that 79 per cent of Canadians judge one another based on their knowledge of what's happening in the world around them.

Since the holidays are a time filled with various social gatherings, Mary-Ellen Anderson, Executive Director/Producer for MSN.ca, believes it's a crucial time to ensure you're up-to-date on the information you need for all your conversations. This is because 40 per cent of Canadians are deeply interested in collecting information and knowledge on various topics, while 37 per cent consider themselves "Connectors" - bringing people together and spreading information.

Unfortunately, not all Canadians have as much general knowledge as they would like. Almost half (47%) of Canadians have frequently or sometimes wished they knew more information on a particular topic so they could actively participate in a conversation happening around them.

"The holidays are a time of giving, but this survey reveals if there's one present you should give yourself it's the gift of information," said Mary-Ellen Anderson. "Whether you are on your way to see your family or heading to the office party, MSN.ca is Canada's one-stop shop for the latest news, politics, movies, music and celeb gossip. Not to mention what's the coolest gadget to buy that special someone."

According to Debra Fine, conversation expert and American best-selling author, being that 'go to' person for current events and reliable information can really raise your status or 'social currency' among co-workers. This is also important in social circles - people will respect you more if you are 'socially current' and knowledgeable on a variety of topics.

Debra suggests the following tips and tricks for impressing colleagues and friends with your socially current knowledge:

- Get More Information For Your Conversations: Since 79 per cent of Canadians are apt to judge one another on their 'social currency' and 90 per cent feel it's important to be up to date on what's happening in the world, a great trick is to skim all the latest headlines for each genre of news i.e. - news, autos, entertainment, finance, etc. You'd be surprised how knowing a little bit about each topic will make you look like the star of the holiday party.

- Find Common Ground: Almost nine-in-ten (86%) Canadians consider themselves to be 'in the know' on a variety of subjects. This is great news because chances are you'll be able to find conversation topics that interest both you and your friend/cousin/colleague etc. For instance, if you know your boss is a car fanatic, check out the Autos Channel on MSN.ca to truly connect with him/her.

- Get Addicted: For almost two-in-five Canadians (38%), a day without their news source is like a day without their morning caffeine fix -they function much better with it. Become a News Junkie and get high on information. You will crave "being in the know" and being the one everyone comes to for socially current conversations this holiday season.

MSN.ca conducted this survey in support of its recent Talk MSN Campaign. The site recently launched its own independently run MSN.ca and is currently the #1 most visited portal in Canada (according to Experian Hitwise, Most Popular Websites in Computers and Internet, Portal Front Pages, ranked by Visits for the week ending November 7th). The site boasts exclusive columnists, trusted experts and amazing content partners.

About MSN and Windows Live

MSN attracts more than 440 million unique users worldwide per month. With localized versions available globally in 42 markets and 21 languages, MSN is a world leader in delivering compelling programmed content experiences to consumers and online advertising opportunities to businesses worldwide. Windows Live, a new set of personal Internet services and software, is designed to bring together in one place all the relationships, information and interests people care about most, with enhanced safety and security features across their PC, devices and the Web. MSN and Windows Live will be offered alongside each other as complementary services. Some Windows Live services entered an early beta phase on Nov. 1, 2005; these and future beta updates can be found at http://ideas.live.com. MSN is located on the Web at http://www.msn.com. MSN worldwide sites are located at http://www.msn.com/worldwide.ashx

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 10 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 news.microsoft.ca.

About the Survey

Harris/Decima surveyed 1,013 Canadians from October 8^th to 11^th, 2009 through teleVox, Harris/Decima's telephone omnibus. Results for a sample of this size are considered accurate +/- 3.1%, 19 times out of 20.

For more details regarding the survey results or to speak to Debra Fine please contact:

Elisa Wegenast
High Road Communications
ewegenast@highroad.com
416-644-2261

Meghan Neufeld
High Road Communications
mneufeld@highroad.com
416-644-2278

Come Join The Largest Social Network on Your TV; Facebook and More Arrive on Xbox 360

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Mon, 16 Nov 2009 21:02:00 GMT

Xbox 360 Delivers Unparalleled Games and Entertainment Experiences

What: Unlock a world of friends, entertainment and games from the comfort of your couch, displayed on the best screen in the house, using Xbox 360® and Xbox LIVE®. Tomorrow, members of Xbox LIVE around the world will have their Xbox 360 consoles transformed and plugged into great value in home entertainment, with access to Facebook, Twitter and Zune® video with instant on HD, all right in your living room.

- Facebook*- Update your status to share what movie, game or entertainment you're enjoying, connect with friends and view their Facebook stream, status updates and photos on the big screen - all seamlessly integrated and custom-built for Xbox 360. You can even compare your Xbox LIVE and Facebook friends lists to see which of your friends are on Xbox LIVE.

- Zune - Zune video on Xbox LIVE offers a full fidelity experience with on HD in 1080p and 5.1 channel surround sound. You can also share the experience with up to seven friends through voice chat and Avatar integration on the TV screen - it puts a whole new spin on "movie night."

- Twitter*- Stay in the know by discovering, posting and replying to Tweets right on your Xbox 360. You can even view friend profiles, trends and conversations, or search to see who's tweeting about your favorite game.

- TV on Your Xbox 360 - Canadians will now have access to more entertainment content than ever before, including the purchase of full-length TV shows from Xbox Live that can be streamed on-demand at any time. The network line-up includes original content from CBC Television, Nickelodeon, MTV, NBC Universal, Comedy Network and more.

Don't have an Xbox 360? Now, more than ever, Xbox gives you great ways to stay connected, share fun and entertainment, starting at $199 (CDN ERP; reseller pricing may vary).

Why: We're continuing to evolve Xbox LIVE to bring more games, more entertainment and more social experiences all from a single device. As a Gold member on Xbox LIVE, you get access to Facebook, Zune Video and Twitter - providing you with a pipeline of content that is always being updated and refreshed. For just under $5 per month, Xbox LIVE Gold membership is great value in home entertainment.

When: Launching on November 17

* Xbox LIVE Gold adult account required to access these features. Xbox LIVE Gold memberships are just under $5 (CDN) per month

For more information, please contact:
Pam Stillman, High Road Communications pstillman@highroad.com
416-644-2280

For more information, media only: http://www.xbox.com/en-CA/live/features/zune.htm

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Canadian teachers honoured at worldwide Innovative Education Forum in Brazil

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Tue, 10 Nov 2009 14:15:00 GMT

Microsoft award given to teachers who use technology in innovative ways to improve student learning

Mississauga, ON - November 9, 2009 - Twelve Canadians were among more than 250 teachers from around the world honoured last week at Microsoft's Worldwide Innovative Education Forum in Salvador, Brazil. The teachers were recognized for their work integrating technology into the classroom to prepare students for tomorrow's workforce and for a lifetime of learning.

The Innovative Education Forum is part of Microsoft's Partners in Learning Program. Each year, thousands of teachers from around the world participate in country-level and regional competitions. After each competition, winners move to the next level, culminating each year at the global summit.

This year, 15 Canadian teachers from across the country were named Innovative Teachers. The teachers were challenged to use technology to develop innovative projects that will improve students' 21st-century skills such as critical thinking and problem solving, collaboration, communication, contextual learning, creativity, and information and media literacy.

