Microsoft Announces Global Launch of Windows MultiPoint Server 2010

New shared resource computing solution increases access to affordable technology in education.

REDMOND, Washington, February 24, 2010 - Microsoft Corp today announced the release of Windows MultiPoint Server
2010, a new Windows product that increases access to affordable computing in
educational scenarios such as classrooms, labs and libraries by allowing
multiple users to simultaneously share one computer using multiple screens.
Windows MultiPoint Server 2010 is now globally available to OEMs and will be
rolling out to Microsoft academic volume licensing customers on 1 March. In
addition, Microsoft is announcing new partnerships that create a strong
global ecosystem of hardware companies that give customers a breadth of
choices to buy and use Windows MultiPoint Server solutions.

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"We heard clearly from our customers in education that to help fulfil the
amazing promise of technology in the classroom, they needed access to
affordable computing that was easy to manage and use," said Anthony Salcito,
vice president of worldwide education at Microsoft. "That's why we developed
Windows MultiPoint Server - a solution that meets these needs and delivers an
up-to-date, trusted Windows experience."

Windows MultiPoint Server 2010 is an operating system that enables
multiple people to connect to a single host computer with their own monitor,
keyboard and mouse through USB or a video card. Each person individually
controls his or her own station with an independent and familiar Windows
computing experience. Windows MultiPoint Server 2010 is the flagship product
in a family of shared resource computing technologies, the MultiPoint
solutions, which provide teachers and students with greater access to
educational technology. Shared resource computing is an emerging category
that allows a customer to tap into more of a computer's capability to enable
a single host computer to support multiple users simultaneously.

"Shared resource computing can multiply the number of student
workstations available to schools, delivering more value while staying within
the same budget," said Bill Rust, research director at Gartner Inc. "Teachers
can better align computing resources with instructional strategies while
deploying fewer fully configured computers and reducing workstation support
liabilities."

More information on how to buy Windows MultiPoint Server 2010 and the
Windows MultiPoint family of solutions is available at
www.microsoft.com/multipoint.

Building an Ecosystem

Helping to fully realise the opportunities created by Windows MultiPoint
Server, the solution is launching with strong support from vendors all over
the world that have committed to developing creative and effective solutions
for the MultiPoint platform. In November 2009, HP became the first OEM to
announce support for Windows MultiPoint Server 2010. HP is now rolling out
its HP MultiSeat shared resource computing solution to customers worldwide.
In addition to HP, Microsoft is pleased to announce partnerships with
DisplayLink, NComputing, ThinGlobal, Tritton Technologies Inc and Wyse
Technology Inc to provide an increasing number of Windows MultiPoint Server
hardware options for customers globally. At the local level, Microsoft is
working with a broad array of OEMs, such as Howard, Positivo, Seneca Data and
Tarox, to deliver even more choices to meet the varied needs of customers.

Software vendors, such as AB Consulting, LanSchool Technologies and
NetSupport Ltd, will also be developing applications that extend the Windows
MultiPoint platform and provide teachers and students with access to
classroom management and other education-focused technology.

Having the support of a broad range of partners makes it easier for
customers to purchase Windows MultiPoint Server solutions and content
optimised for their individual language, content and curriculum needs. More
information on the Windows MultiPoint Server ecosystem is available at
www.microsoft.com/windows/multipoint/solutions.aspx.

Affordable Access for Schools

Customers from around the world have already endorsed Windows MultiPoint
Server 2010 and are experiencing firsthand the benefits this affordable
solution can provide. With lower initial hardware acquisition costs, schools
can expand access to more students with lower-cost or existing resources.
Using the familiar Windows-based interface on the host computer, teachers can
establish a consistent Windows experience depending on the needs of the
class. Students can work on individual projects and at their own pace, while
finding, using and sharing information effectively, enhancing their
productivity and learning experience. All this can be done within the
classroom, since Windows MultiPoint Server 2010 was designed for nontechnical
professionals to set up and manage.

"With Windows MultiPoint Server, we can offer more computer access to
more students, even on our tight technology budget," said Cary Petersen,
executive director of information technology, Jefferson County Public
Schools. "Teachers can easily distribute tailored curricula to individual
students and help them progress at their own level and pace. Students can
develop 21st-century skills that will help them with their school projects
and prepare them for the next level of schooling and for jobs in the future.
Besides, the system is easy to set up and maintain, meaning less work for our
IT department."

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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