Library of Congress, Microsoft Announce Agreement to Support New Interactive Experience for Visitors

The Library of Congress and Microsoft Corp. have signed a cooperative agreement that will change the way visitors experience U.S. history. The joint technology innovation effort between the Library and Microsoft will electronically expose the Library’s immense collection of historical artifacts to patrons visiting the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building in Washington, D.C., and will allow unparalleled and immersive interactive experiences that will bring the Library’s vast historical collections and exhibits to life onsite and online through the upcoming myloc.gov Web site.

Through the Microsoft investment of funding, software and technology expertise, training and support services, the Library will deliver its New Visitors Experience through a complex technology system with interactive kiosks in the Jefferson Building as well as rich Internet applications delivered through a robust Web infrastructure.

“Microsoft is helping to put a vast array of the Library’s unparalleled educational resources literally at the fingertips of students and lifelong learners alike, both onsite at the Library of Congress and virtually through the Web,” said Librarian of Congress James H. Billington. “The Library of Congress and the causes of inspiration and creativity will benefit immensely from this act of generosity and expertise.”

“Technology can play such a meaningful role in facilitating the learning and discovery process for people of all ages,” said Curt Kolcun, vice president of the Federal Division at Microsoft. “This relationship between the Library and Microsoft will help citizens explore the Library’s — and our nation’s — treasure trove of historical memorabilia in unprecedented ways.”

Passport to Knowledge

New interactive galleries will bring to life the world’s largest collection of knowledge, culture and creativity, with virtual hands-on interaction with items such as the rough draft of the Declaration of Independence, the Gutenberg Bible, the 1507 Waldseemüller world map that first used the word “America,” and original volumes from Thomas Jefferson’s library. Key to these experiences will be interactive presentation software for kiosks running on Windows Vista and its Web equivalent, built utilizing Microsoft Silverlight. Together these technologies will enable incredible fidelity between the onsite and online experiences.

A new “Passport to Knowledge,” with a unique bar code linked to an online account, will allow visitors to bookmark areas of interest that can later be accessed and explored in depth at the upcoming myloc.gov Web site. “Knowledge Quest,” a game-based learning activity, will send visitors onsite and online searching for clues in the art and artifacts of the Library. Teachers will also have access to new educational resources.

The new experience for visitors, both onsite and online, will be powered by Microsoft Office SharePoint Server 2007 Web content management software.

The agreement is part of a larger effort to transform the public spaces of the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building into an experience that combines unique artifacts with cutting-edge technology and invites visitors to explore the collections in engaging new ways, thanks to Microsoft Silverlight. The Library’s new “Exploring the Early Americas” exhibition, which opened Dec. 13, offers a sampling of the new experience. More exhibits and enhancements, including personalized Web sites at myloc.gov, are scheduled to debut in spring 2008.

“Later this spring, when we open the bronze doors of the Library’s Thomas Jefferson Building, we will unleash new ways to tap into the knowledge housed here,” said Jo Ann Jenkins, chief operating officer of the Library of Congress. “Through this new experience, a wealth of information will be accessible as never before.”

Founded in 1800, the Library of Congress, the nation’s oldest federal cultural institution, seeks to further human understanding and wisdom by providing access to knowledge through its vast collections of books, manuscripts, films, and art objects from all over the globe. The Library’s award-winning Web site is at http://www.loc.gov. More information about the agreement can be found online at http://www.microsoft.com/industry/government/news/library_of_congress.mspx.

Bill Gates Looks Ahead at Next Digital Decade

At the 2008 International Consumer Electronics Show (CES), Microsoft Corp. Chairman Bill Gates and Microsoft President of the Entertainment & Devices Division Robbie Bach today unveiled several new entertainment services and partnerships, including new deals with Disney-ABC Television Group, NBC Universal and Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios Inc. (MGM), that demonstrate how software is improving people’s ability to connect with their favorite content and communities through new and expanded forms of entertainment experiences.

In his 11th CES opening keynote address, Gates looked at the sweeping changes since 2001 that have created the first true Digital Decade, including the continued expansion of the popularity of Windows-based PCs, the growing prevalence of broadband networks, the spread of mobile phones and the advent of portable digital media devices.

“Since I first started talking about the Digital Decade in 2001, the speed with which digital technology has become central to the way we work, learn and play has been amazing,” Gates said. “But in many ways, we are at the very beginning of the transformation that software will enable. During the next Digital Decade, technology will make our lives richer, more connected, more productive and more fulfilling in profound and exciting ways.”