The Canadian teachers honoured in Brazil are:

--Susan Callfas, St. Mary's Elementary School, Lloydminster, Alberta

--George Daley, Bathurst Learning Center, Bathurst, New Brunswick

--Jen Deyenberg, Dorothy Dalgiesh School, Picture Butte, Alberta

--Geneviève Doucet, Carrefour de l'Acadie, Dieppe, New Brunswick

--Cline Gideon, Sugarloaf Senior High School, Campbellton, New Brunswick

--Carrie Granberg, Alf Cuthbert School, Moosehorn, Manitoba

--Jodi Hafenbrak, Balmoral Hall School, Winnipeg, Manitoba

--Darlene Hubber, Coalhurst Elementary School, Coalhurst Alberta

--Jane Smith, South March Public School, Kanata, Ontario

--Nathan Toft, A. Lorne Cassidy Elementary School, Stittsville, Ontario

--Leanne Tretiak, Queen Mary Community School, Prince Albert, Saskatchewan

--Lorie Zbaraschuk, Meath Park School, Meath Park, Saskatchewan

Doug Pharis and Jeff Bryant of Coalhurst Elementary School and Shelley Davis-Forman of Arrowwood School in Arrowwood, Alberta were also named Canadian Innovative teachers but did not attend the trip to Brazil.

Quotes:

Jacinthe Robichaud

"Innovative teachers creatively and effectively use technology in their curriculum to help improve the way students learn," said Jacinthe Robichaud, Manager, Partners in Learning, Microsoft Canada. "The Innovative Education Forum gives leading Canadian educators the opportunity to collaborate with their peers from around the world to understand best practices in 21^st Century teaching and learning."

Jane Smith, South March Public School, Kanata, Ontario

"My colleague Nathan and I really appreciate this once in a lifetime opportunity," said Innovative Teacher Jane Smith. "To be able to share ideas with people from around the world, in person, is a very rare thing for educators. We tend to spend our time in our classrooms. Occasionally we collaborate with teachers in other schools through email, blogs, podcasts or through online meetings but we rarely get the chance to meet face-to-face. It's an experience we will never forget."

Jen Deyenberg, Dorothy Dalgiesh School, Picture Butte, Alberta

"Thanks to Microsoft for such a fantastic chance to present our projects, network and build connections with innovative teachers from around the planet," said Jen Deyenberg, Canadian Innovative Teacher. "I had the opportunity to collaborate and build global projects to enhance the learning of our students. I was inspired by amazing teachers from all over the world. I missed my students but Skyped and blogged to help them better understand how technology can keep people connected even across continents."

George Daley, Bathurst Learning Center, Bathurst, New Brunswick

"I was honoured to attend this conference and share my students' work with other technology-focused educators," said George Daley, Canadian Innovative Teacher. "My involvement with this program has reinforced my belief that technology can increase student engagement while in school and help them prepare for life outside the classroom."

Fast Facts: Partners in Learning and the Innovative Education Forum

--Number of Participating Countries: 112

--Teachers/School Officials Trained since 2003: 6,801,108

--Schools participating in the Innovative Schools Program: 1,300

--Pathfinder Schools: 30 (one Canadian school is St- André School in New Brunswick)

--Mentor Schools: 12

--Students Reached (via Student Helpdesk, curricula): 168,006,476

--More than 250 teachers from over 60 countries attended the Innovative Education Forum

--12 winners were announced at the conference

--Thousands of teachers participate in regional and country level events to become part of the program

About Partners in Learning

The Worldwide Innovative Education Forum is hosted by Microsoft Partners in Learning, a 10-year, nearly $500 million commitment by Microsoft to transform education systems around the world. Announced in 2003, Partners in Learning helps schools and teachers more effectively use technology to advance teaching and learning, provides leadership and change management information to school leaders, works to strengthen teachers' capacity to use technology effectively in the classroom, and provides greater access to technology for teachers and students.

About Microsoft Education

We believe that technology can expand the power of education and unlock the potential of students, educators and schools. Microsoft partners with education communities around the world to deliver relevant solutions, services and programs that focus on improved personalized learning outcomes.

About Microsoft Canada

For more information and to speak with Canada's Innovative Teachers please contact:

Meg Sinclair, Media Profile

(416) 504-8464 x244

Meg.Sinclair@mediaprofile.com

Microsoft Announces New Service Update and Competitive Offer for Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Tue, 03 Nov 2009 17:42:00 GMT

MISSISSAUGA, ON. - Nov. 3, 2009 - Building on the innovation described in the Dynamic Business vision recently discussed at Convergence 2009 Europe, Microsoft Corp. today introduced the November 2009 service update for Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online, the third service update delivered in 18 months. The service update offers new features at no additional cost to customers, including free mobile access, enhanced data import, customizable views and simplified pricing. Microsoft also announced that customers that switch from Salesforce.com and Oracle CRM On Demand products can get Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online free for six months, in addition to their free 30-day trial.

"The new service update to Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online demonstrates our commitment to simplify the customer experience, deliver rapid innovation and offer more value at a lower price," said Brad Wilson, general manager of Microsoft Dynamics CRM. "Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online enables businesses to begin driving productivity and results in a matter of minutes."

The Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online service update brings the following:

--Fast online access. Organizations can get started with a trial or paid subscription to Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online in less than five minutes. Customers are able to access the Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online service through a Microsoft Outlook interface, via a Web browser or from a wide range of mobile devices - all at no additional charge.

--Simple contact management. Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online provides a single, unified view of customer information that helps sales people manage accounts and drive revenue. A new Get Started Pane delivers guidance, training and access to communities, and Microsoft Knowledge Base articles, allowing users of all skill levels to maximize their productivity. In addition, Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online makes it easy to import data from other CRM applications.

--Better sales performance. Sales managers benefit from strong sales forecasting and their sales teams benefit from workflow capabilities that ensure that customer engagements happen quickly and consistently. A new home page dashboard provides real-time views into key metrics that help prioritize daily activities.

--Better economics. Microsoft has simplified and reduced its Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online pricing for all customers. All Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online offerings are now available at $44 per user per month, and include offline support, 200 custom entities, 200 workflows and 5 GB of storage.

In addition to its free 30-day trial, Microsoft is offering six months of Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online at no additional cost to existing customers of Salesforce.com and Oracle CRM On Demand. This reinforces Microsoft's focus on delivering more value at a lower cost than competing CRM vendors, whether through on-premises or on-demand CRM deployments. Eligibility requirements and other details of this offer can be found at http://offers.crmchoice.com/moreforless.

"Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online is a perfect fit for our business," said Laura Tantaros, sales operations specialist for Trion Group Inc. "We were able to get started and train our employees very quickly, largely due to the Microsoft Outlook user interface, and adapt the service to our specific business needs easily."

"We've built our business on Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online, and we've helped more than 75 companies adopt the service in the past year," said Steve Bowles, chief executive officer of Pelagic Solutions Inc. "In our experience Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online simply delivered a lot more capabilities and value than other software as a service (SaaS)-based CRM systems, at a lower price."

The new November 2009 service update will be available to all Microsoft Dynamics CRM Online customers by Nov. 15, 2009. Businesses can get started today by signing up for a no-cost 30-day trial by subscribing at http://crm.dynamics.com.

About Microsoft Dynamics

Microsoft Dynamics is a line of easy-to-use, integrated and adaptable ERP and CRM applications that enable business decision-makers to quickly respond to market shifts, take advantage of new trends, increase their competitive edge and drive business success. Microsoft Dynamics solutions are delivered through a world-class network of partners who provide specialized services and additional innovation to help customers excel in their industry.

About Microsoft

Microsoft Simplifies the PC with Windows 7

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Thu, 22 Oct 2009 15:32:00 GMT

New PC Operating System Available Worldwide Today

MISSISSAUGA - Oct. 22, 2009 - Today Microsoft Corp. announced the worldwide availability of its new Windows® 7 operating system. Windows 7 delivers on a simple premise: make it easier for people to do the things they want on a PC. The new operating system offers a streamlined user interface and significant new features that make everyday tasks easier and allow people to get the most out of computers of all styles and sizes.

