NUREMBERG and HANOVER, Germany, March 2 /PRNewswire/ --

- Expansive new release to include support for Intel(R) processors.

Microsoft Corp announced the next wave of its automotive business with
its next-generation in-vehicle platform and expanded partner programme. The
upcoming release of the Microsoft Auto software platform will be available to
automakers and suppliers this spring. This will be the most comprehensive
release ever, and will expand its hardware support to include Intel(R)
Architecture processors. In this wave, Microsoft is also unveiling a new
worldwide partner programme, including platform training partners to provide
technical education on Microsoft Auto to help automakers and suppliers
deliver the next innovations in vehicle infotainment, navigation and
communication devices. Microsoft Auto development partners are demonstrating
a breadth of solutions on the flexible platform at the embedded world 2009
and CeBIT shows this week.

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"The automotive industry is at an inflection point, where software plus
services will redefine the future of the in-vehicle experience, and
innovation is the new currency," said Tom Phillips, general manager of the
Microsoft Automotive Business Unit. "The challenge facing automakers is how
to quickly and affordably bring innovative in-car solutions and services to
their customers. The Microsoft Auto platform is the critical component to
meet that challenge."

Microsoft Announces Next-Generation Automotive Platform

To reduce the cost of development, and to allow automakers to focus on
delivering the most innovative products to their customers, the Microsoft
Auto platform is evolving to meet the new needs of the auto industry. By
incorporating common head unit functionality into Microsoft Auto 4.0, such as
a standard interface for broadcast radio tuners and standard support for CD
playback and ripping, developers now can create integrated multifunction
systems with reduced complexity, lower cost and faster time to market. To
provide more flexibility of design, Microsoft Auto 4.0 also expands its
hardware support from ARM- and SH-based processors to include support for
Intel(R) Architecture processors, including the newest options for the
Intel(R) Atom(TM) processor Z5xx series that offer an industrial temperature
range. This expanded hardware support gives automakers and suppliers even
greater choice and improved scalability of design.

"The latest Intel(R) Atom Processor is ideally suited for in-vehicle
infotainment platforms with its high-performance, low-power characteristics
and support for industrial temperature requirements. With support for this
processor in Microsoft Auto 4.0, our automotive customers now have more
choice in how they bring their products to market and more quickly meet the
demand for connected, multimedia rich applications," said Staci Palmer,
director, In-Vehicle Infotainment, Low Power Embedded Products Division,
Intel.

Microsoft Enhances Its Partner Community and Delivers Broader Global
Training Programme

As the use of Microsoft Auto platform continues to rapidly grow, so has
the demand for technology partners that can deliver innovative new
applications and services. The new partner programme provides simplified
discovery of qualified independent software vendors (ISVs), system
integrators (SIs) and hardware vendors. Providing technical training and
support for this growing partner community is also at the forefront of the
expanding Microsoft Auto partner programme. Microsoft welcomes BSQUARE Corp,
MPC Data Ltd and Elektrobit Corp as the first Microsoft Auto certified
training partners.

Partner Ecosystem on Display at embedded world

The embedded world show in Nuremberg, Germany, features components from
six Microsoft Auto partners. These partners include K2L GmbH, which provides
MOST integration support to connect advanced vehicle network systems with the
infotainment system, and NAVIGON AG and Elektrobit (EB), which continue to
innovate and advance their navigation systems to ensure the driver has access
to real-time information and can find destinations more quickly. NAVIGON's
automotive navigation solution MN Auto provides the innovation of its
consumer portable navigation device products for the automotive industry. EB
will show the first Live Search for Devices (LS4D) integration optimised for
Microsoft Auto with its EB street director navigation solution. Nuance
Communications Inc will be demonstrating its latest intelligent speech
recognition technology, one shot destination entry, which allows the car to
recognise multiple commands in a single phrase to maximise user friendliness.
Continental AG demonstrates real-time information delivery with its new
internet radio application built into its Microsoft Auto-based Multi Media
Platform (MMP). And Magneti Marelli will feature an automotive-grade in-dash
computer with multiple technological functions including internet
connectivity, integrated navigation and wireless connectivity for external
devices.

"We support our partners who are adding key applications from navigation
to networking, new speech solutions and more, enabling them to tailor their
systems to the individual needs of their customers," said Carmelo Morgano,
director of the Microsoft Automotive Business Unit Europe. "Together,
Microsoft and its partners offer the complete in-car entertainment,
information and connectivity experience that drivers are demanding today."

Infotainment System on the Road: Continued Momentum Shown at CeBIT

Blue&Me from Fiat Group Automobiles is built on the Microsoft Auto
platform and equips cars of the Alfa Romeo, Lancia and Fiat brands. The
system is easy to use, and is adaptable to evolving customer needs. Fiat's
latest application, eco:Drive, underlines the extensibility and
upgradeability of Microsoft Auto-powered infotainment systems. Most
Blue&Me-equipped Fiats can be upgraded to run eco:Drive by downloading the
software from the internet and installing it in the car via using a simple
USB stick. It allows the driver to collect data on acceleration,
deceleration, gear shifting and speed that can be analysed at home in a
dedicated eco:Drive portal. eco:Drive delivers a detailed analysis of how to
improve the individual drive style to save carbon dioxide emissions and
consume less gas. Over 700,000 Blue&Me systems have been sold so far, 70,000
of which have been Blue&Me Nav, with an average take up of some 30 per cent.
The company's most recent application, "concierge for cars", based on Blue&Me
Nav was showcased on a Lancia Delta at the GSMA Mobile World Congress in
Barcelona, Spain, as example of state-of-the-art infomobility for automotive.
Eco:Drive and "concierge for cars" are two applications that confirm the
strong potential of this Microsoft Auto-platform based solution.

Microsoft's latest solutions in the Automotive Market can be seen at
either fair:

* CeBIT, Hannover Fairground, Hall 4, Booth A 26, Hannover, Germany
    * embedded world, Exhibition Centre Nuremberg, Hall 11, Booth 414,
      Nuremberg, Germany



Microsoft Automotive Business Unit

The Microsoft Automotive Business Unit is a dedicated partner to the auto
industry, providing innovative technologies and flexible software platforms
to help deliver simple, more reliable and cost-effective in-car infotainment
systems. Developed closely with automakers and automotive suppliers, the
award-winning Microsoft Auto and Windows Automotive software platforms
connect drivers with a wide range of devices, services and technology while
on the go, including hands-free communication, mobile device integration,
customised navigation and high-fidelity digital entertainment. More
information can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/auto.

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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