REDMOND, Wash. — May 29, 2013 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the 86 teams that will travel to St. Petersburg, Russia, in July to compete in the 11th annual Imagine Cup Worldwide Finals in pursuit of $1,000,000 in cash prizes and other awards. Each team’s innovative ideas, mastery of integrated technology and development of a strong business plan helped them compete in their country during the year, then rise above their peers for the opportunity to represent their country at Microsoft’s annual global student technology competition. Imagine Cup is part of the Microsoft YouthSpark initiative to create opportunities for millions of young people around the world.

More students competed in Imagine Cup worldwide this year than ever before, with a more than 70 percent increase from 2012. The best projects advanced to country-level competitions that determined the national teams, while additional teams advanced via a global online competition. Students could compete via Competitions as well as themed Challenges. Competitions are cornerstone events for Imagine Cup that require students to complete applications built on Microsoft technology aligned to three key focus areas: Innovation, World Citizenship and Games.

Challenges provide an opportunity for students to participate in Imagine Cup by learning, prototyping and creating applications using the newest Microsoft technologies. They occur online only, and the top three teams in each category will attend the Worldwide Finals to compete for first-, second- or third-place awards. Challenge categories include the Windows Azure Challenge, Windows Phone Challenge and Windows 8 App Challenge.

“For more than a decade, Imagine Cup has cultivated entrepreneurship in students and has provided them with a vehicle to bring their creativity to life through apps, software platforms and social networks,” said Steve Guggenheimer, corporate vice president and chief evangelist at Microsoft. “Participating in initiatives such as Imagine Cup, DreamSpark and BizSpark gives students skills to transition from the classroom to the professional world as business owners, programmers, game designers and entrepreneurs.”

Team Colinked from the University of Exeter will represent the United Kingdom at the Imagine Cup Worldwide Finals this year in the Innovation Competition, a new category created to celebrate the wider world of student innovations. The team created an app called soundSYNK that uses Bluetooth technology to link an unlimited number of Windows Phones and streams the same song on all of them in perfect timing, effectively creating a symphony of speakers.

“soundSYNK is an impromptu social network that brings people together through the instant sharing of music,” said Edward Noel, a member of Team Colinked. “In a year’s time we hope to be a fully functioning startup with an app on millions of smartphones.”

Imagine Cup welcomes Matt Smith

In addition to the 86 teams attending this year’s final event in Russia, Microsoft is pleased to announce that Matt Smith, who plays the intelligent and witty iconic time traveler on the BBC, will join Imagine Cup students onstage as host of the Worldwide Finals awards ceremony, which will be streamed live online worldwide July 11.

Each year Imagine Cup is dedicated to showing the world how young people can rise from anywhere and shine a brilliant light on the future. This year Matt Smith will be there with Microsoft to infuse that light.

Sponsored awards

Students will compete at the Worldwide Finals for first, second and third place in six competition categories, as well as awards presented by Imagine Cup sponsors.

• AppCampus Award. All teams with a Windows Phone project are eligible to apply for this award with a prize of 50,000 euros in funding, airfare and accommodations to attend a four-week AppCampus training event in Finland.

• DreamSpark Learning Award. Teams that developed a project showcasing how software creates new ways of learning and/or teaching are invited to apply for a $5,000 grand prize award.

• Facebook Creativity Award. Worldwide Finalists that integrate Facebook Login into their apps to grow distribution and increase engagement will be eligible for the grand prize of $25,000 in Facebook advertising credits.

• KFC Russia Award. Worldwide finalist teams with Kinect for Xbox 360 projects related to youth culture, healthy lifestyles or nutrition will be eligible to win the $10,000 prize and have their project featured at the KFC flagship restaurant in Moscow.

• Mail.Ru Group Connected Planet Award. Projects that embrace online communications and entertainment in fun, useful and innovative ways are eligible for these prizes: first place, $10,000; second place, $5,000; and third place, $3,000.

• Women’s Empowerment Award. Presented in partnership with UN Women, this award will be given to teams that create technology solutions that empower women to improve their lives. The first-place prize is $12,000 and second place is $8,000.

Worldwide Finalists with projects focused on social good also have the chance to apply for Microsoft Imagine Cup Grants, part of a $3 million investment by Microsoft through its YouthSpark initiative to help students turn their ideas for social good into reality.

Industry experts set to judge at Worldwide Finals

This year Imagine Cup has judges representing both a breadth of experience and a depth of expertise in innovation, technology development, gaming and other key areas. Those coming to Russia to judge the final projects include Catherine Bracy from Code for America; Simon Lu from Twitter; Alexey Pajitnov, the creator of “Tetris”; and many others. A full list of all judges is available on the Imagine Cup website.

Imagine Cup Worldwide Finalists

These are the Imagine Cup Worldwide Finalist teams, and a full list is also available on the Imagine Cup website.