"Today is a great day to be a PC," said Owen Sagness, Vice President and General Manager, Consumer and Online, Microsoft Canada Co. "Thanks to the input of millions of users of Windows all over the world, Windows 7 delivers more of what customers are looking for, faster and easier than ever before."

Building Windows 7 has been a collaborative process from the beginning, with Microsoft's engineers and designers working with customers and partners to build an operating system that delivers on the vision of the PC, simplified. Hardware, software and retail partners were engaged early in the process, to ensure that today, the ecosystem is ready to deliver the - Windows 7 operating system to customers everywhere.

"With the amazing choices and options available from many partners, customers will find more PC options in more suggested price points then ever before," said Sagness. "Windows-based PCs have never been such a great value."

On Sale Worldwide Today

The global availability of Windows 7 is joined by an unprecedented array of new PCs and software programs. Finding a PC that fits your personality, style and needs has never been easier. Working with Canadian retailers and technology partners, Microsoft Canada is bringing together great deals on Windows 7-based PCs, devices, and software. Starting today through to December, consumers can visit http://www.windows.ca/offers to browse the great offers available.

To show how Windows 7 simplifies the PC, today Microsoft is launching the next wave of its global "I'm a PC" campaign. Executions from the global ad campaign will run in Canada, along with local initiatives to support Windows 7, including:

--Windows 7 Discovery Tour: Over the next six weeks, Microsoft Canada will be taking Windows 7 on tour, via interactive displays in top retail shopping destinations. Onsite staff will provide demos and answer consumer questions about key features. The first stop of the tour will be Yorkdale Mall, Toronto ON and the Richmond Centre, Richmond BC.

--Canadian Windows Guru program: Specially-trained Gurus will be working alongside store staff in select Future Shop and Best Buy locations across Canada. As Microsoft resources at the retail level, the Gurus will help match customers with the best Windows technology to fit their needs. There will be 17 full-time Gurus supporting stores in Vancouver, Edmonton, Calgary, Toronto, Ottawa and Montreal.

Simplifying the PC

Over the past 18 months, feedback from more than a billion opt-in customer sessions and eight million beta testers validated Microsoft's research on how to simplify everyday tasks. Here are a few of the many ways you'll experience a more simplified PC with Windows 7:

Simplifies everyday tasks

--Taskbar: The go-to spot for launching programs and switching windows, the taskbar has been completely redesigned to help you work smarter, cut clutter, and get more done, with features like thumbnail previews of webpages, documents-even running video.

--HomeGroup: Easily share your files and printers with other Windows 7-based PCs in your home.

--DeviceStage: Shows you the status of all your connected devices such as cameras and mobile phones and makes it easier to synchronize and manage them.

--Photos and Videos: Windows Live Photo Gallery and Windows Live Movie Maker offer customers great, free options to edit photos and videos and easily share with loved ones.

--Snap: Drag an open window to your screen's border to automatically re-size it. Snap two different windows to the left and right borders for a perfect comparison.

--Shake: Click a window pane and shake your mouse to minimize all other open windows. Shake the pane again to restore the windows to their original sizes.

--Internet Explorer 8: The fastest, easiest, and safest Microsoft browser ever. Smart new features like Instant Search, Accelerators, and Web Slices help you get more out of the Web.

Works the way you want

--Faster On, Faster Off: Every user of Windows 7 will benefit from the focus on underlying performance, faster startup, resuming and shut down time, and enhanced power management.

--Mobile Made Easier: All your mobile computing settings are in one place with the Windows Mobility Center.

--Protecting your PC: Safeguarding the data on your PC is easier with advanced backup capabilities and the free Microsoft Security Essentials download to help protect you against viruses, spyware, and other malicious software.

Makes new things possible

--Windows Touch: Interact with your PC with a touch-screen monitor, using your fingers and multi-touch gestures.

--PlayTo: Stream your digital music, videos, and photos to other PCs or devices such as your Xbox 360 connected to your TV.

--Rich Gaming and Graphics: Windows 7 includes performance enhancements that take power gaming and entertainment to a new level, with 64-bit support and DirectX11 graphics.

--Location-Aware Printing - your documents are sent to the right printer whether it's at home or at the office. And with Offline Files you can work offline and automatically synchronize between a PC and documents on your office network.

Partners Rally Around Windows 7

Along with increased customer involvement, Microsoft partners had a closer, more involved role in the product vision and planning process with Windows 7. The collaborative approach to engaging partners to inform development efforts has resulted in improved performance for PCs as well as compatibility with a broad range of software and hardware across the Windows ecosystem. More than 16,000 software and hardware companies are building solutions on Windows 7 and over 44,000 developers are enrolled in the Windows Ecosystem Readiness Program. Together, these partners are developing hardware, software and services capable of reaching more than a billion PCs around the world.

About Microsoft Canada Co.

For more information, press only:

High Road Communications on behalf of Microsoft Canada
Michelle Lewis
416 644 2269 | mlewis@highroad.com

Michael Sznajdruk
613-688-1189 | msznajdruk@highroad.com

Organizations across Canada realizing the benefits of Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Wed, 21 Oct 2009 14:21:00 GMT

Windows 7 set to hit store shelves tomorrow as businesses harness the power of new operating system

Mississauga, ON - Oct. 21, 2009 - With a growing number of Canadian companies already realizing the benefits of Windows® 7 and Windows Server® 2008 R2, Microsoft Canada Co. today announced that Windows 7 will be available worldwide starting tomorrow. Windows 7 is designed to help organizations reduce costs and achieve new levels of productivity, security and PC manageability. Windows Server 2008 R2 builds on the foundation of Windows Server 2008, expanding existing technology and adding new innovations that help customers to quickly save money and be more efficient today and tomorrow. In addition, new virtualization tools, Web resources, management enhancements and integration features of Windows 7 will help customers increase the reliability, flexibility and efficiency of their server infrastructures.

"At Bombardier, our goal is to deliver innovative transportation solutions. We are able to do this by equipping our people with the innovative tools and technology they need to help them deliver the highest-quality products," says Alain Paquette, Technology Integrator, Bombardier Aerospace. "Windows 7 is an important application used to improve their productivity and access to information while also helping us enhance security and reduce costs."

During a speech in Toronto today, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer highlighted how Canadian companies are tapping into the innovation in Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2, and how together they can help organizations reduce unnecessary cost and complexity, automate everyday tasks and make users more productive, deliver enhanced security, and streamline manageability.

"At Microsoft we believe in the power of innovation, and the critical role technology plays in making it possible. The real magic happens when customers like Bombardier, The City of London and Ricoh Canada harness the power of Windows 7 to bring their vision of the future to life, and it's why we're seeing so much excitement for Windows 7," said Eric Gales, President, Microsoft Canada.

--Ricoh Canada: A leading provider of printers, MFPs, faxes, scanners and document management solutions is migrating to Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 to achieve even greater levels of automated management and control over its computing environment, and ensure maximum uptime for applications. Together, Windows 7 and Windows Server 2008 R2 are helping to improve mobile and on-premise security, enabling the IT team to achieve greater manageability and setting the stage for further growth.

--City of London: The municipality prides itself on the strategic use of technology and delivering a high level of services to its citizens. Facing mounting budgetary pressures, the City of London needed to update its desktop computing environment in order to be even more responsive to the public. Working with Microsoft Gold Certified technology partner CMS Consulting Inc., the City of London became one of the first Canadian municipalities to upgrade its desktop computing environment to Windows 7.

