Microsoft Partners With arvato to Deliver Global Business Process Outsourcing Efficiencies

LONDON and DUBLIN, January 17 - Microsoft has signed a global business process outsourcing partnership
with arvato AG, one of the world's largest internationally networked media
and communication services providers.

The five-year agreement - which sees Microsoft consolidating operational
activities for several key business lines previously handled by multiple
suppliers with one vendor - commences in January 2010. arvato will support
this business globally from their operations based in Dublin, Singapore, Reno
(Nevada), Fargo (North Dakota), Manila and Buenos Aires.

In its new role as a key global business process outsourcing partner,
arvato will manage services for Microsoft Dynamics (formerly known as
Microsoft Business Solutions), Commercial Operations, Services and OEM
(Original Equipment Manufacturer) divisions.

The teams will be using the latest BPM (Business Process Mapping), CRM
and data management technology to handle operations including software
licensing and distribution, partner reward schemes, day-to-day invoice
processes for Microsoft distributors, technology deployment, technical
support and customer services.

arvato will also be developing an enhanced managed services model to
simplify, globalize and standardize processes across the four business lines
and significantly reduce costs.

Microsoft and arvato have worked together as strategic partners since
1994, collaborating on a number of major global projects.

Matthias Mierisch, Head of arvato's Global BPO Unit for Microsoft and CEO
of arvato UK & Ireland, said: "Over the last fifteen years, arvato has been
successfully delivering against Microsoft's growth objectives.

"This agreement is testament to the hard work and dedication of our
employees over this time and the quality of service we provide every day to
some of the world's most trusted brands.

"We will now be focusing on ensuring Microsoft realises the true benefits
from this latest substantial investment in arvato."

"Moving from many to a single vendor with such extensive international
reach will not only be more efficient, but also help ensure global
consistency in the way we do business," said Matt Rossmeissl, Microsoft Vice
President Commercial Operations. "We're looking forward to collaborating with
arvato to create new opportunities, greater convenience and enhanced value to
our partners and customers around the world."

Issued on behalf of arvato AG by Citypress.

Editors Notes

About arvato AG

With more than 270 subsidiaries worldwide, arvato AG is one of the
biggest internationally networked media and communication services providers.

In fiscal 2008, the group of companies that is part of Bertelsmann AG
generated sales of EUR4.993 bn.

arvato's worldwide subsidiaries employ more than 60,000 people.

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.

    Please contact for further information:
    Ruth Grundy: +44(0)161-235-0307,
    E ruth@citypress.co.uk

Please contact for further information: Ruth Grundy: +44(0)161-235-0307, M +44(0)7967-360309,
E ruth at citypress.co.uk