Country, Category, Team Name:

• Algeria, World Citizenship, Ask Design

• Angola, Games, UMA

• Argentina & Uruguay, World Citizenship, Tweaks

• Armenia, Innovation, Lionsharp Solutions

• Australia, World Citizenship, Confufish Royale

• Austria, Games, Zeppelin Studio

• Bahrain, Innovation, Buzzlers

• Bangladesh, World Citizenship, BUET101

• Belgium, World Citizenship, Hateya

• Bolivia, World Citizenship, Noodles

• Botswana, World Citizenship. Tandabala

• Brazil, World Citizenship, Oniria Games for Health Brazil

• Brazil, Innovation, Flying Ship

• Bulgaria, World Citizenship, Vertigo

• Canada, World Citizenship, Sano

• Chile, Innovation, Lifeware

• China, Innovation, Imagine the World

• China, World Citizenship, Combine

• China, Windows Azure, LetssGo

• Croatia, World Citizenship, AuThink

• Cyprus, World Citizenship, Nudge From Cyprus

• Czech Republic, Games, WickedGames

• Ecuador, World Citizenship, AYNI

• Egypt, Innovation, MASKed Ninjas

• France, World Citizenship, Ki (Breath)

• France, Games, Banzai Lightning

• France, Games, Seven Worlds

• Germany, World Citizenship, metappolic

• Germany, Windows 8, Wordsapp

• Greece, World Citizenship, Kinemat

• Hungary, Innovation, Plan B Labs

• India, World Citizenship, PATHFINDERS

• India, Windows Azure, Y-Nots

• Indonesia, Games, Solite Studio

• Ireland, World Citizenship, RUOK

• Italy, Innovation, ATS Team

• Italy, Windows 8, TeamNameException

• Japan, Innovation, Project N

• Jordan, Innovation, Devastators

• Kazakhstan, World Citizenship, Merado

• Kenya, Innovation, Team PI Craft

• Korea, Innovation, Lumos

• Lebanon, Innovation, KeyStroke

• Malta, World Citizenship, PhAid

• Mauritania, Innovation, One World

• Morocco, Innovation, GreenMust

• New Zealand, World Citizenship, InfinityTek

• Nigeria, World Citizenship, LifeSaver

• Oman, Innovation, Thrizers

• Pakistan, World Citizenship, Team Epi-C

• Palestinian Authorities, Innovation, Fresco

• Peru, Innovation, M&Z Team

• Poland, Innovation, TapBoarders

• Poland, Windows Phone, front

• Poland, Windows Phone, WeRule

• Portugal, World Citizenship, For a Better World

• Puerto Rico, Games, PsyTrack

• Qatar, Innovation, Qspark

• Romania, World Citizenship, MedScientists

• Russia, Innovation, Out of Focus

• Russia, Games, Quad Damage

• Russia, World Citizenship, Gesis

• Saudi Arabia, Innovation, Dreams Team

• Singapore, Innovation, EyeCanSee

• Singapore, Windows Phone, vSoft Studio

• Slovakia, World Citizenship, Quatrro Formaggi

• Slovenia, World Citizenship, Beezinga

• Slovenia, Innovation, DORA

• South Africa, Innovation, South Africa

• Spain, Innovation, M1R

• Sri Lanka, Innovation, Team Firebird

• Taiwan, World Citizenship, Omni-Hearing Solution

• Thailand, Innovation, MYRA

• Thailand, Windows 8, Clever Mind

• Tunisia, World Citizenship, WiseTeam

• Turkey, Games, Space Fighters

• Uganda, World Citizenship, Code 8

• Ukraine, Innovation, CamTouch

• Ukraine, Windows Azure, nlife

• United Arab Emirates, World Citizenship, M.S.A. Team

• United Kingdom, Innovation, Colinked

• United States, Innovation, Team Poli’ahu

• United States, World Citizenship, Bears Unlimited

• Venezuela, World Citizenship, Lazarillo NET

• Vietnam, Games, Bluetooth

• West & Central Africa, World Citizenship, Kernel

About Microsoft Imagine Cup

Microsoft Imagine Cup is the world’s premier technology program and competition for students to learn, build and compete with innovative tools, platform and services. This is the 11th year of Imagine Cup, part of Microsoft YouthSpark, which will be celebrated at the Worldwide Finals in St. Petersburg, Russia, July 8–11. Students are eligible to register and compete in Imagine Cup by visiting http://www.imaginecup.com. A full list of competition categories is available at http://imaginecup.com/main/compete.

About Microsoft YouthSpark

Microsoft YouthSpark is a global initiative that aims to create opportunities for 300 million youth in more than 100 countries during the next three years. This companywide initiative includes Citizenship and other company programs — both new and enhanced — that empower youth to imagine and realize their full potential by connecting them with greater opportunities for education, employment and entrepreneurship. Find out more at http://www.microsoft.com/youthspark.

About Microsoft

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

Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx.

REDMOND, W ash. — May 2 9 , 201 3 — Companies and organizations are increasingly turning to the cloud as a strategy for business growth, according to The New Era of Hosted Services, a Microsoft-commissioned study conducted by 451 Research LLC. As they look ahead to the next two years, more than 52 percent of organizations identify the cloud as beneficial for either growing their business or realigning their organization to a new company strategy. Along with this drive for growth comes significant opportunity for Microsoft hosting partners as customers look to grow their business with a hybrid cloud consumption model.

Study: The new era of hosted services May 28, 2013 Customers are increasingly turning to the cloud for business growth, representing a major opportunity for hosting service providers.

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“The next two years will be the era of hybrid cloud, with 68 percent of customers planning to adopt hybrid cloud models — up from 49 percent today,” said Marco Limena, vice president, Hosting Service Providers Business, Microsoft. “In addition, the survey found that as customers begin to move their IT environments into the cloud, software is sticky and brand is even more important.”

In fact, the survey revealed that two-thirds of software-as-a-service customers use software online that they had previously installed on-premises. This highlights a significant opportunity for hosting service provider partners to offer customers Microsoft software they trust in a cloud environment. Currently, 30 million x86 servers are operating worldwide, and approximately 22 million servers are running on the Windows platform and Windows-based applications. In addition, Microsoft Exchange has more than 78 percent share of insourced email in businesses larger than 25 seats across the U.S., Canada, France, Germany and the U.K.