Optimized Desktop/New Efficiency

Over the past 18 months, feedback from more than 1 billion opt-in customer sessions and 8 million beta testers validated Microsoft's research on how to simplify everyday tasks. For enterprises, Windows 7 provides greater control through advancements in branch office management, virtualization, and remote scenarios and allows businesses to:

--Work the way they want. Windows 7 delivers the fundamental performance, reliability and security features that people expect. New features will help protect privacy and data, make it easier to keep a PC running smoothly, and enable quicker recovery from problems.

--Make everyday tasks faster and easier. Windows 7 streamlines and simplifies the tasks people do most often. Improved navigation, a new taskbar and a streamlined user interface put commonly used resources within easy reach. Sharing data across all PCs and devices is easier at home, in the office or on the go. Windows 7 and Windows Live help users stay connected to the people and things they care about, and Internet Explorer 8 offers a fast and productive Web experience.

--Make new things possible. Windows 7 offers more choice in how users interact with their PCs, including the use of multitouch gestures. With Device Stage, Windows 7 enables people to get more from the devices they use most often with their PC, such as cameras, phones and printers. Windows 7 also will make it easier to use home audio-video systems and other networked media devices to play music, watch videos and display photos that reside on Windows-based PCs. And Windows 7 will offer more options than ever to customize and personalize Windows-based PCs with styles that match the user's personality.

Several features in Windows Server 2008 R2 and Windows 7 can also help create new efficiencies for customers, including:

--Branch Cache: Enables customers to improve their userproductivityin remote offices by minimizing download wait times while also reducing Wide Area Network (WAN) bandwidth consumption between the datacentre and branch offices. The result is a significant reduction in networking costs, as most organizations pay for bandwidth by the byte.

--DirectAccess: Allows remote workers to remotely connect to their work environment as if they were on the corporate network. It also lets IT administrators manage those PCs as if they were on premise, without the use of a VPN, resulting in greater flexibility for remote workers and reduced office costs.

--Remote Desktop Services: Terminal Services, renamed Remote Desktop Services from Windows Server 2008 R2 onwards, enables administrators to present users with the individual applications and data they require to complete their task, or the whole remote desktop. From a user perspective, improvements in RDS enable these applications to integrated seamlessly-looking, feeling and behaving like local applications.

About Microsoft Canada

Microsoft Unveils New Windows Phones Worldwide

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Tue, 06 Oct 2009 15:34:00 GMT

Windows phones move seamlessly from work to play, creating new experiences through a variety of hardware, applications and services.

REDMOND, Wash. — Oct. 6, 2009 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the availability of a new line of Windows^® phones around the world that are available in a broad range of styles and prices. With a Windows phone, people can navigate their phone easily with the touch of a finger¹ and browse the Internet on a great mobile browser. People can also connect to two new services that allow them to back up and share data from their phone to the Web and buy a variety of useful applications from the Windows Marketplace for Mobile. Microsoft expects partners to deliver more than 30 new phones in more than 20 countries by the end of 2009.

“We all want to connect quickly to the people and information that’s important to us from across our lives at work and at home,” said Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer. “A Windows phone lets people take their entire world of digital information, communications, applications and entertainment with them wherever they go.”

One Phone for Work and Play

With a Windows phone, people can rely on their phone to balance their lives, from work to home to play. Whether it’s editing a document or sharing several vacation updates through a social networking application, Windows phones help people stay connected to the people and information they care about most. Because people’s phones often match their personality and unique needs, Microsoft now offers the Windows phone Custom Theme Creator. People can create personalized themes for their Windows phone by choosing the color and design that suits their style at http://www.windowsphone.com/theme.

With a Windows phone, people will have familiar work and play experiences right from their Start button, including these:

- A new enhanced Windows Live experience with What's New feeds and improved Windows Live photo sharing across major social networking sites (such as Twitter, Facebook, MySpace and Flickr)

- A best-in-class e-mail experience and the ability to manage multiple accounts right from their phone with Outlook Mobile and Exchange Server synchronization

- The ability to use PowerPoint and open and edit Word and Excel documents from their phone with Microsoft Office Mobile

- The power to sync files on the phone through Windows Live Media Manager and play media files seamlessly with Windows Media Player

- A redesigned Windows Internet Explorer mobile browser with Adobe Flash Lite(2) that brings the mobile Web browsing experience closer to what people have come to expect from their PC

Powerful Mobile Services

With the launch of these new Windows phones, Microsoft debuts new services that bring added value to people.

My Phone is a free service that helps people manage and back up the invaluable information stored on their phone and provides peace of mind and an easy restore option in the event of a lost or damaged phone. My Phone automatically synchronizes the specific types of a phone’s content the user chooses — from contacts and appointments to texts, photos and more — to a password-protected Web site. People can also publish their photos from the My Phone Web site or their phone directly to Windows Live, Facebook, MySpace and Flickr. As part of the free service, people can go online and map the last known location of their phone from when it was last synchronized. In addition, a set of more advanced “lost phone” features are being offered as a premium package that people can activate as needed. The My Phone Premium package includes the ability to immediately locate the phone’s current location on a map (in the U.S. only); remotely lock a phone and post an “if found” message to its screen; loudly ring the phone even if it is set to vibrate or silent mode; and ultimately, if needed, completely erase the phone to protect personal data from falling into the wrong hands. People using My Phone on their phone running either Windows Mobile 6.0, 6.1 or 6.5 can access the premium package free of charge until Nov. 30, 2009. After that date, seven-day access to the premium package will be available for purchase for $4.99 in the U.S.

Also launching today is Windows Marketplace for Mobile, which offers people an easy way to find and purchase high-quality mobile applications for both work and play, while creating a new opportunity for developers to reach millions of people using Windows phones worldwide. Microsoft is pleased today to introduce 246 quality mobile applications initially in Windows Marketplace for work and play, with more than 753 ISVs worldwide on board to continue building out the catalog. People will have access to not only important line-of-business applications for work, but also popular mobile applications for play such as Facebook, MySpace, Netflix, Twikini, WunderRadio and ZAGAT, as well as leading game titles including Sudoku, “Guitar Hero World Tour” and the “PAC-MAN” series, all of which can be easily purchased and installed directly on a Windows phone. All purchased applications are certified by Microsoft to run on Windows phones and are backed by a simple return policy. Over the next few months, Microsoft will continue to evolve Windows Marketplace for Mobile to bring to market a fresh take on the app store that delivers strong value for developers and a great shopping experience for people.

Choice and Availability: A Phone for Everyone

Windows phones give people the power to choose the phone that best fits their style and budget by offering phones with a full physical QWERTY keyboard, others with just a large touch screen, and some with both touch screen and keyboard. Microsoft and its partners now deliver a variety of Windows phones for people to choose from in several regions:

In North America:

- HTC Pure from AT&T

- HTC Imagio from Verizon Wireless

- Samsung Intrepid from Sprint, available Oct. 11, 2009

- HTC Tilt 2 from AT&T, available in the coming weeks

In Latin America:

- Samsung Omnia II available in the coming weeks from TIM Brasil

In Europe:

- MDA Vario V, MDA Compact V and HTC Touch2 and the Samsung Omnia II from Deutsche Telekom in select European markets

- HTC HD2 from Orange, available in the coming weeks in France

- HTC Touch2 from Orange, available in the coming weeks in France, Spain, Switzerland and Romania

- A software update for the HTC Touch Pro2 from Orange, available in the coming weeks in France, U.K. and Romania

- Samsung Omnia II from Orange, available in the coming weeks in Poland, Switzerland and Slovakia and from early December in France

- Samsung Omnia LITE from Orange, available in the coming weeks in France and Spain

- Samsung Omnia PRO B7320 from Orange, available in the coming weeks in France and the U.K.