Gates went on to outline his vision for the next Digital Decade — an era in which dramatic advances in hardware and software will make the power of computing a ubiquitous part of day-to-day life. Gates referenced how natural user interfaces will more closely reflect the way people interact with each other. High-definition experiences will be nearly everywhere. Services-connected devices running on the Web and huge amounts of storage accessible via the Internet will mean that information and capabilities people want will be available instantly and seamlessly, no matter where they are.

Partnership With NBC Universal for the First “Long-Tail” Olympics

A joint Microsoft-NBC Universal announcement provides just one indication of the power of software to change the way people experience online entertainment. NBC Universal and Microsoft will raise the bar for live and on-demand Internet broadcasting through an exclusive agreement where Microsoft and NBC will deliver NBCOlympics.com on MSN, the official U.S. online home of the 2008 Summer Olympics in Beijing. In the first “long-tail” Olympics, online viewers will have access to more than 3,000 hours of live and on-demand content so they can watch their favorite athlete or sport, regardless of whether the sport has seven fans or 7 million. NBCOlympics.com on MSN will be available free and powered by Microsoft Silverlight technology, a cross-browser, cross-platform plug-in for delivering high-quality video experiences on the Web.

“With Microsoft’s cutting-edge technology and MSN’s enormous reach, we will be positioned on NBCOlympics.com to enable Olympic fans to tailor their Olympic online viewing experience — they can watch Olympic sports content when and where they want,” said Gary Zenkel, president of NBC Olympics. “An on-demand Olympics means online viewers will be able to return to their favorite Olympic moments over and over or watch a performance they may have missed for the first time.”

Hit ABC and Disney Channel Programs Join Xbox Live Video Lineup; MGM Brings Legendary Library of Films to Xbox LIVE

Bach announced that hit TV programs from ABC Television and Disney Channel will join the Xbox Live programming available for download directly to the Xbox 360 console. In addition, MGM will bring its library of hit movies.

Under the agreement with Disney-ABC Television Group, later this month, all U.S. Xbox LIVE members will begin to have access to select TV shows and movies from the ABC Television Network, ABC Family, ABC News, Disney Channel and Toon Disney as part of an agreement with Disney-ABC Television Group. More than 500 hours of content, in both standard definition and high definition when available, will be offered including hit ABC Television shows “Lost,” “Grey’s Anatomy,” “Ugly Betty” and “Desperate Housewives.” Past and current ABC shows will be available on demand, with new episodes arriving on the service the day after they air on television.

Under the agreement with MGM, Xbox 360 will offer MGM’s legendary movie library on demand for Xbox 360 including such titles as “Rocky,” “Terminator,” “Legally Blonde,” “Silence of the Lambs” and “Barbershop.” United Artists, an MGM sister company, will also make select films available on demand.

With more than 10 million Xbox LIVE members and more than 3,500 hours of premium content, Xbox 360 has established itself as a premier platform for on-demand TV shows and movies, including impressive high definition experiences, for TV.

“Xbox LIVE Marketplace is the destination for high-definition movies, TV shows and music videos,” Bach said. “And, with the new Disney-ABC and MGM partnerships, we are bringing even more compelling high-definition content to people through their Xbox 360.”

Xbox 360 on Track to Register Biggest Year in Video Game History

According to Bach, the continuing success of Xbox is another indication of the power of digital technology to transform the way people access and experience entertainment of all kinds. Sales of 17.7 million consoles this holiday season surpassed original expectations and put Xbox 360 on track to register the biggest year in video game history as U.S. consumers spent more on the Xbox 360 platform in 2007 than on any other gaming platform.

“With its continued momentum in games, accessories and digital entertainment via our leading online service Xbox LIVE, and record-setting games and accessory attach rates, evidence is everywhere that Xbox 360 is thriving,” Bach said.

Zune to Launch in Canada; Zune Social Grows Rapidly

Adding to the entertainment momentum, Bach announced that Zune will be available in Canada in spring 2008, the first time the family of digital music players will be available outside the U.S. Microsoft also announced that since the November launch of Zune Social, more than 1.5 million people have joined the music-focused social network, demonstrating how Zune is tapping into consumers’ desire to share their musical passions with their broader community.

Windows Vista Hits 100 Million Licenses; Shows Latest “Fashion” PCs

During the keynote, Gates talked about the ongoing transformation of the personal computer and he shared sales figures for Windows Vista that indicate that the PC and the Windows platform remains a central catalyst for the advances of the Digital Decade. According to Gates, the company has sold more than 100 million Windows Vista licenses to date.