“IT professionals were very clear in their response to this survey — cloud-based computing will play an important and growing role as part of their IT portfolios moving forward,” said Michelle Bailey, vice president, Datacenter Initiatives and Digital Infrastructure, 451 Research. “The study clearly shows a strong customer preference for full-service hosting solutions over the next two years, with substantial investment increases in security services, database, shared servers, backup and recovery, and managed hosted desktop. As this market matures, customers are selecting hosting providers based on trust and their ability to grow with customers’ future businesses.”

Microsoft is committed to helping customers with this transition to the cloud and has built a large portfolio of products to support this effort, including infrastructure solutions such as Windows Server, Microsoft System Center, Microsoft SQL Server and Windows Azure, as well as applications such as Exchange, SharePoint, Lync, Office and Office 365. Microsoft also believes in giving full flexibility to customers when it comes to where to deploy these technologies, and its strong alliance with its community of hosting service providers around the world ensures a seamless experience for customers. Microsoft has added 4,500 new hosting partners in the past 12 months, making its hosting community one of the largest of any vendor.

The New Era of Hosted Services study was designed and conducted in conjunction with 451 Research (https://451research.com) in spring 2013. The research includes responses from more than 1,500 customers across small, midsize and large organizations in 10 countries across North America, Latin America, Europe and Asia, including the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Germany, Russia, Japan, China, India, Australia and Brazil.

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

Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx.

REDMOND, Wash. — May 27, 2013 — Nearly half of employees report that social tools at work help increase their productivity, but more than 30 percent of companies underestimate the value of these tools and often restrict their use, according to new Microsoft research released today.

The survey, conducted for Microsoft Corp. by research firm Ipsos among 9,908 information workers in 32 countries, also found that 39 percent of employees feel there isn’t enough collaboration in their workplaces, and 40 percent believe social tools help foster better teamwork. More surprisingly, 31 percent said they are willing to spend their own money to buy social tools.

“Employees are already bringing their own devices into their workplaces, but now they are increasingly bringing their own services as well,” said Charlene Li, founder and analyst at Altimeter Group, a firm that studies social media and other technology trends. “Employees expect to work differently, with tools that feel more modern and connected, but are also reflective of how they interact in their personal lives. Enterprise social represents a new way to work, and organizations embracing these tools are improving collaboration, speeding customer responses and creating competitive advantages.”

The research also found distinct differences between countries, sectors and genders as they relate to the levels of productivity, collaboration and communication tools used in today’s workplace.

Regions

• Employees in the Asia-Pacific region were most likely to attribute higher productivity levels to the increased use of social tools, followed by Latin America and Europe. Employees in Latin America, however, were most likely to credit social tools with greater collaboration in the workplace, followed by the Asia-Pacific region and Europe.

• Greater proportions of workers in Latin America and the Asia-Pacific region are using social tools — and with greater frequency. In contrast, those in North America and Europe have been slower in adopting many social tools.

Sectors

• Financial services and government employees are most likely to say their company places restrictions on the use of social tools, likely due to the high level of regulation in those sectors.

• Moreover, professionals in financial services (74 percent) and government (72 percent) are more likely than those in other fields to say these restrictions are due to security concerns, while those working in retail (59 percent) and travel and hospitality (57 percent) are more likely to blame productivity loss.

Gender

• Men are more likely than women to attribute higher productivity levels to social tools in a professional setting.

• Women are more likely than men to believe their company restricts the use of social tools.

• Men are more likely than women to say these restrictions are due to security concerns, while women are more likely to blame productivity loss.

“Just as email accelerated the pace of business in the ’90s, enterprise social will be the driver of greater agility and transformation in the 21st century workplace,” said Kurt DelBene, president, Microsoft Office Division. “As we look ahead at how collaboration and communications continue to evolve, we believe the tools people use today — email, instant messaging, voice, videoconferencing, social — will come together and be deeply integrated into apps in ways that will speed collaboration and truly transform the way people work.”

Microsoft envisions enterprise social as a fiber connecting all collaboration tools within an enterprise, not as a separate website or app that must be added into employees’ daily mix of activities. As companies start to use social tools such as Yammer, Microsoft Office 365, Microsoft Lync and Microsoft Dynamics CRM for collaboration, sharing and communicating outside and inside their organizations, they stand to benefit from an increase in team collaboration, employee engagement, organizational connectedness, and the flexibility required to react nimbly and quickly to business changes and demands. Done correctly, enterprise social can drive significant business value by improving how employees connect, share information and work across teams and geographies, as well as beyond the firewall to customers, vendors and other key relationships.

“Enterprise social tools like Yammer have helped Red Robin transform a widespread employee base of nearly 30,000 across 44 states into a more tightly knit workforce focused entirely on team member and guest satisfaction,” said Chris Laping, senior vice president of Business Transformation and chief information officer, Red Robin. “Even more importantly, it helps us ensure we reach our workforce — 87 percent are millennials — in the right ways for learning and engagement because how they want to be engaged is through social and mobile.” More information about the Microsoft survey is available at http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/presskits/enterprisesocial. Microsoft also invites participation in the social enterprise conversation happening on Twitter. At “The Worldwide Water Cooler” — http://www.theworldwidewatercooler.com — participants can answer questions and share thoughts via Twitter directly from the site.