- Toshiba TG01 W from Orange, available as an update to the TG01 in the coming weeks in France, the U.K., Switzerland and Romania

- LG GM750 and Samsung Omnia II from SFR in France

- TMN Bluebelt 2 and TMN Silverbelt, made by ZTE Corp., from TMN in Portugal

- Samsung Omnia II and Omnia LITE from TMN in Portugal

- HTC Touch Diamond2 from Vodafone in Germany, Spain, the Netherlands, Australia, South Africa and Central Europe

- HTC Touch Pro2 from Vodafone in the U.K. and Switzerland

- LG GM750 from Vodafone in Germany, the U.K., Spain and the Netherlands

The following phones are available on the open market in Europe:

- Samsung Omnia II, Omnia LITE, Omnia PRO B7320, Omnia PRO B7330 and Omnia PRO B7610 available in October

In Asia:

- ZTE X60 from China Unicom

- HTC Touch Diamond2 from Telstra

The following phones are available on the open market in Asia:

- Acer beTouch E100, beTouch E101, beTouch E200 and Acer neoTouch

- Garmin-Asus nüvifone M20

- HTC Snap, HTC Touch Pro2, HTC Touch Diamond2 and HTC Touch2

- LG GM730 and LG GM550

- Samsung Omnia II and Samsung Omnia PRO B7320, Omnia PRO B7330

Information about the latest updates and new Windows phones is available at http://www.windowsphone.com.

Additional information about Windows phones and on companies bringing the new Windows phones to market can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/newsroom/mobile/default.mspx.

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 For users of Windows phones with touch screens

²Adobe Flash Lite availability may vary by phone.

Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspx.

For further information: press only: Michael Sznajdruk, High Road Communications, (613) 688-1189, msznajdruk@highroad.com

New Study Reports on Positive Contributions of IT Sector to Global Economic Recovery

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Mon, 05 Oct 2009 13:17:00 GMT

Research from 52 countries including Canada forecasts the creation of 5.8 million new jobs worldwide and 75,000 new businesses over the next four years.

Mississauga, ON - October 5, 2009 - Global IT research firm International Data Corporation (IDC) and Microsoft Corp. today released the results of global research measuring the positive impact of the information technology (IT) industry's contributions to local economies.

The IDC study, commissioned by Microsoft, investigates the breadth and depth of the contribution of IT to gross domestic product (GDP), job creation in the IT industry, employment in the software sector, formation of new companies, local IT spending, and tax revenues in 52 countries, representing 98 percent of total worldwide IT spending. The research found that in Canada, Microsoft's ecosystem of local partners, vendors and service providers are a catalyst for local economic growth and opportunity, during the current economic difficulties and both its long and short term recovery.

"In this fundamental economic reset, innovative technologies will play a vital role in driving productivity gains and enabling the creation of new local businesses and highly skilled jobs that fuel economic recovery and support sustainable economic growth," said Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft. "Countries that foster innovation and invest in infrastructure, education and skills development for their citizens will have a major competitive advantage in the global marketplace."

Key Findings on the IT Industry for Canada

- Spending on IT in Canada will exceed $39 billion in 2009. From the end of 2008 to the end of 2013, IT spending will grow 1.9 per cent each year, compared to GDP growth of 0.9 per cent a year.

- The IT market will drive the creation of more than 1,000 new businesses and over 84,000 new jobs between the end of 2009 and the end of 2013. Most of the new companies will be small and locally owned organizations, and the jobs will be highly skilled, high-quality jobs.

- In 2009, local partners in the Microsoft ecosystem will generate $13.5 billion in revenues for themselves. To generate these revenues, they will invest $4.5 billion in development, marketing, training and sales in the Canadian economy.

- The Microsoft ecosystem, defined as local companies that develop and/or sell products that run with or on Microsoft software, or that service and distribute Microsoft software, is a critical economic catalyst in every country where Microsoft operates. For every dollar that Microsoft generates in 2009, local companies in this ecosystem will generate $8.43 CDN.

- Companies in the Microsoft ecosystem employ 116,000 people and IT-using organizations employ 216,000 IT professionals who work with Microsoft software or products and services based on it. Together, those employees account for 39 percent of total IT employment in 2009 in Canada.

"Partnering with Microsoft has contributed to Infusion's growth over the years," said Alim Somani, President, Infusion Development. "During the dot.com bust and now through this recent recession, our partnership with Microsoft has provided us opportunities in new markets, with new technologies and with new customers and has contributed to our success. Being part of the Microsoft ecosystem enables us and supports us which furthers our growth as a company worldwide."

"Over the past 20 years, we've seen transformative power in how investments in IT innovations foster economic growth," said James Milway, Executive Director, Institute for Competitiveness and Prosperity. "Continued innovation and investment in information technology will fuel the economic recovery and contribute to the growth of employment and new businesses in Canada."

Additional Findings About the Software Industry for Canada

- Software spending represents nearly 20 percent of Canada's total IT spending.

- Software drives employment in the IT industry, as 62 percent of IT employees are engaged in creating, distributing, installing or servicing software.

Full results of the study can be found at http://microsoft.com/economicgrowth.

About IDC Methodology

This study applies IDC's Economic Impact Model, which assesses the IT industry's impact on job creation, company formation, local IT spending and tax revenues in addition to assessing Microsoft's partner ecosystem. The study's spending figures accounted for hardware, software, services and data networking expenditures by consumers, businesses, governments and educational institutions within each country. Tax revenue figures were based on potential VAT or sales tax revenues from the sale of hardware, software or services, as well as business and personal income taxes and social taxes. IT employment included the number of people employed (full-time equivalent) in hardware, software, services or channel firms, and those individuals managing IT resources in an IT-using organization (e.g., programmers, help desk, IT managers). All data was cross-checked against published information and census data available from government sources and validated by local government officials. A report on IDC's methodology is available at http://microsoft.com/economicgrowth.

About Microsoft Canada Co.

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For more information, press only:

Meg Sinclair
Media Profile on behalf of Microsoft Canada Co.
(416) 504-8464 / Meg.Sinclair@mediaprofile.com

Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://news.microsoft.ca on Microsoft's corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed.

Microsoft’s New Tool in the Fight Against Malware Free to Consumers

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Tue, 29 Sep 2009 18:54:00 GMT

Microsoft Security Essentials, available for download now, provides real-time security protection.

MISSISSAUGA, ON - Sept. 28, 2009 - Microsoft Security Essentials, Microsoft Corp.'s new no-cost, core anti-malware service that helps protect consumers against viruses, spyware and other malicious software, will be available on Tuesday, Sept. 29. Microsoft Security Essentials, independently certified by West Coast Labs, is backed by the company's global security response team and is built on the same award-winning core security technology found in the company's security solutions for businesses. It requires no registration, trials or renewals and will be available for download directly from Microsoft at http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials.

"Consumers have told us that they want the protection of real-time security software but we know that too many are either unwilling or unable to pay for it, and so end up unprotected," said Amy Barzdukas, general manager for consumer security at Microsoft. "With Microsoft Security Essentials, consumers can get high-quality protection that is easy to get and easy to use - and it won't get in their way."

