HANNOVER, Germany, March 2 /PRNewswire/ --

- Growing network of partners develop innovative new experiences for 
Microsoft Surface.

Today at CeBIT, Microsoft Corp announced expanded commercial availability
of Microsoft Surface to 12 select markets in EMEA and has broadened its
developer partner ecosystem to support those additional markets with local,
relevant content. Previously available for purchase by companies in the US
and Canada, Microsoft Surface is now also available in Austria, Belgium,
France, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Qatar, Spain, Sweden, the
United Arab Emirates and the UK.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO)

Microsoft Surface, the first commercially available surface computer from
Microsoft, is a revolutionary surface computing platform that responds to
natural hand gestures and to the placement of real-world objects on the
display. With a large, 360-degree, horizontal user interface, Microsoft
Surface creates a unique gathering place where multiple users can
collaboratively and simultaneously interact with information, content and
physical objects, communicating with each other in a way that feels familiar,
just like in the real world. In addition, Microsoft Surface enables companies
to attract and convert new customers as well as cross-sell products and
services, drive customer loyalty, and achieve operating efficiencies.

"Since our initial launch of Microsoft Surface, we've received an
overwhelming response from companies worldwide that are looking for
innovative ways to engage with their customers and developers who want to
create applications that were not possible with other technologies," said
Panos Panay, general manager of Microsoft Surface. "We're excited to be
entering into these new markets with partners who have already begun
exploring many possibilities of Microsoft Surface locally."

Growing Partner Ecosystem

Microsoft Surface is at the forefront of the evolution to the Natural
User Interface (NUI), a new and intuitive way to interact with technology
that uses touch and hand gestures. With Microsoft Surface, users have an
entirely new way to interact with digital content, while businesses are able
to gain operational efficiencies and have new ways to connect with their
customers. As content and applications provide the real context of the
Microsoft Surface experience, developers are a critical component to enabling
unique scenarios. In addition, a robust partner ecosystem will provide
businesses with a wide variety of new Microsoft Surface applications and
compelling solutions specific to their needs.

The Microsoft Surface partner programme has expanded to include more than
120 partners from 11 countries, developing applications that use the unique
attributes of surface computing. Following is a list of select partners based
in and/or supporting these new markets and examples of applications
developed:

- Avanade is a global IT consultancy dedicated to using the Microsoft
      platform to help enterprises achieve profitable growth. Avanade has 
      developed several solutions for Microsoft Surface, primarily for 
      enterprise customers in the retail, consumer goods and finance sectors. 
      Accenture and Avanade have developed a Microsoft Surface wealth 
      management application for use in financial planning, providing users 
      with tailored retail banking services, estate planning and investment 
      management.
    - EMC Corporation is a global provider of information infrastructure
      technology and solutions. EMC Consulting helps organizations create
      innovative user experiences and designs to transform information into
      consumable and personalized views. With expertise in retail, finance,
      entertainment and utilities, EMC Consulting is developing applications 
      for Microsoft Surface that include an enterprise search-enabled FAST 
      application that transforms search into an efficient, effective and 
      enjoyable search tool.
    - Infusion Development is a Microsoft Surface reseller that provides
      end-to-end solutions for clients in financial services, retail, 
      healthcare and government industries. Infusion develops and supports 
      Microsoft Surface applications that integrate with key Microsoft 
      products and business systems including an application that allows 
      users to navigate real-time, 3-D data using Microsoft Virtual Earth, 
      zooming in and exploring a variety of information.
    - InterKnowlogy is developing solutions for healthcare, travel and
      tourism, government services, and manufacturing industries. One of the 
      many applications developed by InterKnowlogy is a medical application 
      that allows doctors and patients to review surgery and procedures 
      collaboratively, exploring 3-D images with their hands and gestures.
    - IntuiLab is developing solutions for Microsoft Surface for a wide
      variety of industries including public sector, retail, banking and 
      media. IntuiLab is demonstrating an innovative banking application for 
      Microsoft Surface that will provide customers with an entirely new, 
      Collaborative banking experience.
    - Razorfish, a digital marketing agency network, is developing
      applications for the automotive, financial service and telecommunication
      sectors. Razorfish is represented by the agencies Neue Digitale / 
      Razorfish in Germany, WYSIWYG in Spain, Duke in France and Razorfish in 
      Great Britain. Applications include providing banking customers with 
      instant access to product information and features that can be explored 
      on their own or collaboratively with bank employees.
    - Sariamo is designing applications for the automotive, retail,
      broadcasting and tourism industries, transforming the experience of 
      taking a cruise from booking to bon voyage. Customers will be able to 
      use Sariamo's application for Microsoft Surface to explore and compare 
      cruise options before making their purchase; while on board, cruise 
      guests will be able to explore areas of the ship and plan activities.
    - Telefonica I+D is working on the development of Microsoft Surface
      applications for the retail, banking, digital signage, leisure and
      entertainment sectors. The Telefonica flagship store in Madrid features 
      a Microsoft Surface application that provides customers with a 
      personalised shopping experience, enabling them to access information 
      about multiple mobile devices by simply placing them on the display.
    - T-Systems Multimedia Solutions is combining Microsoft Surface with
      modern information and communication technologies to provide content and
      services. Hotel guests will be able to use T-Systems Multimedia 
      Solutions' application to plan their day without leaving the hotel 
      lobby, putting the attractions of the city they are visiting at their 
      fingertips.
    - Vectorform is a global partner developing NUI interactive experiences
      on Microsoft Surface for multiple industries, including automotive,
      education, hospitality, financial services and entertainment.
      Vectorform has developed a wide range of applications, including one 
      that enabled on-air TV personalities to analyse this year's US 
      presidential election - viewing maps, exploring trends and examining 
      voting patterns, all with the flick of a finger.



What Makes Surface Computing Unique?

Surface computing is a major advancement that moves beyond the
traditional user interface to a more natural way of interacting with
information. It features four key attributes:

- Multi-user. The horizontal form factor makes it easy for several people
      to gather round surface computing devices together, providing a
      collaborative, face-to-face computing and information-sharing 
      experience.
    - Direct interaction. Users can actually "grab" digital information with
      their hands, interacting with content by touch and gesture, without the 
      use of a mouse or keyboard.
    - Multi-touch. Surface computing recognises many points of contact
      simultaneously, not just from one finger as with a typical touch
      screen, but up to dozens of items at once.
    - Object recognition. Users can place physical objects on the surface to
      trigger different types of digital responses; in the future this will 
      include the ability to transfer digital content.



Microsoft Surface at CeBIT

This week at the CeBIT conference, Microsoft will be showcasing
innovative solutions from the Microsoft Surface developer partners above. A
customer event will take place on Wednesday, March 4, at 10.30am and 2pm, at
which attendees will be able to learn about Microsoft Surface and engage with
select partners in person. For those not attending CeBIT, a video showcase of
innovative work by some of the partners will be available at
http://www.surface.com.

About Microsoft Surface

Microsoft Surface brings to life a whole new way to interact with
information that engages the senses, improves collaboration and empowers
consumers. By utilising the best combination of connected software, services
and hardware, Microsoft is at the forefront of developing surface computing
products that push computing boundaries, deliver new experiences that break
down barriers between users and technology, and provide new opportunities for
companies to engage with people. More information can be found at
http://www.surface.com.

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.

This material is for informational purposes only. Microsoft Corp
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