About the survey

These are some of the findings of an Ipsos poll of information workers (defined as employed adults working at a company with at least 100 employees who use a PC, laptop, tablet or smartphone for at least 75 percent of their job function) conducted online March 25–April 24, 2013. A total of 9,908 interviews were conducted across 32 countries. All sample surveys and polls may be subject to other sources of error, including, but not limited to coverage error, and measurement error.

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

Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx.

REDMOND, Wash. — May 21, 2013 — A new vision for the future comes to life today as Microsoft Corp. unveils Xbox One , the all-in-one gaming and entertainment system created for today and the next generation. At Microsoft headquarters in Redmond, Wash., the company showcased how Xbox One puts you at the center of all your games, TV, movies, music, sports and Skype.

“Xbox One is designed to deliver a whole new generation of blockbuster games, television and entertainment in a powerful, all-in-one device,” said Don Mattrick, president, Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. “Our unique, modern architecture brings simplicity to the living room and, for the first time ever, the ability to instantly switch across your games and entertainment.”

Introducing Xbox One

With Xbox One, games push the boundaries of realism, and TV obeys your commands.[1] Say “Xbox On” to launch your personalized Xbox One Home screen, discover what is popular on TV or see friends’ latest gaming achievements all using the most natural interface — your voice. The more you interact with Xbox One, the more it gets to know you and learns what you like. Some of the breakthrough Xbox One features that put you at the center of your living room entertainment include the following:

• TV on Xbox One.[1] Navigate and watch live TV from your cable, telco or satellite set-top box through your Xbox One. Microsoft is committed to bringing live TV through various solutions to all the markets where Xbox One will be available.[3]

• Home. Turn on your entertainment system with two powerful words, “Xbox On,” and a custom-tailored Home dashboard welcomes you with your favorite games, TV and entertainment.

• Snap. Do two things at once on the biggest screen in your home. Use Snap to jump into a multiplayer battle while watching your favorite movie, talk with friends on Skype while watching live TV, or track your fantasy team on TV as you watch the big game and more.

• Skype for Xbox One. Specially designed for Xbox One, talk with friends on your TV in stunning HD, or for the first time ever, hold group Skype calls on your TV.

• Trending.[1] Stay on top of what is hot on TV by discovering the entertainment that is popular among your friends, and see what is trending within the Xbox community.

• OneGuide.[1], [2] Find your favorite entertainment easily, searching by network, name or time, all with the sound of your voice and presented in a tailored program guide.

To create the most advanced Xbox system ever designed for games, TV and entertainment, Microsoft created a state-of-the-art gaming operating system and fused it with an equally amazing entertainment platform, so you will not have to switch inputs to watch TV or play a game. An eight-core, x86 processor and more than 5 billion transistors helps make lag and load times a thing of the past, so you can instantly jump between a game and your entertainment at lightning speed or run a host of apps right alongside your game with no loss in performance. Introducing Xbox One titles and exclusives

Gaming on Xbox One immerses gamers in cinematic worlds that look like real life, with characters that feel more human than ever before. AAA blockbuster titles unveiled for Xbox One include the following:

• “Forza Motorsport 5” from Turn 10 Studios is the latest edition of the highest-rated racing franchise of the past 10 years.[3] Built from the ground up to take advantage of Xbox One and the infinite power of the cloud, no game better delivers the sensation of being behind the wheel. “Forza Motorsport 5” sets a new bar for racing games and will be available exclusively for Xbox One at launch.

• “Call of Duty: Ghosts” is the next generation of “Call of Duty” and a stunning leap forward for the franchise. It delivers an all-new world, an all-new cast of characters and an all-new story, built on a new, next-generation engine. The next-generation technical innovations built to support the incredible gameplay advancements make this the most beautiful and immersive “Call of Duty” experience yet. Activision and Microsoft also announced the renewal of their close partnership that will see both the return of the “Call of Duty® Championship,” presented by Xbox, as well as all-new downloadable content debuting first and exclusively on the Xbox platform.

• “FIFA 14,” “Madden NFL 25,” “NBA LIVE 14,” and “EA SPORTS UFC” from EA SPORTS will change the way consumers experience and play sports games. Driven by the new EA SPORTS Ignite engine, these new EA SPORTS games will deliver massive innovations in human intelligence, true player motion and living worlds. Adding to its commitment to Xbox One, EA SPORTS also announced the promise of exclusive content to be revealed in the coming months.

• “Quantum Break” from Remedy Entertainment is a revolutionary entertainment experience from the creators of “Max Payne” and “Alan Wake” that blurs the line between gaming and TV by integrating drama and gameplay into one seamless, uniquely immersive experience. How you play the game impacts the show, and the show informs how you play the game.

In addition to the amazing lineup of games coming to Xbox One, Microsoft unveiled exclusive content partnerships with some of the top names in TV, sports and entertainment.

• “Halo” television series. Award-winning filmmaker, director and producer, Steven Spielberg will executive-produce an original “Halo” live-action television series with exclusive interactive Xbox One content, created in partnership with 343 Industries and Xbox Entertainment Studios.

• National Football League (NFL).[1] A multiyear, landmark partnership will deliver the ultimate interactive NFL television experiences for the next-generation Xbox One and leverage Microsoft devices and services to evolve both in-game and on the sideline. The NFL on Xbox will redefine broadcast experiences through innovations around Skype, Xbox SmartGlass and player-worn technology; add an all-new fantasy football solution for the biggest screen in the house; and create a personalized NFL destination only available on Xbox One.