Making Microsoft Security Essentials broadly available as a free consumer download for genuine Windows-based PCs is part of Microsoft's ongoing commitment to provide a more trustworthy computing experience for all customers. By making Microsoft Security Essentials easy to get and easy to use, Microsoft hopes to encourage broader adoption of anti-virus protection across the consumer audience, which in turn will help increase security across the entire Windows ecosystem. For business customers, Microsoft continues to offer Forefront Client Security, providing centralized, comprehensive management and reporting capabilities.

Maximum Security, Minimum Resource Requirements

Microsoft Security Essentials is designed to run quietly in the background alerting users only when there is an action for them to take. It also limits CPU and memory usage, resulting in less impact on the tasks consumers perform every day such as opening documents or browser windows or loading search results, even on older or less powerful PCs. Microsoft Security Essentials uses real-time protection to help prevent PCs from becoming infected, and it is the first Microsoft security product to make use of the company's new Dynamic Signature Service, a technology that helps ensure users stay protected by the most current virus definitions available without having to wait for the next scheduled download.

"Microsoft is focused on the challenges that prevent consumers from running up-to-date anti-virus software today, particularly in emerging markets where there is a growing prevalence of malware," said Jon Crotty, security analyst at IDC. "With Microsoft Security Essentials, Microsoft is helping to reduce some of the barriers that constrain consumers from running AV."

Microsoft Security Essentials will be available for Windows XP SP2 or SP3, Windows Vista and Windows 7 including Windows XP mode on both x32 and x64 PCs.

Microsoft Security Essentials will be available in eight languages and 19 countries including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Brazil, Canada, France, Germany, Ireland, Israel, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States. More information about Microsoft Security Essentials and the product download is available at http://www.microsoft.com/security_essentials.

For more information, Canadian press only:
High Road Communications on behalf of Microsoft Canada

Lesley Sturla, 613-688-1185, lsturla@highroad.com

Michelle Lewis, 416-644-2269, mlewis@highroad.com

MSN.ca Launches in Canada

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 15:53:00 GMT

Providing original news, views and entertainment to Canadians

Toronto - August 31, 2009 - Microsoft Canada Co. today announced the launch of MSN.ca, a new and exciting bilingual Web destination for Canadians. Publicly available September 1, 2009, MSN.ca will deliver relevant and timely news and information from across Canada and around the world. Trusted content partners and high-profile journalists will engage Canadians and provide a unique perspective on events that shape our lives.

After five successful years managing and operating the number one most-visited online portal in Canada* in connection with Bell Sympatico, Microsoft has announced the launch of MSN.ca - a portal owned and operated exclusively by Microsoft Corporation.

"Microsoft is focused on delivering the best consumer experiences and innovations across the PC, online and mobile. Microsoft's goal for MSN.ca is to give Canadians the best online and mobile destination in the world," said Owen Sagness, vice-president and general manager, Consumer and Online, Microsoft Canada.

The new MSN.ca offers a rich and dynamic web experience across a wide variety of channels with high-profile companies such as MSNBC, BBC, Delish, CBC/ Radio-Canada, Chatelaine and Protégez-vous to mention just a few. It will inspire, entertain and connect Canadians online with exclusive columnists, trusted experts, new and improved local and regional news, MSN guides, blogs, previews and reviews, photo galleries, streaming music, video, and so much more.

Canadians will be able to follow MSN.ca while on the go at msnmobile.ca and get latest updates and breaking stories on news, sports, lifestyle, entertainment and celebrity gossip on Twitter (http://twitter.com/MSNca) and become fans on Facebook. MSN.ca will also offer improved personalization with a unique Windows Live 'signed-in' experience that allows users to send and receive e-mail, instant message and participate in MSN channel blogs using Windows Live^TM Hotmail®, Windows Live Messenger and Bing ® embedded directly into the MSN.ca homepage.

"Canadian consumers are among the most connected around the world. Canadians want to stay current on news, weather, entertainment, sports and social issues from local, national and international perspectives. A well known and trusted web portal that allows Internet users to bring these elements together in a personalized experience is a recipe for success. Microsoft appears to be doing just that for Canadians with the upcoming new launch of MSN.ca," said Tony Olvet, Vice President, Research Domains, IDC Canada. "Advertisers should applaud the initiatives taken by Microsoft to refresh MSN.ca, not only for the portal's design and user interface, but through its services that allow marketers to differentiate brands and target new markets."

In creating MSN.ca, editorial, product management and development teams working in Canada and around the world for the past 10 months logged more than 20,000 hours to provide Canadians with a truly unique MSN experience.

"For Advertisers, MSN.ca reflects Microsoft's continued investment in the Canadian online marketplace," added Sagness. "Microsoft Advertising is here to form trusted long-term relationships with the Canadian advertising and marketing community, to invest time with clients and agencies to create compelling digital solutions, and to help grow the digital opportunity in Canada beyond what currently exists today."

Microsoft understands the relationship between consumers and their technologies. As more and more Canadians spend more and more time online-always connected, across multiple devices-Microsoft Advertising helps advertisers and marketers connect with their target audiences across many digital touch points. Microsoft Advertising is the sales, service and marketing group at Microsoft Canada that works with advertisers to help them find and engage their customers using a thoughtful combination of technology and tailored media communication platforms across any device, including the PC, mobile, gaming and the Web.

"Microsoft Advertising can take care of the complexity of digital media so that marketers and advertisers can focus on what they do best - amazing creativity and smart, effective planning," said Sagness.

For more information regarding advertising on MSN.ca, please call toll-free ENGLISH: 1-877-882-9482 / FRENCH: 1-877-882-9484 or visit advertising.microsoft.ca

* comScore Canada, June 2004 to May 2009

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 10 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 news.microsoft.ca.

About Microsoft Advertising

Microsoft Advertising provides advertisers and publishers with media, tools and services to drive deep and profitable engagement with their audiences. This includes a media network that reaches hundreds of millions of consumers around the world; global technology platforms and tools that enable easy planning and management of campaigns and content; and services that help untangle the complexities of digital media to get more value from marketing and content investments. Microsoft Advertising makes buying and selling media simple, smart and cost-effective across media and devices in the Microsoft network of properties and beyond. Visit http://advertising.microsoft.ca for more information.

About MSN and Windows Live

For media inquiries, please contact:

Paolo Pasquini

Consumer & Online | Microsoft Canada

416-349-5531

Paolo.Pasquini@microsoft.com

Heather Anderson

High Road Communications

416-644-2272

handerson@highroad.com

Toronto Mayor and Microsoft Canada to open ProTech Media Centres in three more of Toronto’s Priority Neighbourhoods for Investment

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Mon, 10 Aug 2009 16:57:00 GMT

Eglinton East-Kennedy Park, Malvern and Weston-Mount Dennis youth to receive free digital arts and technology skills training

Mississauga, ON - August 10, 2009 - Together with Toronto Mayor David Miller, Microsoft Canada today announced the expansion of the successful ProTech Media Centre program to three Priority Neighbourhoods for Investment. The announcement was made at the opening of the Kennedy-Eglinton ProTech Media Centre, located within the Toronto Public Library - Kennedy/Eglinton branch at 2380 Eglinton Avenue East.

The Pro Tech program offers free digital arts and technology skills training. The expansion effort is made possible by a Microsoft Canada Unlimited Potential Community Technology Skills grant of $1 million in cash, digital learning curriculum and Microsoft-based technology. The City of Toronto is also supporting the program through its Partnership Opportunities Legacy Fund, which has set aside $13 million for Toronto's 13 Priority Neighbourhoods for Investment, to be leveraged by funding from outside partners for youth-focused social and recreational infrastructure projects.