“For more than 25 years, Windows has unlocked the power of personal computing,” Gates said. “Now we are expanding Windows to go where you want to go and do what you want to do on PCs, the Web and mobile devices. The result is connected experiences that extend across people’s lives, interests and communities, at home and at work.”

In addition to technology advances that continue to make PCs more powerful, more portable and more affordable, there is a growing emphasis on style. Independent research firm Forrester Research Inc. has predicted that the period between now and 2012 will be the “Age of Style” for the consumer PC industry, with “strategists and marketers weaving design concerns into their thinking about every facet of their company’s strategies as style and design becomes a critical brand attribute.” (“The Age Of Style In Consumer PCs,” Forrester Research, June 25, 2007). Examples from several hardware manufacturers were shown in a video during the CES keynote, including these:

• ASUS-Lamborghini VX3. Available in the first quarter of 2008, this PC is ultrathin and lightweight, and comes with a 12.1-inch-wide LED backlit panel and premium leather-bound palm rest with exquisite stitch detailing reminiscent of that in a Lamborghini automobile.

• Lenovo IdeaPad U110. Available in January 2008, this super-slim notebook weighs just over two pounds and is embellished with a tendril texture etched into a red metal cover and includes a Dolby Home Theater system and optional Solid State Drives.

New IPTV Experiences; Microsoft Mediaroom Now on 1 Million Set-Top Boxes

Other announcements highlight the ongoing impact that digital technology and software plus services are having on the way people experience television. Showtime Networks Inc. and Turner Broadcasting System Inc.’s TNT and CNN networks all introduced new TV applications capable of delivering the most advanced digital TV services on the Microsoft Mediaroom Internet Protocol Television (IPTV) platform, which is enabling over 20 of the world’s leading broadband service providers to deliver advanced digital TV services.

Examples of innovative new television experiences include the ability to view NASCAR Sprint Cup Series races from the driver’s vantage point by choosing from a series of in-car cameras on broadcasts by TNT; to watch boxing matches by selecting different camera angles and audio feeds on Showtime; and to access the richness of CNN.com’s 2008 presidential election coverage while watching CNN’s television broadcast.

Microsoft also announced that Mediaroom is now running on 1 million set-top boxes worldwide and unveiled a new offering called DVR Anywhere, giving customers the flexibility of watching their recorded programs on multiple TVs in the home.

In addition, Microsoft announced that Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd. will support Extender for Windows Media Center, enabling televisions to stream HD content from any Windows Vista-based PCs with Windows Media Center over a wired or dual-band Wireless-N home network. This partnership builds on strong momentum and a growing set of online services, including the recent beta release of Windows Media Center Internet TV, which offers more than 100 hours of ad-supported entertainment from MSN Video, including full-length shows, music concerts and movie trailers.

New Interfaces Drive Future of Computing: Speech, Vision, Touch and More

Examples of the growing prevalence of more natural user interfaces were also on display during the keynote. Bach previewed a new version of Tellme, Microsoft’s integrated voice-and-visual mobile service that enables people to use voice commands to say what they want and see the answer on their phone’s screen. The new service uses Global Positioning System (GPS) capabilities to identify the caller’s location, yielding results that are significantly more relevant. Tellme is available today on AT&T Wireless and Sprint phones and will be available in future versions of Windows Mobile.

For example, a person can “call” the Web on a mobile phone and say “movies” and the software will recognize where the person is located and send to that mobile phone’s screen a list of the theaters closest to that location. Furthermore, Microsoft gave an early glimpse of how future versions may also offer the ability to purchase movie tickets from a mobile phone and share the movie information with friends and family via a text message.

Bach also demoed voice-activated technology for the car, including Sync, a fully integrated in-car communications and infotainment system for mobile phones and digital music players that has been available in select Ford models since September. Ford Motor Co., which expects to sell more than 1 million vehicles with Sync by early 2009, unveiled the new 911 Assist feature that connects drivers with emergency services in the case of an accident or emergency.

New AMD Platform Integrates ATI Graphics for The Ultimate Visual Experience For Windows Vista at an Affordable Price

AMD (NYSE: AMD) today introduced the AMD 690 series chipset, the company’s first chipset to bring together the combined strengths of AMD CPU and platform technology with the industry-leading features of the ATI Radeon™ X1250 GPU.

“As a result of the ATI merger, AMD is delivering innovative platforms for the commercial and consumer markets featuring best of breed performance, visual computing experience, energy efficiency and stability,” said Dirk Meyer, AMD president and COO. “With the launch of the AMD 690 series chipset, AMD is delivering on the commitment we made to our customers, channel partners and end users to bring to them customer-centric innovation. Our largest global customers are already committed to offering AMD 690 series-based solutions, and more than 30 motherboard designs will be available.”

“With its leading image quality and 3D graphics capabilities, the AMD 690 series chipset is a proven performer, easily handling the demanding workloads of today’s PC users,” said Phil Eisler, corporate vice president and general manager, AMD Chipset Division. “This is just the first in a line of innovative, high- performance AMD chipsets that we’ll introduce to address every sector of the market.”

The AMD 690 series chipset incorporates ATI Radeon™ X1250 graphics into its design to ensure The Ultimate Visual ExperienceTM for Windows Vista. Multitasking between applications has never been easier with Windows Aero, the new visually-rich 3D user interface built into Windows Vista Premium and Business editions. The AMD 690 series chipset delivers the power to make new features like Windows Flip and Windows Flip 3D an integral part of every business day.1

“As one of the first chipsets with motherboard graphics to receive the Certified for Windows Vista logo, the AMD 690 family is a testament to the ongoing relationship between Microsoft and AMD,” said Dave Wascha, director of partner marketing for Windows Client at Microsoft Corp. “ATI Radeon graphics deliver excellent Windows Vista performance. We’re proud that together we’re able to provide consumers worldwide an experience that is easier, safer, more entertaining and better connected whether at home, at work, or on the go.”

Working together, AMD’s chipset, CPU and GPU hardware and software teams have optimized the AMD 690 platform to provide rock-solid stability and image quality and will soon support select platforms in the AMD Validated Solutions program. Commercial customers will appreciate the energy-efficient design of AMD 690 series-based platforms, in a compact package suitable for multiple form factors and configurations, supporting up to four monitors with the addition of a dual-DVI ATI Radeon graphics card.

The AMD 690 family is the first AMD chipset with ATI graphics that supports ATI Avivo™ technology, providing The Ultimate Visual Experience™ with smooth video playback and true-to-life images for all multimedia, including high-definition content. The AMD 690 series chipset also provides more display choices than any other chipset today, being the first chipset with integrated HDMI and a separate DVI output. Protected content can also be played through on-chip HDCP support, making this chipset an incredible multimedia platform.2

The new AMD 690 series chipset, representing one of the industry’s most versatile platform GPU solutions, is also a new addition to the AMD Better by Design program. Launched earlier this year, the Better by Design program is an industry-wide initiative highlighting outstanding performance and superior technologies in PCs designed by leading global OEMs. Today’s PC users want better performance and a richer experience, and the Better by Design program provides the added level of information needed to make the smarter choice.

The AMD 690 series chipset will be widely available from partners, including Albatron Technology Co., ASUS, Biostar, ECS, ELITEGROUP COMPUTER SYSTEMS CO., LTD, EPoX Computer Company, Foxconn Technology Group, GIGABYTE United Inc, Jetway Info Co. Ltd., MSI Computer Ltd., PCPartner Ltd. and Sapphire. In addition, numerous system integrators are on board including Atelco, Bas Group, Formoza, Multimedis, Onda, PC Box, Seethru, Systemax, Unika, Unika Multimedia and ZT Group.


1. On PCs configured to Windows Vista Premium system requirements, this product supports the Premium Windows Aero User Experience within: Windows Vista Ultimate, Windows Vista Home Premium, Windows Vista Business, Windows Vista Enterprise. Details at windowsvista.com/getready

2. AMD 690 series chipsets are HDCP-compliant, including a built-in EEPROM and HDCP key. Other components such as HDCP content and an HDCP-capable display are also required and not provided by AMD. Third parties have the option of making their AMD 690-based motherboards HDCP-compliant as well. If this is an important feature to you, check with the third party motherboard partner prior to purchasing a third party product.

MSFT: Microsoft Launches Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 to Consumers Worldwide

On Jan. 30 the most significant product launch in Microsoft Corp.’s history culminates in the release to consumers of the Windows Vista™ operating system and Microsoft® Office 2007. Starting tomorrow, these two flagship products will be available in more than 70 countries, in 19 languages (with 99 languages anticipated by the end of the year), and at more than 39,000 retail stores and online. The launch marks the achievement of an unprecedented collaboration between Microsoft and its customers and partners, and ushers in an era in which personal computing is easier, safer and more enjoyable than ever before.

“Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 will transform the way people work and play,” said Bill Gates, chairman of Microsoft. “Personal computers have become a key part of the daily lives of almost a billion people worldwide. Millions of consumers had a hand in helping us design, test and create the most exciting versions of Windows and Office we’ve ever released. Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 squarely address the needs and aspirations of people around the globe.”

A New Era of Personal Computing

Windows Vista and the latest release of Microsoft Office feature dramatic graphic enhancements to the interface that make the desktop more visually exciting and significantly easier to use. With simple and intuitive tools, consumers can easily create and share digital documents, photos, music and videos, participate in digital communities, and play online and offline games.

With Windows Vista, consumers will be able to experience all kinds of entertainment — from television to video games to music and movies — how and when they want. Keeping in touch with family, friends and colleagues using e-mail, voice recording or video will be richer and more convenient. Redesigned user interfaces will increase productivity and ease of use, helping consumers and small businesses produce documents — from a marketing plan to a child’s birthday invitation — that look better and are more professional in less time. Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 will continue to improve access to information with new tools that make it easy to find the right piece of information — be it an e-mail message, image, note or media clip — no matter where it is stored.

The new versions of Windows and Microsoft Office also deliver advances in family safety by empowering parents to better manage and monitor their children’s PC and Internet activities. With a few simple clicks in the new Windows Vista Parental Controls center, parents can manage and monitor PC and Internet access, and decide what kinds of TV, music and games are appropriate for their children. Security is also more robust in the new releases. Features such as Windows Defender help protect consumers against attacks from spyware and malicious Web sites, while other enhancements help safeguard personal information. In Microsoft Office 2007, Document Inspector helps clean personal information, comments and hidden text from documents, so families can share their documents with confidence.

“These are the most amazing versions of Windows and Office ever,” said Steve Ballmer, CEO of Microsoft. “The visual effects are spectacular; the navigation is streamlined and intuitive. They make it much easier to protect your PC, yourself and your children online. And they work together to help you accomplish more throughout the day.”

New Opportunities

The consumer launch of Windows Vista is also expected to unleash a flood of new next-generation hardware, software and entertainment devices and services. Currently, more than 1.5 million devices and peripherals are on the market that work with Windows Vista, including more than 2,500 that are Certified for Windows Vista. In addition, thousands of PC manufacturers and system builders around the globe will deliver the Windows Vista operating system and Microsoft Office 2007 on new PCs.

“We designed Windows Vista and Office 2007 as springboards for our partners, for realizing the next generation of computing, for a whole new wave of innovation in devices and software that offer better graphics, better connectivity and communications, and a more productive, more enjoyable experience all around,” Ballmer said. “Tomorrow’s launch will have a dramatic impact on computing long-term.”

Global Outreach

Microsoft also kicked off its global television, Web, and out-of-home and theater advertising campaigns encouraging people to see the “wow” of Windows Vista. The global campaign will reflect the exciting possibilities that Windows Vista will deliver to customers around the world.

Microsoft has mobilized employees — including executives, engineers, developers and product managers — to spend the launch day assisting salespeople at retail stores across the United States. Retailers around the world are providing special offers and opportunities to shoppers on the first day of general product availability.

AMD and Microsoft Collaboration Enables World-class Windows Vista Experience

AMD (NYSE: AMD) today detailed the hardware and supporting software technologies to deliver the highest levels of performance, stability and application compatibility for Microsoft Windows Vista™ users.


Based on an unprecedented collaboration between Microsoft and AMD, Windows Vista harnesses AMD silicon and software to deliver truly immersive computing experiences, new tools for creating and sharing multimedia content and enhanced capabilities for locating and securing data. AMD and Microsoft have worked closely and continue to collaborate on Windows Vista™ development and requirements to bring hardware and software benefits together for our mutual customers. In addition, AMD64 processor-based systems were one of the platforms on which Windows Vista was developed, built, tested and optimized.


“Today begins a new era in computing, one that will change people's expectations about how they enjoy their PCs," said Hector Ruiz, chairman and CEO, AMD. "It has been our great pleasure to work so closely with Microsoft to develop tightly integrated solutions that deliver the ultimate experience for Windows Vista.”


Steve Ballmer, CEO, Microsoft, said: “AMD has invested heavily in hardware and software innovations so that consumers can enjoy new experiences that take full advantage of the breakthrough capabilities that Windows Vista delivers. From day one, AMD has played a key role in helping us design and validate the new driver model at the heart of Windows Vista. That knowledge has led to the development of extremely stable, feature-rich high-performance software drivers and hardware that really showcase the full power of the new Windows operating system.”


AMD has worked closely with Microsoft for more than four years to ensure broad availability of optimized hardware and software solutions for Windows Vista at launch. AMD’s mainstream multi-core and 64-bit microprocessor technology and advanced graphics solutions provide consumers with superior performance, stability and compatibility for Windows Vista, along with a stunning visual experience.


The results of the AMD-Microsoft collaboration continue today with the immediate availability of ATI Catalyst™ 7.1, AMD’s graphics driver optimized for Windows Vista. ATI Catalyst 7.1 for Windows Vista:

• was developed in close collaboration with Microsoft and is an evolution of AMD source code found in the default graphics drivers in Windows Vista;


• enables PC users to view next generation Blu-ray and HD DVD titles when used in conjunction with AMD hardware and appropriate playback software; and


• provides optimized performance for 3D applications and games.

Independent benchmarks demonstrate that ATI Catalyst 7.1 for Vista delivers one of the most stable graphics experiences available with high performance and broad application support.



Timeline of Innovation Building to Windows Vista

ATI Catalyst 7.1 for Windows Vista is the most recent example of AMD’s ongoing commitment to work with fellow industry leaders to deliver high-quality computing experiences for the widest audience possible. AMD has long championed industry collaboration to deliver advanced technologies which integrate to deliver outstanding Windows Vista experiences:

• 2002: As the former ATI, AMD’s Graphics and Media business unit collaborated with Microsoft to jointly develop optimized graphics solutions for Windows Vista.


• 2003: AMD introduced AMD64 technology, offering advanced capabilities including Direct Connect Architecture, hardware-level Enhanced Virus Protection*, and 64-bit x86 processors fully compatible with existing 32-bit software, enabling a seamless transition to more powerful 64-bit computing.


• 2005: AMD unveils the industry’s first simultaneous 32- and 64-bit native dual core x86 processors for multi-tasking performance that allow users to quickly switch from one program to another, reducing annoying processing pauses.


• 2006: AMD unveils the advanced AMD Quad FX Platform with Dual Socket Direct Connect Architecture, providing the ultimate two-socket solution for Windows Vista with a two socket upgrade path to eight cores for mega-tasking enthusiasts.


• 2007: Systems that feature AMD’s Better by Design label incorporate high-performance and energy-efficient AMD64 dual-core processors, superior graphics and wireless network performance, and other superior technologies that meet and exceed the demands of even the most advanced Windows Vista applications.


• 2007: ATI TV Wonder™ Digital Cable Tuner announced, providing the only way to view premium HD digital cable TV content on Windows Vista based PCs.

* Enhanced Virus Protection (EVP) is only enabled by certain operating systems including the current versions of Microsoft® Windows®, Linux®, Solaris and BSD Unix. After properly installing the appropriate operating system release, users must enable the protection of their applications and associated files from buffer overrun attacks. Consult your OS documentation for information on enabling EVP. Contact your application software vendor for information regarding use of the application in conjunction with EVP. AMD strongly recommends that users continue to use third party anti-virus software as part of their security strategy.

MSFT: Next Generation of Windows Live OneCare Launches Internationally Alongside Windows Vista

Starting Jan. 30, consumers in the United States and 16 other countries will be able to purchase a major release of Windows Live™ OneCare™ online or from participating retail stores. Building on versions of Microsoft’s comprehensive PC care service previously available in the United States, the new Windows Live OneCare release will now offer an even simpler consumer experience. The service will feature unified virus and spyware scanning, more flexible file backup options and support for the Windows Vista™ operating system, which will also be available to consumers on Jan. 30. Delivering on the OneCare promise of a simple, evolving service, all active OneCare subscribers will be automatically upgraded to this latest release with new features and enhancements while they’re online.

To thank the consumers worldwide who participated in the Windows Live OneCare beta program for this major release, a special offer will be sent via e-mail to beta users for a significant discount off the annual subscription fee when they sign up at http://onecare.live.com. From Jan. 23 through Feb. 12, Windows Live OneCare beta users who take advantage of this offer will receive a year’s service at approximately 60 percent off the regular price. In addition, many retailers plan to offer rebates and other in-store promotions for Windows Live OneCare in the coming weeks.

“This new release marks our continued commitment to evolving and expanding our all-in-one PC care service around the world — both for Windows XP and now Windows Vista customers,” said Ryan Hamlin, general manager of the Technology Care and Safety Group at Microsoft. “In addition to helping guard against viruses, spyware, phishing scams and other security threats, OneCare also handles a variety of essential PC care practices behind the scenes so our customers can have peace of mind that their PC is being taken care of and will be able to spend their valuable time on other things.”

Windows Live OneCare offers automated protection, maintenance, performance tuning and support for PCs running either Windows® XP Service Pack 2 or the Windows Vista operating system. Designed to evolve with the changing needs of consumers, Windows Live OneCare continuously delivers new and updated features to subscribers while they’re online.

Support for Windows Vista Operating System

Windows Live OneCare completes the security picture for Windows Vista adopters by providing real-time anti-virus protection and managing firewall policies to address new and evolving threats. The service goes beyond security to help simplify important maintenance tasks such as backing up photos, music and other files to a variety of storage devices and defragmenting the hard drive to help increase the performance of consumers’ PCs.

Pricing and Availability

In the United States, Windows Live OneCare is priced at an annual subscription rate of $49.95 (estimated retail price*) for up to three PCs. As of Jan. 30, the service will also be available at similar pricing and licensing structures in the following markets: Australia, Austria, Belgium (Dutch and French), Canada (English and French), France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Japan, Mexico, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Singapore, Spain, Switzerland (French and German), the United Kingdom and the United States. Consumers can download the Windows Live OneCare subscription service at http://onecare.live.com

About MSN and Windows Live

MSN® attracts more than 465 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 Windows Live is available at http://www.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

MSFT: Windows Vista Expected to Generate $4 Billion in New Revenue for Florida IT Industry in 2007

Florida’s IT industry is expected to experience a significant financial impact as a result of the launch of the Windows Vista™ operating system. According to a research study recently completed by IDC and commissioned by Microsoft Corp., within the first year of the Windows Vista shipment, Florida’s IT industry will begin seeing considerable increases in new jobs and revenue. The study’s findings indicate that Windows Vista will provide a foundation for the IT market, with more than 18 percent of total IT employment in Florida being related to Windows Vista. In addition, total Windows®-related employment in Florida is expected to jump by more than 11,000 new jobs.

Windows Vista, together with the 2007 Microsoft® Office system, was made available on Nov. 30 to Volume Licensing customers and will be broadly available on Jan. 30.

“Windows Vista will create additional revenues for Microsoft in Florida, but will also create even bigger economic ripples throughout the ecosystem that sells products and services in Florida that run on or work with it,” said John Gantz, chief research officer and senior vice president of IDC. “Windows Vista’s footprint in the state will be wide, as original equipment manufacturers sell PCs that run on it, software companies sell applications that run it, and services and distribution firms deliver, install, support and train on it. We expect that in the first year of Windows Vista shipments, this ecosystem will sell more than $4 billion of Windows Vista-related products and services in Florida.”

Microsoft partners — companies that sell hardware, write software, provide IT services or serve as IT distribution channels — will also feel the impact of Windows Vista because it will drive substantial revenue and growth for Microsoft-centric companies. According to the study, the release of Windows Vista will help strengthen the more than 12,000 Florida IT companies that will produce, sell or distribute products and services running on Windows Vista. The study also forecasts that each dollar of Windows Vista-related revenue earned by Microsoft in 2007 will generate more than $21 in revenue for the ecosystem beyond Microsoft.

“Microsoft is proud to bring products to market that help infuse economic growth here in Florida,” said Craig Kampel, Gulf States Area general manager at Microsoft. “This launch is generating economic opportunities in Florida and across the nation by creating jobs, enabling organizational efficiencies and helping solve business challenges for our customers, partners and the IT industry as a whole.”

Microsoft’s ecosystem is making a sizable investment to prepare for and roll out Windows Vista worldwide, according to the IDC study. Between now and the end of 2007, IDC expects Microsoft partners to invest approximately $500 million in Windows Vista-related products and services.

The complete Florida IDC study on the economic impact of Windows Vista is available at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/itanalyst/default.mspx

MSFT: Windows Vista Expected to Generate $7 Billion in New Revenue for New York IT Industry in 2007

New York’s IT industry is expected to experience a significant financial impact as a result of the launch of the Windows Vista™ operating system. According to a research study recently completed by IDC and commissioned by Microsoft Corp., within the first year of the Windows Vista shipment, New York’s IT industry will begin seeing considerable increases in new jobs and revenue. The study’s findings indicate that Windows Vista will provide a foundation for the IT market, with more than 17 percent of total IT employment in New York related to Windows Vista. In addition, total Windows®-related employment in New York is expected to jump by more than 16,000 new jobs.

Windows Vista, together with the 2007 Microsoft® Office system, was made available on Nov. 30 to Volume Licensing customers and will be broadly available on Jan. 30.

“Windows Vista will create additional revenues for Microsoft in New York, but will also create even bigger economic ripples throughout the ecosystem that sells products and services in New York that run on or work with it,” said John Gantz, chief research officer and senior vice president of IDC. “Windows Vista’s footprint in the state will be wide, as original equipment manufacturers sell PCs that run on it, software companies sell applications that run it, and services and distribution firms deliver, install, support and train on it. We expect that in the first year of Windows Vista shipments, this ecosystem will sell more than $7 billion of Windows Vista-related products and services in New York.”

Microsoft partners — companies that sell hardware, write software, provide IT services or serve as IT distribution channels — will also feel the impact of Windows Vista because it will drive substantial revenue and growth for Microsoft-centric companies. According to the study, the release of Windows Vista will help strengthen the more than 16,000 New York IT companies that will produce, sell or distribute products and services running on Windows Vista. The study also forecasts that, in New York, each dollar of Windows Vista-related revenue earned by Microsoft in 2007 will generate more than $19 in revenue for the ecosystem beyond Microsoft.

“Microsoft is proud to bring products to market that help infuse economic growth here in New York,” said Michael Robinson, New York Metro District general manager at Microsoft. “This launch is generating economic opportunities in New York and across the nation by creating jobs, enabling organizational efficiencies and helping solve business challenges for our customers, partners and the IT industry as a whole.”

Microsoft’s ecosystem is making a sizable investment to prepare for and roll out Windows Vista worldwide, according to the IDC study. Between now and the end of 2007, IDC expects Microsoft partners to invest approximately $700 million in Windows Vista-related products and services in New York.

The complete New York IDC study on the economic impact of Windows Vista is available at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/itanalyst/default.mspx

MSFT: Windows Vista Expected to Generate $2.5 Billion in New Revenue for New Jersey IT Industry in 2007

New Jersey’s IT industry is expected to experience a significant financial impact as a result of the launch of the Windows Vista™ operating system. According to a research study recently completed by IDC and commissioned by Microsoft Corp., within the first year of the Windows Vista shipment, New Jersey’s IT industry will begin seeing considerable increases in new jobs and revenue. The study’s findings indicate that Windows Vista will provide a foundation for the IT market, with more than 17 percent of total IT employment in New Jersey related to Windows Vista. In addition, total Windows®-related employment in New Jersey is expected to jump by more than 5,000 new jobs.

Windows Vista, together with the 2007 Microsoft® Office system, was made available on Nov. 30 to Volume Licensing customers and will be broadly available on Jan. 30.

“Windows Vista will create additional revenues for Microsoft in New Jersey, but will also create even bigger economic ripples throughout the ecosystem that sells products and services in New Jersey that run on or work with it,” said John Gantz, chief research officer and senior vice president of IDC. “Windows Vista’s footprint in the state will be wide, as original equipment manufacturers sell PCs that run on it, software companies sell applications that run it, and services and distribution firms deliver, install, support and train on it. We expect that in the first year of Windows Vista shipments, this ecosystem will sell more than $2.5 billion of Windows Vista-related products and services in New Jersey.”

Microsoft partners — companies that sell hardware, write software, provide IT services or serve as IT distribution channels — will also feel the impact of Windows Vista because it will drive substantial revenue and growth for Microsoft-centric companies. According to the study, the release of Windows Vista will help strengthen the more than 8,000 New Jersey IT companies that will produce, sell or distribute products and services running on Windows Vista. The study also forecasts that, in New Jersey, each dollar of Windows Vista-related revenue earned by Microsoft in 2007 will generate almost $21 in revenue for the ecosystem beyond Microsoft.

“Microsoft is proud to bring products to market that help infuse economic growth here in New Jersey,” said Michael Robinson, New York Metro District general manager at Microsoft. “This launch is generating economic opportunities in New Jersey and across the nation by creating jobs, enabling organizational efficiencies and helping solve business challenges for our customers, partners and the IT industry as a whole.”

Microsoft’s ecosystem is making a sizable investment to prepare for and roll out Windows Vista worldwide, according to the IDC study. Between now and the end of 2007, IDC expects Microsoft partners to invest approximately $300 million in Windows Vista-related products and services in New Jersey.


The complete New Jersey IDC study on the economic impact of Windows Vista is available at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/itanalyst/default.mspx