Introducing a new generation of Xbox Live

Xbox One is built to amplify an all-new generation of Xbox Live that is more powerful, more personal and more intelligent. Unleashing the virtually unlimited power of the cloud makes everything more convenient and accessible, from allowing games to be installed in segments so that gameplay can start quickly to updates downloading in the background. Save and store your personalized profile, games and entertainment in the cloud to access them anytime, from any Xbox One console.[4] In addition, existing Xbox Live Gold Membership for Xbox 360 will seamlessly carry over to Xbox One.[5] Xbox Live takes you deeper into the games you love with all-new features.

• Smart Match. A new Smart Match matchmaking system virtually eliminates waiting in lobbies by estimating wait times and finding people you want to play with while you are enjoying other activities — reputation fundamentally matters and helps find best matches.

• Game DVR. A dedicated Game DVR captures and accesses your magic moments, all saved to the cloud. Along with sharing tools, you will have the most amazing bragging rights with Xbox Live.

• Living Games.[6] Dynamic, living worlds evolve and improve the more you play, and advanced artificial intelligence can learn to play like you, so friends can play against your shadow.

• Expanded achievements. A new and expanded achievements system captures video of your epic moments, continues to grow a game’s achievements over time and rewards you in new ways, and your Gamerscore carries over from Xbox 360.

• Xbox SmartGlass.[6] Xbox SmartGlass is natively part of the Xbox One platform, built in from the beginning with the ability to quickly render content directly onto your device, and now more devices can connect at one time for multiplayer and shared entertainment.

Introducing the Xbox One look and feel

New Xbox One hardware is sleek and modern and complements any décor. The console is shaped in the 16:9 aspect ratio and employs a horizontal orientation optimized for its high-speed Blu-ray™ disc player. It is molded in a deep and rich liquid black color and includes a distinctive beveled edge.

The completely redesigned, revolutionary 1080p Kinect is more precise, more responsive and more intuitive. Its unparalleled vision, motion and voice technology let you reach into games and entertainment like never before by dramatically expanding its field of view and fidelity. It works in nearly any lighting condition, recognizes precise motion control from a slight wrist rotation, and distinguishes your voice even in a noisy room using advanced noise isolation.

The class-leading Xbox controller is refreshed with more than 40 technical and design innovations. Updated directional pad, thumb stick and ergonomic fit immerse all gamers in ways that are uniquely Xbox, and precision and control have been dramatically increased with all new vibrating impulse triggers.6 The Xbox One Wireless Controller is designed to work in concert with the new Kinect, allowing the two to be paired automatically to create seamless player syncing.

Xbox One will launch in markets around the world later this year. Visit the new Xbox Wire blog at http://news.xbox.com for in-depth features on the new system, including photos and videos from the unveiling event and new and rotating content from Xbox. More details about Xbox One and blockbuster games will be explored at the Electronic Entertainment Expo in June.

About Xbox

Xbox is Microsoft’s premier entertainment brand for the TV, phone, PC and tablet. In living rooms or on the go, Xbox is home to the best and broadest games, as well as one of the world’s largest libraries of movies, TV, music, and sports. Your favorite games, TV and entertainment come to life in new ways through the power of Kinect, Xbox SmartGlass, and Xbox Live, the world’s premier social entertainment network. More information about Xbox can be found online at http://www.xbox.com.

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.

Features and requirements are under development and may change prior to release. Available features and content may vary by country. Broadband Internet (ISP fees apply) and advanced TV hardware required. Games and media content sold separately. Xbox Live Gold Membership, paid subscription and other requirements apply for some Xbox Live features.

1 Live TV with Kinect navigation, Live TV with Foo Guide, Trending, and NFL on Xbox available in U.S. at launch; anticipating global scale over time.

2 Kinect voice functionality only available in supported locales and languages.

3 At launch, Live TV will require a supported receiver device with HDMI output (sold separately).

4 Subject to geographical content restrictions.

5 Some Xbox Live content and features available on Xbox 360, including avatar content and some apps, are not available with Xbox Live on Xbox Foo.

6 In supported games.

Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx.

REDMOND, Wash. — May 21, 2013 — Microsoft Corp. and the National Football League (NFL) today announced a multiyear, landmark partnership that will deliver truly unique interactive NFL television experiences for the next-generation Xbox One and leverage Microsoft devices and services to evolve the in-game, sideline experience for coaches, players and other personnel.

“We love the passion that players, coaches and fans bring to the NFL game; it’s what makes the NFL game-day experience so unique,” said Steve Ballmer, Microsoft CEO. “We’re excited to apply our passion for technology to the NFL experience, both on the sidelines through the innovative use of Microsoft Surface devices, and for fans through an enhanced NFL viewing experience on Xbox One.”

The agreement provides Microsoft with the rights to create exclusive interactive experiences through products such as Xbox One and Surface, transforming the way fans will experience the NFL in the years to come. The NFL on Xbox will provide fans with an all-new viewing experience through innovations around Skype and Xbox SmartGlass; an all-new, innovative fantasy football solution allowing fans to view players and live competition side by side on a single TV screen; and a personalized NFL destination featuring information about the players, teams and games fans care about most. Xbox also retains the exclusive rights to extend these interactive experiences to tablets, enabling fans to use Xbox SmartGlass technology to enhance game day.

“When we started working with Roger Goodell and the team at the NFL we knew that we could create great new experiences that fans would love,” said Don Mattrick, president of the Interactive Entertainment Business at Microsoft. “This partnership will redefine NFL experiences through exclusive and interactive content that you will find only on Xbox. For fans, the NFL on Xbox will provide the most complete way to enjoy live football by bringing the first fully-integrated fantasy football experience to the TV, exclusively through Xbox.”