ProTech Centres provide neighbourhood youth with free access to state-of-the-art technology including digital arts (animation, web design, digital photography, audio and video editing) and Microsoft curricula to introduce youth to potential careers in new media while providing computer literacy skills and creating opportunities for self-expression.

The Kennedy-Eglinton ProTech Media Centre is the second centre to open after the Rexdale ProTech Media Centre in Jamestown launched in July 2007. Rexdale's centre has been an overwhelming success; since the doors first opened the centre has attracted more than 1,000 registered members and more than 9,600 repeat visits from local youth. Planning for additional ProTech Media Centres in Malvern and Weston-Mount Dennis is underway, with those centres set to open in the near future .

Partners for the Kennedy-Eglinton ProTech Media Centre include Tropicana Community Services, the City of Toronto, the Toronto Public Library and Centennial College. Tropicana Community Services is acting as the grant trustee and will be responsible for the day-to-day centre operations. The City of Toronto paid to create a brand-new space for the centre, which is supported by and housed within the Toronto Public Library - Kennedy/Eglinton branch. Centennial College is helping to develop the centre's programs and providing volunteers to mentor youth and coordinate new media workshops.

Quotes:

"This is a perfect example of private and public-sector partners coming together to provide innovative opportunities in Toronto's Priority Neighbourhoods," said Mayor Miller. "It's especially important that local youth have been involved in this project from the start, and that many more youth will pass through these doors. The creative possibilities and career benefits provided by ProTech are boundless."

"The overwhelming success of the Rexdale ProTech Media Centre in Jamestown is motivating Microsoft Canada, the City of Toronto and community partners to expand the program to three additional neighbourhoods," said Eric Gales, President, Microsoft Canada. "Today's youth incorporate technology into every part of their daily lives. By providing access to technology and education we're feeding their curiosity and creativity with the hope of generating interest in pursuing careers in technology related fields."

"Tropicana is thrilled to be a part of this initiative. We envision the Kennedy-Eglinton ProTech Media Centre becoming a real hub for youth in this community," said Sharon Shelton, Executive Director, Tropicana Community Services. "Many of today's youth are very excited about technology. The media centre is a great opportunity to really connect with youth and assist them in turning a curiosity or passion into a lifelong hobby or career."

"We were so pleased that the local youth wanted the library to be the location for the Kennedy-Eglinton ProTech Media Centre," said Jane Pyper, City Librarian, Toronto Public Library. "This really speaks to the library's role as a dynamic community destination that engages youth in meaningful ways, that encourages them to develop their skills and interests, and that provides them with opportunities to advance their education and explore their creativity."

"Centennial College has long been a community touchstone for outreach projects in Scarborough, and I am delighted that we can be part of this excellent initiative to introduce new media skills to local youth," said Ann Buller, President and CEO, Centennial College. "I'm especially happy to see our own creative communications students taking a lead role in coordinating the workshops and mentoring other young people. Learning is especially engaging when it's peer to peer."

Fast Facts:

- The first ProTech Media Centre opened in Rexdale in July 2007
- ProTech Media Centres introduce youth aged 13 to 24 to the digital arts through multi-media based software and curricula.
- While courses evolve to meet students' needs, each centre begins by offering introductory courses in web page design and digital media including digital photography, digital audio, and digital video.
- Registration for all programs is free of charge and students can enroll in as many programs as they like.
- The first ProTech Media Centre opened in Rexdale in 2007, and the ProTech model is now being expanded to more three Priority Neighbourhoods for Investment- Eglinton East-Kennedy Park, Malvern and Weston-Mount Dennis
- Microsoft Canada has donated over $1.5 million to the program to date
- The program is funded through Microsoft Canada's Unlimited Potential Community Technology Skills (CTS) grants. In Canada, $4 million (ProTech inclusive) has been given to CTS programs since 2004. Organizations that have received grants in Canada include:
o Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada
o Frontier College - Beat the Street Program (Toronto)
o Dixon Hall (Toronto)
o The Manitoba E-Association
o The LOCUS project (Vancouver)
o JobStart (Toronto)
- The City of Toronto supports ProTech Media Centres through the Partnership Opportunities Legacy Fund, an initiative born in 2007 when Mayor Miller and City Council committed $13 million in seed funding over a four year period for investment in the city's 13 Priority Neighbourhoods. This investment is intended to leverage equivalent funding from outside partners for youth-focused social and recreational infrastructure projects.

About Tropicana Community Services
Tropicana Community Services, a Toronto-based multi-service organization, provides all youth, newcomers, people of Black and Caribbean heritage and others in need with opportunities and alternatives that lead to success and positive life choices. More information can be found at www.tropicanacommunity.org

About the Toronto Public Library
Toronto Public Library is the world's busiest urban public library system. Every year, more than 16 million people visit our 99 branches and borrow almost 30 million items. To learn more about Toronto Public Library, visit our website at www.torontopubliclibrary.ca.

About Centennial College
Centennial College is Ontario's first public college, established in 1966, primarily serving
the eastern portion of the Greater Toronto Area with four campuses. It has earned an international reputation for exemplary teaching, innovative programming and extensive partnership building. Centennial (www.centennialcollege.ca) is recognized as one of the most culturally diverse post-secondary institutions in Canada, supporting enrolments of 12,500 full-time students and 25,000 part-time learners annually.

About the City of Toronto
Toronto is Canada's largest city and sixth largest government, and home to a diverse population of about 2.6 million people. It is the economic engine of Canada and one of the greenest and most creative cities in North America. Toronto has won numerous awards for quality, innovation and efficiency in delivering public services. 2009 marks the 175th anniversary of Toronto's incorporation as a city. Toronto's government is dedicated to prosperity, opportunity and liveability for all its residents.

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For more information please contact:

Kieran Lawler / Meg Sinclair
Media Profile
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Microsoft, Yahoo! Change Search Landscape

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Wed, 29 Jul 2009 13:59:00 GMT

Global Deal Creates Better Choice for Consumers and Advertisers

SUNNYVALE, Calif. and REDMOND, Wash. - 29 July, 2009 - Yahoo! and Microsoft announced an agreement that will improve the Web search experience for users and advertisers, and deliver sustained innovation to the industry. In simple terms, Microsoft will now power Yahoo! search while Yahoo! will become the exclusive worldwide relationship sales force for both companies' premium search advertisers.

For Web users and advertisers, this deal will accelerate the pace and breadth of innovation by combining both companies' complementary strengths and search platforms into a market competitor with the scale to fuel sustained development in search and search advertising. Users will find what they care about faster and with more personal relevance. Microsoft's competitive search platforms will lead to more value for advertisers, better results for web publishers, and increased innovation and efficiency across the Internet.

Under this agreement,Yahoo! will focus on its core business of providing consumers with great experiences with the world's favorite online destinations and Web products.

"This agreement comes with boatloads of value for Yahoo!, our users, and the industry. And I believe it establishes the foundation for a new era of Internet innovation and development," said Yahoo! Chief Executive Officer Carol Bartz. "Users will continue to experience search as a vital part of their Yahoo! experiences and will enjoy increased innovation thanks to the scale and resources this deal provides. Advertisers will also benefit from scale and enjoy greater ease of use and efficiencies working with a single platform and sales team for premium advertisers. Finally, this deal will help us increase our investments in priority areas in winning audience properties, display advertising capabilities and mobile experiences."

Providing a viable alternative to advertisers, this deal will combine Yahoo! and Microsoft search marketplaces so that advertisers no longer have to rely on one company that dominates more than 70 percent of all search. With the addition of Yahoo!'s search volume, Microsoft will achieve the size and scale required to unleash competition and innovation in the market, for consumers as well as advertisers.

