PORTOROZ, Slovenia, May 14 /PRNewswire/ --

- Microsoft is helping the EEA to inform Europeans on changes to 
environmental conditions in real time - and empowering citizens to play their 
part in data gathering.

Today, the European Environment Agency (EEA) and Microsoft Corp announced
a new five-year alliance to develop a world-leading online portal, bringing
environmental information to more than 500 million citizens across Europe.
The alliance with Microsoft is among the first steps in the EEA's broader
vision and strategy to build a Global Observatory for Environmental Change.
The Observatory will be a readily available resource for experts,
policy-makers and individuals -- and will allow citizens to submit local data
-- delivering an ever-more detailed, accurate and up-to-date picture of
environmental conditions throughout Europe.

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Reliable and timely information is vital for making informed personal and
policy decisions relating to the fight against climate change and adverse
environmental conditions. By improving the availability of information, the
EEA aims to better enable policy-makers and citizens to make decisions about
the environment and their impact on it. As well as enhancing the availability
and presentation of data, the observatory will augment data collection,
allowing citizens and non-governmental organisations to play a greater role
in gathering environmental information from across the continent. It could
also evolve to include real-time satellite information for emergency relief
services, as well as for other environmental operations. Microsoft is
providing development services to help the EEA extend the focus on important
environmental factors that include air, ozone and water quality information.

"To sustain the improvements in the environment made over the past few
decades, everyone needs to be involved and understand the consequences and
impact of their actions," said Professor Jacqueline McGlade, executive
director of the EEA. "The only way to do this is by reaching out to the
widest audience. This collaboration with Microsoft is a groundbreaking
approach to bring environmental information to as many people as possible."

Environmental sustainability is a longstanding commitment at Microsoft
and involves working with groups that have a global perspective and reach,
including the EEA. The Observatory project will help further that commitment
to improve social and environmental conditions across Europe and promote
responsible environmental practices across a range of industries and regions.

"Global partnerships with organisations, such as the EEA, to address
environmental issues worldwide represent one key area of Microsoft's overall
environmental sustainability strategy," said Jan Muehlfeit, chairman,
Microsoft Europe. "Combating climate change is a critical challenge facing
all governments, and Microsoft is honoured to be working with the EEA to find
ways where the power of software can be part of the solution."

The EEA and Microsoft are developing an internet portal offering access
to information by location and allowing for search criteria based on local
environmental monitoring agencies. The data will be updated in real time in a
comprehensive manner. Users will also be able to access the information
through Windows Live and MSN.

"Microsoft continues to explore ways to help solve environmental issues
through technology leadership and innovation, and global partnerships. Our
collaboration with the EEA is one example of this commitment," said Rob
Bernard, chief environmental strategist for Microsoft. "We believe that the
combination of real-time information coming from the network of sensors
coupled with the analytical and visualization power of software will provide
the EEA with a better understanding of our environment. We are excited and
honoured to be partnering with the EEA in helping drive global change for the
environment."

The alliance between the EEA and Microsoft is part of a broader effort to
empower all European citizens by giving them up-to-date information, allowing
them to take appropriate action when necessary.

About the European Environment Agency

The European Environment Agency is the EU body dedicated to providing
sound, independent information on the environment. The agency aims to achieve
significant and measurable improvements in Europe's environment through the
provision of timely, targeted, relevant and reliable information to
policy-makers and the public.

To find out more about the EEA, visit: http://www.eea.europa.eu.

About Microsoft

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

About Microsoft EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa)

Microsoft has operated in EMEA since 1982. In the region Microsoft
employs more than 16,000 people in over 64 subsidiaries, delivering products
and services in more than 139 countries and territories.

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