This partnership also changes the game for NFL teams because coaches and players will soon have access to a variety of cutting-edge Microsoft solutions, including Surface tablets to enhance on-field communications, photo viewing and play calling. Microsoft and the NFL envision a sideline of the future with players reviewing in-game photos from different camera angles directly from the sideline and head coaches calling plays off connected Surface tablets instead of today’s static paper products. With Microsoft technology, NFL coaches, players and other personnel will have the technology they need to improve decision-making and on-field performance.

“From the use of instant replay to the yellow first-down line that has become an important element of the at-home television viewing experience, the NFL is committed to leveraging technology to improve our game for coaches, players and fans,” said NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell. “We’re thrilled to be teaming with a true innovator like Microsoft to shape the future of the NFL game experience, both on-field and in the living room.”

As part of the partnership, Surface by Microsoft branding will appear on NFL sidelines in unique ways, including on the hoods of the official on-field NFL instant replay stations. As part of the relationship, Microsoft will be granted the following designations:

• Xbox remains “The Official Game Console of the NFL” and will also become “The Official Interactive Video Entertainment Console.”

• Microsoft is “The Official Sideline Technology Sponsor of the NFL.”

• Surface by Microsoft and Windows are “The Official Tablet and PC Operating System of the NFL.”

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

The information contained in this press release relates to a pre-release product that may be substantially modified before its first commercial release. Accordingly, the information may not accurately describe or reflect the product when first commercially released. The press release is provided for informational purposes only, and Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to the press release or the information contained in it.

Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx.

REDMOND, Wash. — May 20, 2013 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the winners and finalists of the Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards 2013. The annual awards honor Microsoft partners for delivering innovative solutions during the past year that directly address customer challenges. Award winners and finalists, chosen from global nominations, will be recognized at the 2013 Microsoft Worldwide Partner Conference, the company’s premier annual event for industry partners, July 7–11 in Houston.

This year, there were 44 awards that celebrated each core partner competency, including cloud technology, Windows 8, and Microsoft Office and SharePoint applications, as well as entrepreneurial spirit, citizenship and sales excellence. More than 3,000 entries were collected from more than 100 countries; the award finalists and winners were selected from nominations based on their commitment to customers, their solutions’ market impact and exemplary use of Microsoft technologies.

“The 2013 Partner of the Year Award winners and finalists represent some of the best and brightest our ecosystem has to offer,” said Jon Roskill, corporate vice president, Worldwide Partner Group, Microsoft. “We applaud each of our partners for demonstrating exceptional dedication in working to solve the most pressing technology challenges facing our mutual customers today. Congratulations to each award winner on this recognition.”

Categories, winners and finalists appear below. A complete list, including the 95 Microsoft Country Partner of the Year Award winners for 2013, is available at http://www.digitalwpc.com/Awards/Pages/Home.aspx.

Office/SharePoint App Developer Partner of the Year

• Winner: Dell Software Inc.

• Finalist: Adlib

• Finalist: AvePoint

• Finalist: Nintex

Windows 8 App Developer Partner of the Year

• Winner: Posh Consulting

• Finalist: Dell Inc.

• Finalist: Laserbiomed s.r.l.

• Finalist: Sparked

Humanitarian Response Citizenship

• Winner: Ignify

• Finalist: Systemgroup Consulting Inc.

Innovative Technology for Good Citizenship

• Winner: RBA

• Finalist: Winvision

YouthSpark Citizenship

• Winner: Dell Inc.

• Finalist: CHH Enterprises Inc. (d/b/a New Signature)

Cloud Partner of the Year

• Winner: Solidsoft

• Finalist: Nextscape

• Finalist: SADA Systems

• Finalist: Cloudbearing

Cloud Partner of the Year — Enterprise Customers

• Winner: Object Consulting

• Finalist: Online Services Corp.

• Finalist: Brasoftware

• Finalist: Vision Software S.A.

Cloud Partner of the Year — Small and Medium Business

• Winner: TechQuarters

• Finalist: ClickView

• Finalist: Allen

• Finalist: dinCloud

Start-Up Cloud Partner of the Year — Developed Markets

• Winner: SkyKick

Start-Up Cloud Partner of the Year — Emerging Markets

• Winner: ISA Technologies

• Finalist: Pris Software

• Finalist: NetSocket

• Finalist: Asteor Software Private Ltd.

Application Development Partner of the Year

• Winner: PROS

• Finalist: ICONICS

• Finalist: OneBe Inc.

• Finalist: Infusion

Application Integration Partner of the Year

• Winner: Dapasoft Inc.

• Finalist: Codit

• Finalist: Breeze

• Finalist: Neudesic

Application Lifecycle Management Partner of the Year

• Winner: Sogeti Nederland B.V.

• Finalist: Centare

• Finalist: EXTEND SOLUTIONS SA DE CV

Business Intelligence Partner of the Year

• Winner: Bismart Business Intelligence Specialist

• Finalist: Slalom Consulting

• Finalist: Bitscape Infotech

Data Platform Partner of the Year

• Winner: WARDY IT Solutions

• Finalist: dsp

• Finalist: Simpson Associates Information Services

• Finalist: CSK WinTechnology

Collaboration and Content Partner of the Year

• Winner: NC4 and 6th Street Consulting (joint partnership)

• Finalist: Sogeti

• Finalist: AvePoint

• Finalist: Comperio

Communications Partner of the Year

• Winner: Dimension Data

• Finalist: Unify Square

• Finalist: Jabra

• Finalist: Hewlett-Packard

Messaging Partner of the Year

• Winner: Sogeti

• Finalist: Binary Tree

• Finalist: Processor Informatica SA

Project and Portfolio Management Partner of the Year

• Winner: UMT Consulting Group LLC

• Finalist: Nintex

• Finalist: Campana & Schott

• Finalist: Projility

Devices and Deployment Partner of the Year

• Winner: Data#3 Ltd.