Microsoft Chief Executive Officer Steve Ballmer said the agreement will provide Microsoft's search engine, Bing, the scale necessary to more effectively compete, attracting more users and advertisers, which in turn will lead to more relevant ads and search results.

"Through this agreement with Yahoo!, we will create more innovation in search, better value for advertisers and real consumer choice in a market currently dominated by a single company," said Ballmer. "Success in search requires both innovation and scale. With our new Bing search platform, we've created breakthrough innovation and features. This agreement with Yahoo! will provide the scale we need to deliver even more rapid advances in relevancy and usefulness. Microsoft and Yahoo! know there's so much more that search could be. This agreement gives us the scale and resources to create the future of search."

"This deal fits the long-term strategic direction of Yahoo! to remain the world's leading online media company and Carol Bartz has the full and unanimous support of the Yahoo! Board behind this deal," said Roy Bostock, chairman, Yahoo! Inc. "This is a significant opportunity for us. Microsoft is an industry innovator in search, and it is a great opportunity for us to focus our investments in other areas critical to our future."

The key terms of the agreement are as follows:

--The term of the agreement is 10 years;

--Microsoft will acquire an exclusive 10 year license to Yahoo!'s core search technologies, and Microsoft will have the ability to integrate Yahoo! search technologies into its existing web search platforms;

--Microsoft's Bing will be the exclusive algorithmic search and paid search platform for Yahoo! sites. Yahoo! will continue to use its technology and data in other areas of its business such as enhancing display advertising technology.

--Yahoo! will become the exclusive worldwide relationship sales force for both companies' premium search advertisers. Self-serve advertising for both companies will be fulfilled by Microsoft's AdCenter platform, and prices for all search ads will continue to be set by AdCenter's automated auction process.

--Each company will maintain its own separate display advertising business and sales force.

--Yahoo! will innovate and "own" the user experience on Yahoo! properties, including the user experience for search, even though it will be powered by Microsoft technology.

--Microsoft will compensate Yahoo! through a revenue sharing agreement on traffic generated on Yahoo!'s network of both owned and operated (O&O) and affiliate sites.

--Microsoft will pay traffic acquisition costs (TAC) to Yahoo! at an initial rate of 88% of search revenue generated on Yahoo!'s O&O sites during the first 5 years of the agreement.

--Yahoo! will continue to syndicate its existing search affiliate partnerships.

--Microsoft will guarantee Yahoo!'s O&O revenue per search (RPS) in each country for the first 18 months following initial implementation in that country.

At full implementation (expected to occur within 24 months following regulatory approval), Yahoo! estimates, based on current levels of revenue and current operating expenses, that this agreement will provide a benefit to annual GAAP operating income of approximately $500 million and capital expenditure savings of approximately $200 million. Yahoo! also estimates that this agreement will provide a benefit to annual operating cash flow of approximately $275 million.

The agreement protects consumer privacy by limiting the data shared between the companies to the minimum necessary to operate and improve the combined search platform, and restricts the use of search data shared between the companies. The agreement maintains the industry-leading privacy practices that each company follows today.

The agreement does not cover each company's web properties and products, email, instant messaging, display advertising, or any other aspect of the companies' businesses. In those areas, the companies will continue to compete vigorously.

The transaction will be subject to regulatory review. The agreement entered into today anticipates that the parties will enter into more detailed definitive agreements prior to closing. Microsoft and Yahoo! expect the agreement to be closely reviewed by the industry and government regulators, and welcome questions. The companies are hopeful that closing can occur in early 2010.

The companies have established a website at http://www.choicevalueinnovation.com to provide consumers, advertisers ad publishers with additional information about the benefits of the agreement.

Yaho! and Microsoft will host a conference call with Yahoo! CEO Carol Bartz and Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer to discuss the agreement at 5:30 a.m. Pacific/8:30 a.m. Eastern Time today. To listen to the call, please dial 1-866-515-2908 in the U.S. and Canada; +1-617-399-5122 international, reservation number: 47968026. A live webcast of the call can be accessed through Yahoo!'s Investor Relations website. In addition, an archive of the webcast will be available through the same link. An audio replay of the call will be available for two weeks following the conference call by calling 1-888-286-8010 in the U.S. and Canada; +1-617-801-6888 international, reservation number: 91217610.

Non-GAAP Financial Measures

This release refers to operating cash flow (operating income before depreciation, amortization of intangible assets, and stock-based compensation expense, or OCF), which is a non-GAAP financial measure. The most comparable GAAP measure is income from operations. The estimated annual OCF benefit of $275 million included in this press release is the estimated annual benefit in income from operations of $500 million less approximately $225 million of estimated annual savings in depreciation, amortization and stock-based compensation expense.

About Yahoo!

Yahoo! Inc. is a leading global consumer brand and one of the most trafficked Internet destinations worldwide. Yahoo! is where millions of people go every day to see what is happening with the people and things that matter to them most. Yahoo! helps marketers reach that audience with its unique and compelling advertiser proposition. Yahoo! is headquartered in Sunnyvale, California. For more information, visit http://pressroom.yahoo.com or the company's blog, Yodel Anecdotal at http://yodel.yahoo.com.

"Owned and Operated sites" refers to Yahoo!'s owned and operated online properties and services.

"Affiliate sites" refers to Yahoo!'s distribution network of third-party entities who have integrated Yahoo!'s advertising offerings into their websites or their other offerings.

This press release and its attachments contain forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties concerning Yahoo!'s expected financial performance (including without limitation the quotations from management in this press release), as well as Yahoo!'s strategic and operational plans. Actual results may differ materially from the results predicted and reported results should not be considered as an indication of future performance. The potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, the expected financial and other benefits of the agreement with Microsoft may not be realized, including as a result of actions taken by United States or foreign regulatory authorities and the response or acceptance of the agreement by publishers, advertisers, users, and employees and Yahoo!'s strategic and business partners; the impact of management and organizational changes; the implementation and results of Yahoo!'s ongoing strategic and cost initiatives; Yahoo!'s ability to compete with new or existing competitors; reduction in spending by, or loss of, marketing services customers; the demand by customers for Yahoo!'s premium services; acceptance by users of new products and services; risks related to joint ventures and the integration of acquisitions; risks related to Yahoo!'s international operations; failure to manage growth and diversification; adverse results in litigation, including intellectual property infringement claims; Yahoo!'s ability to protect its intellectual property and the value of its brands; dependence on key personnel; dependence on third parties for technology, services, content, and distribution; and general economic conditions and changes in economic conditions; All information set forth in this press release and its attachments is as of July 29, 2009. Yahoo! does not intend, and undertakes no duty, to update this information to reflect future events or circumstances. More information about potential factors that could affect the Company's business and financial results is included under the captions "Risk Factors" and "Management's Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations" in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2008, and Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended March 31, 2009, which are on file with the SEC and available on the SEC's website at www.sec.gov. Additional information will also be set forth in those sections in Yahoo!'s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2009, which will be filed with the SEC in the third quarter of 2009.

This press release and its attachments also contain financial projections that are necessarily based upon a variety of estimates and assumptions which may not be realized and are inherently subject, in addition to the risks identified in the forward-looking statement disclaimer, to business, economic, competitive, industry, regulatory, market and financial uncertainties, many of which are beyond Yahoo!'s control. There can be no assurance that the assumptions made in preparing the projected financial impact will prove accurate. Accordingly, actual results may differ materially from the projected financial impact. In addition, all projections exclude anticipated reinvestment by Yahoo! in its non-search business.

Yahoo! and the Yahoo! logos are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of Yahoo! Inc. All other names are trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

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.

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