• Finalist: CompuCom Systems Inc.

• Finalist: Accenture/Avanade

• Finalist: Sogeti

Identity and Access Partner of the Year

• Winner: Oxford Computer Group

• Finalist: Itergy

Management and Virtualization Partner of the Year

• Winner: HP

• Finalist: OCSL

• Finalist: Dimension Data

Server Platform Partner of the Year

• Winner: NetApp

• Finalist: Outsourcery Ltd.

• Finalist: CDW

• Finalist: DataCore Software

Customer Relationship Management (CRM) Partner of the Year

• Winner: PowerObjects

• Finalist: CRM Partners

• Finalist: Customer Effective

• Finalist: Navantis

Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) Partner of the Year

• Winner: eBECS

• Finalist: GMCS

• Finalist: Hitachi Solutions America Ltd.

• Finalist: Tribridge

Digital Marketing Partner of the Year

• Winner: Advance Digital

• Finalist: SiteWit

• Finalist: EXTEND SOLUTIONS SA DE CV

Distributor Partner of the Year

• Winner: Daiwabo Information System Co. Ltd.

• Finalist: Westcoast

• Finalist: ALSO A/S

Hosting Partner of the Year

• Winner: SherWeb Inc.

• Finalist: Intermedia

• Finalist: Global Micro

Learning Partner of the Year

• Winner: Global Knowledge

• Finalist: QA Ltd.

• Finalist: NetCom Learning

• Finalist: New Horizons Computer Learning Centers

Mobility Partner of the Year

• Winner: Accenture/Avanade

• Finalist: Blink Systems Assessoria e Informática Ltda

• Finalist: SiEBEN

OEM Hardware Partner of the Year

• Winner: THIRDWAVE Corp.

• Finalist: Avangard LLC

• Finalist: iRU

• Finalist: iBUYPOWER

Software Asset Management (SAM) Partner of the Year

• Winner: Crayon AS

• Finalist: Atea Sverige AB

• Finalist: Servicios Especializados en Recursos Informáticos SA de CV

Volume Licensing Partner of the Year

• Winner: Zones Inc.

• Finalist: SoftwareONE US

• Finalist: SHI International Corp.

• Finalist: Softcat Ltd.

Midmarket Solution Provider Partner of the Year

• Winner: AXXON CONSULTING

• Finalist: Quadrasystems.net (India) Private Limited

• Finalist: Assistance Software

• Finalist: OOO “Bissnes-Expert”

Small Business Partner of the Year

• Winner: Kinectics Group

• Finalist: Computer Solutions East

• Finalist: eMazzanti Technologies

• Finalist: Exacto IT Solutions

Microsoft Dynamics Industry Partner of the Year

• Winner: mcaConnect

• Finalist: V.R.P. Veri Raporlama Programlama Bilisim Yazilim ve Danismanlik Hizmetleri Ticaret A.S.

• Finalist: INFOMA Software Consulting GmbH

• Finalist: HSO International

Microsoft Dynamics Cloud Partner of the Year

• Winner: eSavvy

• Finalist: SMB Suite

• Finalist: Tribridge

Public Sector Partner of the Year – Education

• Winner: DynTek Services Inc.

• Finalist: Playware Studios Asia

• Finalist: Rhino Systems

• Finalist: Corinth Investment

Public Sector Partner of the Year — Government

• Winner: Software Innovation

• Finalist: NetApp

• Finalist: IEG4 Limited

• Finalist: The Birchman Group

Public Sector Partner of the Year — Health

• Winner: IN2

• Finalist: InterKnowlogy LLC

• Finalist: Avanade

Public Sector Partner of the Year — Public Safety/National Security

• Winner: Eurostep Group AB

• Finalist: Intergen

• Finalist: AvePoint

• Finalist: Forensic Advantage

Sales Specialist Partner Individual of the Year

• Winner: Mari Morimoto, FUJISOFT Inc.

• Finalist: Geno Cenci, ePlus Technology Inc.

• Finalist: Mark Seeley, Intellinet

• Finalist: Varun Abbi, Comparex India Pvt Ltd.

Pre-Sales Specialist Partner Individual of the Year

• Winner: Mark AuCoin, Navantis

• Finalist: Rand Morimoto, Convergent Computing (CCO)

• Finalist: Chris Campbell, BlueGranite

• Finalist: Masaru Takano, NetApp

Alliance Partner of the Year

• Winner: Accenture/Avanade

About Microsoft’s Worldwide Partner Conference

Microsoft’s Worldwide Partner Conference provides Microsoft’s partner community with access to key marketing and business strategies, leadership, and information regarding specific customer solutions designed to help partners succeed in the marketplace. Along with informative learning opportunities covering sales, marketing, services and technology, the Worldwide Partner Conference is an ideal setting for partners to garner valuable knowledge from their peers and from Microsoft. More information can be found at http://www.digitalwpc.com and on the Partner Network home page at http://microsoftpartnernetwork.com.

About Microsoft

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

Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx.

NEW YORK — May 20, 2013 — Microsoft Corp. and Major League Soccer (MLS) today announced a multiyear agreement to work together to bring MLS fans the best and fastest soccer content through the power of Windows 8. The announcement took place yesterday at the LA Galaxy versus New York Red Bulls game at Red Bull Arena, where the two companies showcased a new and improved MLS app and previewed the new in-stadium fan experiences powered by Windows 8.

As part of MLS’ initiative to be known as “the smartest league,” the improved app for Windows 8 will feature exclusive content and this season’s schedule, standings, highlights, play-by-play, roster lineups, game stats, goals, cards and substitutions. In addition, with the Windows 8 Live Tiles, fans will be able to customize their experiences to focus on their favorite club news. Throughout the course of the agreement, Windows 8 and MLS will continue to innovate to create cutting-edge experiences for soccer fans in the stadium and online.

“MLS supporters are young and active, and technology plays a central role in their lives,” said Kathy Carter, president of Soccer United Marketing, MLS’ commercial arm. “This new partnership with Windows 8 will allow MLS fans to interact with best-in-class software, new devices and apps that will super-serve their fandom. This exciting partnership is another step in the process of becoming the world’s smartest soccer league.”

Fans can also look forward to trying out Windows 8 on the Microsoft Surface tablet in-stadium at more than 40 games throughout the season.

“Partnering with MLS, we are bringing the best technology experience through Windows 8 to players, coaches and fans across the league to deliver unique and immersive soccer experiences,” said Kathleen Hall, general manager, Windows Marketing. “As technology and sports continue to intersect, we look forward to continuing to provide innovative interactions for fans whether in the stadium or at home through Windows 8.”

About Major League Soccer

Headquartered in New York City, Major League Soccer is the top-flight professional soccer league in the United States and Canada. MLS features many stars from the U.S., Canada, and around the world. Major League Soccer’s 18th season features 19 clubs, each playing 34 regular-season matches. Those clubs include the Chicago Fire; Chivas USA; Colorado Rapids; Columbus Crew; D.C. United; FC Dallas; Houston Dynamo; 2012 MLS Cup champion LA Galaxy; Montreal Impact; New York Red Bulls; New England Revolution; Philadelphia Union; Portland Timbers; Real Salt Lake; San Jose Earthquakes; Seattle Sounders FC; Sporting Kansas City; Toronto FC and Vancouver Whitecaps FC. For more information about MLS, log on to the league’s official website at http://www.mlssoccer.com/.

About Microsoft

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

Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx.

MADRID — May 16, 2013 — Telefónica, a leading provider of integrated communication solutions, will deploy Microsoft Office 365 and Yammer across its operating businesses to employees worldwide. These technologies are part of a global IT transformation strategy led by Phil Jordan, group chief information officer at Telefónica, to drive greater simplification, agility and cost reductions, which will strengthen and enhance the company’s core digital capabilities and global footprint.

With more than 130,000 employees in 24 countries, Telefónica is enabling and transforming the employee experience related to collaboration, providing a much faster, intuitive way with a seamless digital integrated experience. Moving to Office 365 and Yammer also benefits Telefónica by allowing its people to develop new products and services for its customers and markets while spending less time on infrastructure support of collaboration services. The deployment is also expected to reduce the costs of collaboration services by up to 20 percent while supporting the company’s specific security and privacy requirements.

“Telefónica’s relationship and transformation journey with Microsoft has brought us to this very exciting milestone. Over the past 18 months, we have built very strong foundations and are now ready to move to the cloud,” said Adrian Steel, European production hub lead and global director at Telefónica. “Deploying Office 365 and Yammer is this next step in bringing our global workforce to the forefront of seamless communication and collaboration while still operating at the level of speed and execution we’re known for.”

“Companies are looking to bring people together across organizational silos and geographies to drive innovation and reduce costs,” said Kurt DelBene, president of Microsoft’s Office Division. “Moving to the cloud with Office 365 and Yammer makes it easier and faster to collaborate regardless of location or organizational structure. Telefónica is a great example of a forward-thinking organization that understands how the cloud can power its business.”

Following a successful proof of concept carried out last year, Telefónica commenced initial deployments across Europe in April, which will later continue in Latin America. Microsoft Cloud Vantage Services will assist in delivering a complete migration to the cloud.

Steel, who oversaw the migration of 30,000 users to Microsoft Business Productivity Online Suite in a previous role, has seen firsthand the range of new capabilities added to Office 365. One such example is Yammer, which Telefónica is embracing for improved collaboration across geographies. In February, Microsoft announced Microsoft Translator integration within Yammer, allowing users to instantly translate Yammer conversations into their native languages.

“With operations in 24 countries spanning eight languages, we are looking forward to the ability to instantly translate conversations among our employees — a massive benefit for Telefónica,” Steel said. “By automatically converting conversations to a person’s native language, Yammer will help our people work more efficiently than ever and focus on delivering superior value to our customers. Other critical capabilities included unified communications via Microsoft Lync 2013 and cloud-based storage via SkyDrive Pro.”

More information about how organizations are turning to Microsoft technology is available in the Microsoft Customer Spotlight newsroom.

About Telefónica

Telefónica is one of the largest telecommunications companies in the world in terms of market capitalisation and number of customers. From this outstanding position in the industry, and with its mobile, fixed and broadband businesses as the key drivers of its growth, Telefónica has focused its strategy on becoming a leading company in the digital world. The company has a significant presence in 24 countries and a customer base that amounts close to 316 million accesses around the world. Telefónica has a strong presence in Spain, Europe and Latin America, where the company focuses an important part of its growth strategy.

About Microsoft

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

Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx.