Microsoft Europe, Middle East and Africa Background Information JANUARY 2007 was founded on the idea that if people have the right tools, they will do new and exciting things. Over the past three decades, we have never lost sight of this vision, and our commitment to helping people realise their dreams and achieve their full potential is greater than ever.

Contact Details EMEA Headquarters Microsoft EMEA Cœur Défense, Tour B, 38e étage 100, Esplanade du Général de Gaulle 92932 Paris La Défense France Tel: +33 1 70 99 10 00 Website: www.microsoft.com/emea

Microsoft EMEA Press Offi ce Tel: +44 870 2430515 E-mail: [email protected] Website: www.microsoft.com/emea/presscentre

2 MICROSOFT EMEA BACKGROUND INFORMATION • JANUARY 2007 Contents

The Company 4

Microsoft Products 8

Driving Innovation 10

Responding to Local Needs 12

Building Skills and Knowledge 13

Improving Access to Technology 15

Strengthening the Local Knowledge Economy 17

Contributing to Business and Industry Dialogue 19

Milestones 21

Facts and Figures 22

Microsoft EMEA Leadership Team 24

Executive Biographies 25

Regional Headquarters and Subsidiary Offi ces 26

Research and Development Offi ces 27

MICROSOFT EMEA BACKGROUND INFORMATION • JANUARY 2007 3 The Company

At Microsoft, we create software that helps people and organisations realise their potential.

A world leader in information technology (IT), Microsoft Corporation develops software that enables people and businesses to do great things. The company’s innovations create opportunities for the technology sector, businesses and consumers worldwide.

In Europe, the Middle East and Africa (EMEA), Microsoft has offi ces in 61 countries, employing over 13,000 people who deliver products and services to customers throughout the region. Neil Holloway, president of Microsoft EMEA, provides the strategic direction for Microsoft in this vast and varied region. To ensure that Microsoft’s customers, partners, investors and employees in every country have a consistently positive experience with the company, Holloway works closely with the company’s three sub-region vice presidents who represent the Middle East and Africa, Central and Eastern Europe and Western Europe, as well as the general managers of individual subsidiary offi ces. The general managers of Microsoft’s three largest subsidiaries in the region — France, Germany and the UK — report directly to Jean- Philippe Courtois, president of Microsoft International. Our Mission Our customer segment teams are responsible for At Microsoft, our mission is to help people and assuring that all of our customers and partners have businesses throughout the world realise their full a seamless experience. potential, and this fuels our efforts to bring ever- better technologies to customers and to society as Developer and Partner Group a whole. Responsible for communicating Microsoft’s vision for .NET to software developers, the Developer and We expand the possibilities for computing every Partner Group also manages Microsoft products day by enhancing our current products and that independent software vendors (ISVs), systems introducing new ones, by supporting a global integrators and corporate developers use. network of innovation, and by conducting fundamental research that paves the way for Public Sector Group tomorrow’s breakthroughs. This group works with governments and other public-sector organisations to help them operate Furthermore, as an IT industry leader, we have a more effi ciently and enhance their services through responsibility to use our resources and knowledge information technology — from e-government to help make a positive impact on people’s lives. solutions connecting governments and citizens, to We are committed to acting responsibly and dynamic e-learning applications that redefi ne the communicating openly about our business practices ways students, teachers and parents interact. and performance. We know that Microsoft’s business decisions can have a signifi cant impact on Enterprise and Partner Group our stakeholders and for the communities in which This customer segment team oversees Microsoft’s we conduct business, and we take that corporate relationships with major customers, as well as responsibility very seriously. As Microsoft CEO Steve enterprise partners such as systems integrators, Ballmer says, “It’s not enough to just do the right outsourcers, management consultancies and things; we have to do them in the right way.” technology vendors. i www.microsoft.com/emea Small and Midmarket Solutions and Partners Group Serving Our Customers and Partners Responsible for Microsoft’s small and medium-sized We are inspired by the creative ways Microsoft business solutions, this group also manages the customers use our software to solve business company’s channel initiatives, licensing and pricing problems, develop ground-breaking ideas and stay policies, and licensing compliance campaigns. connected to what is most important to them. EMEA Enterprise Services While the development of innovative products and This organisation is responsible for the fi eld technologies forms the core of our business, we services team, which provides technical consulting place no less of a priority on the satisfaction of our and support services to Microsoft customers in customers and partners. This commitment infuses the region. all of our business activities, and can be summarised in the following three strategies:

= Offering products that are more secure, reliable and user-friendly through world-class engineering, industry collaboration and unprecedented transparency in our product development = Making it easier to do business with Microsoft through streamlined processes, as well as improved service, technical support and licensing = Listening and responding by actively gathering customer and partner feedback

MICROSOFT EMEA BACKGROUND INFORMATION • JANUARY 2007 5 Our Businesses = Developer and Platform Evangelism Group Microsoft operations are aligned into three principal This group oversees developer and platform divisions, encompassing 12 business groups. evangelism efforts for the company as Microsoft further enables developers to build applications Microsoft Platform Products and combining software and services. Services Division This division comprises Windows® client, server and = Server and Tools Business Group tools products, and the MSN® network of This business unit manages Windows Server services. The division’s mission is to enable new user SystemTM integrated server software. The group experiences and drive customer value through creates software for streamlining businesses’ IT continued innovation in the software platform and infrastructure and reducing costs for enterprise software services delivered over the internet. administrators. Products include Windows ServerTM 2003, developer tools and the MSDN® = Windows and Group developer programme. This group focuses on delivering software-based services via the web for the Windows LiveTM Microsoft Business Division platform, extending the value of Microsoft This division, which includes the Information Worker products. and Microsoft Business Solutions groups, delivers software and software-based services that enable = Windows Live Platform Group organisations to succeed in today’s constantly This group encompasses several teams that evolving workplace by helping to increase the build platform services and capabilities for effectiveness of their people. Microsoft is uniquely Microsoft’s online offerings. The group provides positioned for this opportunity with the new back-end infrastructure, platform capabilities and division’s programmes, servers and software-based global operational support for services created in services addressing the spectrum from structured Windows Live, Offi ce Live and other applications business processes to personal productivity needs. that use the Live platform. = Information Worker Group = Online Business Group This business unit includes the Microsoft Offi ce This group manages , business system of products, including Visio® drawing development and marketing for Live platforms, and diagramming software, Microsoft Project, Windows Live and MSN — including MSN.com, Microsoft Publisher, and new products such as MSN TV and MSN Internet Access. the InfoPathTM information gathering program and the OneNote® note-taking program. This = Expansion Group group also oversees Encompassing product marketing, research SharePoint® Services. and development, this group is charged with developing products for new markets, = Microsoft Business Solutions Group from products such as Windows XP Starter This group offers the Microsoft DynamicsTM suite Edition and new types of devices, through to of products that allow small and midsize products such as the recently launched Ultra- organisations to connect employees, customers Mobile PC devices. and suppliers. The fi nancial management, customer relationship management, supply = Core Division chain management and analytics applications This group is focused on building the industry’s work to streamline processes across an entire leading operating system foundation to power organisation, giving businesses insight to Microsoft platform products. respond rapidly, plan strategically and execute quickly. Microsoft Business Solutions products = Windows Client Marketing Group are customised and delivered through a This business unit is responsible for Microsoft’s worldwide network of channel partners that popular desktop operating system, including the provide specialised services and local support. most recent versions of the platform — Windows VistaTM, Windows XP and Windows 2000. The Windows Client group also manages specialised versions of the operating system such as Windows XP Tablet PC Edition and Windows Embedded.

6 MICROSOFT EMEA BACKGROUND INFORMATION • JANUARY 2007 Microsoft Entertainment and Devices Division = The part-time work and job sharing initiative This division focuses on enabling rich experiences supports greater workplace fl exibility, creating and usage scenarios through a wide range of opportunities for more employees to work electronic devices — for people at work, at home alternative schedules. and on the move. = The work-life balance initiative helps = Home and Entertainment Group employees and their managers integrate their This business unit encompasses Microsoft’s lives and create a sustainable work experience consumer portfolio, comprising PC gaming for all Microsoft employees. software and hardware, personal productivity tools, reference products and digital media In addition to leveraging the talents of professionals products such as Windows XP Media Center. with a wide range of abilities, Microsoft creates It also includes products such as the 360TM opportunities for young people, at the beginning of video game and entertainment system, online their career, to thrive at Microsoft. For example, we games, the ZuneTM digital media player and the encourage graduate and postgraduate students to Microsoft TV platform. join Microsoft through the Microsoft Academy for University Hires (MACH). This programme offers = Mobile and Embedded Devices (MED) Group graduates and postgraduates the chance to MED provides a software platform, enabling develop professional skills they need for a successful device manufacturers to develop smart, career in sales, marketing or technical roles. connected products that offer a compelling mobile experience. MED products include the As part of the company’s commitment to its em- Windows CE operating system, eMbedded ployees, myMicrosoft — a broad set of investments Visual C++® development system and Windows to ensure that Microsoft continues as one of the XP Tablet PC Edition. world’s best places to work, with great opportuni- ties, great leadership and a great working environ- Our Culture ment — was launched in 2006. There are fi ve key Microsoft employees are in a position to make a elements to myMicrosoft: difference in people’s lives around the world. That’s why the company’s top priority is to recruit, promote = A performance management system that and retain talented people who are passionate enables managers to assess an employee’s per- about software. Microsoft employees are equipped formance against commitments, regardless of with state-of-the-art technology to help them stay how other employees on the team performed. connected and productive, whether they are in the offi ce, at home or on the move. And with a = A compensation system that supports differenti- comprehensive package of benefi ts, training and ated rewards for top talent and provides fl ex- fl exible working opportunities, Microsoft cultivates a ibility and accountability at the leadership level. rewarding work environment where the culture of collaboration and innovation enables ideas to = A management development programme blossom and minds to grow. that commits all managers to training and that rewards those who excel. Microsoft EMEA leads the company in its efforts to promote a workforce that mirrors the diverse = A career model framework that outlines devel- communities in which the company operates. opment skills and growth opportunities and is The Microsoft EMEA leadership team has made a transparent for all employees. long-term commitment to enhancing workplace diversity, through programmes including these: = A work environment programme that supports a diverse workplace, diverse work styles and = The web accessibility effort focuses on auditing enhanced creativity. and improving all of Microsoft’s websites and services to ensure that employees and customers with disabilities have equal access.

= The female talent initiative aims to create a more gender-balanced workforce and to help women at Microsoft advance into more senior roles.

MICROSOFT EMEA BACKGROUND INFORMATION • JANUARY 2007 7 Microsoft Products

Microsoft platforms, products and services empower millions of people and businesses around the world. Some of the company’s most recognised are shown here:

Microsoft Windows Over the past two decades, Microsoft Windows products have evolved from a single, one-size-fi ts-all desktop operating system into a diverse family of operating systems and mobile technologies. Windows software includes the Windows Server System, Windows Vista, Windows XP and Windows CE, which powers a wide array of digital devices.

Did you know? In selected emerging markets, Microsoft offers a low- cost version of Windows, called Windows XP Starter Edition. Available in several regional languages and compatible with a wide range of applications and devices, it is available in 63 countries in EMEA.

Microsoft Offi ce Microsoft Offi ce has evolved from a suite of personal productivity products to a more comprehensive and integrated system. Building on the familiar tools that many people already know, such as Microsoft Word, Outlook®, Excel® and PowerPoint®, Microsoft Offi ce includes programs, servers, services and solutions designed to work together to help address a broad array of business problems.

Did you know? Since Microsoft Word launched in 1989, the number of features in the word processor has expanded from fewer than 100 to over 1,500. To address the plethora of options in the Offi ce suite, the 2007 Microsoft Offi ce system has a new contextual interface enabling users to complete tasks with 60 per cent fewer mouse clicks, on average.

Visual Studio Visual Studio® is an integrated, easy-to-use development environment for creating software for Windows, the web and consumer devices.

Did you know? Visual Studio 2005 features an expanded set of tools including the Visual Studio Team System, a collaboration platform for software development teams that are building service-oriented applications.

8 MICROSOFT EMEA BACKGROUND INFORMATION • JANUARY 2007 Microsoft Dynamics offers integrated, adaptable business applications for small and medium-sized organisations and divisions of large enterprises. These integrated solutions — delivered through a worldwide network of experienced Microsoft Certifi ed Partners — work like and with familiar Microsoft software, and help automate and improve fi nancial, customer relationship, and supply chain management.

Did you know? Microsoft Dynamics CRM will be the fastest-growing customer relationship management product in 2007, according to the consultancy Gartner Inc. The product’s popularity is attributed to its overall ease of use, its integration with Microsoft Outlook and its availability in more countries and languages than other CRM solutions.

MSN and Windows Live MSN is the world’s most popular internet destination, comprising world-class services such as MSN Hotmail®, , MSN Search, Communities, Chat, Shopping and Personal Finance.

Did you know? MSN portals operate in 42 markets and 21 languages, drawing more than 440 million unique users each month. The MSN Hotmail service has approximately 215 million active e-mail accounts, making it the world’s largest web-based e-mail service.

Xbox 360 is the most powerful video game and entertainment system, delivering great games, the next generation of the premier Xbox Live online gaming network, and unique digital entertainment experiences for gamers.

Did you know? With a record-breaking 1.5 million pre-orders when it launched, Microsoft Game Studios’ “Halo® 2” for the Xbox platform generated more revenue in its fi rst 24 hours of availability than day-one ticket sales for any feature fi lm in entertainment history.

MICROSOFT EMEA BACKGROUND INFORMATION • JANUARY 2007 9 Driving Innovation

Behind everything Microsoft does is a fundamental The initiative aims to be a catalyst for quantum leaps commitment to providing people and organisations in technology that will affect areas such as the life with cutting-edge software, services and solutions. sciences, engineering and agriculture, and help As the infrastructure of information and address important issues including the protection of communication technology (ICT) evolves, with faster global biodiversity. processing, cheaper storage, greater bandwidth and new kinds of devices, Microsoft is inventing i research.microsoft.com/ero software that creates new ways of informing, entertaining and connecting people. Software is Central to the initiative is the establishment of what makes these scenarios come to life, which is centres of excellence where leading researchers why innovation is at the heart of Microsoft. from academia and industry can advance knowledge related to computing and specifi c Around EMEA, Microsoft teams are developing scientifi c disciplines. So far, one centre has been technologies that will be built into tomorrow’s opened and a second is in development: products. Over 1,000 employees across the region are conducting research, inventing new = The Microsoft and University of Trento Centre technologies, designing and improving software, for Computational and Systems Biology was helping technology partners bring better products opened in 2005 by Microsoft, the University of to market, and helping enterprise customers test and Trento, and local and national governments. At implement their custom solutions. And more than the Trento centre, researchers are building ever, Microsoft is taking an open and collaborative computational tools for understanding complex approach to creating technologies that will serve processes in biological systems. Such tools could society and enhance economic prosperity. lead to insights into the origin of disease, new therapies and better vaccines. Pure Research Microsoft employs hundreds of researchers who are = In 2007, the French Ministry of Research, inventing the next generation of computing Microsoft and INRIA, the French research institute, technologies. Some of this fundamental, or pure, opened the Microsoft-INRIA Institute for research is paying off today with breakthroughs in Computational Science. Researchers at the critical areas such as software security and reliability. institute investigate the application of Other innovations will transform the way we use mathematics to improve software and systems computers years from now. security, and pursue the development of new software tools for the management and analysis The company’s research laboratory in Europe, of complex scientifi c data. Cambridge, was founded in 1997, the fi rst such facility to be established Applied Research outside the US. Today, more than 100 researchers In addition to the long-lead, blue-sky research that at the Cambridge, UK, lab are engaged in takes place at Microsoft Research, the company fundamental computer science research, including contributes technical expertise and software machine learning and perception, programming development to projects of national and regional principles and tools, systems and networking, importance. Founded in 2003 in Aachen, Germany, and interactive systems. the European Microsoft Innovation Center (EMIC) comprises a team of developers who i research.microsoft.com/aboutmsr/labs/ contribute to large-scale, government-led cambridge information technology projects. Working closely with academic institutions and industry partners, In addition, the External Research Offi ce (ERO) software engineers at EMIC focus their efforts on extends the scope of Microsoft Research beyond web services, security and privacy technologies, and traditional computer science. This is being achieved wireless technologies. through new types of research collaboration with universities, governments and industry partners. i www.microsoft.com/emea/emic The ERO leads the Microsoft European Science Initiative, created in 2005 to accelerate innovation at the intersection of science and computing — turning scientifi c discoveries into outcomes with economic and social value.

10 MICROSOFT EMEA BACKGROUND INFORMATION • JANUARY 2007 Product Development technologies destined for a number of Microsoft’s While most of Microsoft’s fl agship products are core products, including ® Center, developed in Redmond, Washington, more and the Digital Terrestrial TV project for Europe and more are being created and developed outside the Windows Vista. US, and particularly in EMEA. In Denmark, for example, more than 800 people work at the Also in Sandyford the European Operations Microsoft Development Center, Copenhagen, Centre is responsible for three major services: Microsoft’s largest development facility outside the warehousing and distribution of products, business US. Most of the centre’s staff contribute to the transaction processing and management, and Dynamics line of business solutions for small and information technology support and control. medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), and the Windows Vista operating system. Staff at the Copenhagen i www.microsoft.com/ireland/aboutus/eoc/ campus work closely with ISVs and systems introduction. integrators that create specialised, industry-tailored software on the Microsoft Dynamics platform. In The Microsoft Development Center, Serbia, addition, Microsoft’s worldwide centre of excellence was founded in 2005 in Belgrade as a facility for for supply-chain management is located here. developing handwriting recognition in several European languages for the Tablet PC. The team has i www.microsoft.com/businesssolutions since expanded to include research on applying machine-learning techniques for recognising Both based in the UK, and complex handwritten structures such as are Microsoft’s premier game development facilities mathematical equations, chemical diagrams in Europe, creating games for the Xbox 360 video and architectural drawings. game and entertainment system and the PC. Acquired in 2002 by Microsoft, Rare employs 170 i www.microsoft.com/scg/mdcs/aboutus.mspx game developers and has sold over 93 million units in its 20-year history. Lionhead Studios, founded in Customer and Partner Innovation 1997, was acquired in 2006 and has 210 employees; Microsoft supports the innovations of its customers it is responsible for industry-leading titles such as and industry partners, not only through interoperable Fable 2. software and solutions, but also by offering resources and expertise to help others innovate on the i www.rareware.com Microsoft platform. In the EMEA region, the company www.lionhead.com has numerous facilities dedicated to helping external groups bring their innovations to life more quickly The Microsoft European Product Development and effectively. Centre (EPDC) provides the European and South American markets with country-specifi c versions Microsoft Technology Centres (MTCs) are places of Microsoft’s leading products, refl ecting local where large companies’ IT teams can work side-by- languages and culture. Based in Dublin, Ireland, the side with Microsoft experts to test and fi nd solutions EPDC has grown from localising only two products to their technology challenges. MTCs create a (MS-DOS® and Microsoft Word) into two languages favourable environment for collaborative in 1988 to developing 100 products in 37 languages development and technical support, offering today. The team supports 15 additional languages resources including hardware, software and services. and dialects as part of the Microsoft Local Language In the EMEA region, MTCs operate in Dubai, UAE; Programme and Microsoft developers and linguists Munich, Germany; Paris, France; and Reading, UK. specialise in 50 languages and dialects to create these products. i www.microsoft.com/mtc

In Zurich, Switzerland, software engineers at the Similar to MTCs, Microsoft Innovation Centres for Microsoft Development Center for Collaboration ISV Development focus on providing ISVs with Technologies are bringing the company’s vision for guidance on the design and development of unifi ed communications to fruition. This technology products that work with Microsoft software. At these will integrate various modes of communication — centres, ISVs have access to training, technologies including e-mail, instant messaging, short message and technical expertise from Microsoft staff, and the service (SMS), voice telephony and conferencing — facilities provide a simulation environment enabling enabling information workers to manage all of ISVs to test their software applications as though their modes of communication within a single they were installed in a customer’s environment. messaging environment. Microsoft has ISV centres in Amsterdam, the Netherlands; Aragón and Castilla y León, Spain; Opened in Ireland in 2005, the Microsoft Copenhagen, Denmark; and Varaždin, Croatia. Development Centre, Sandyford, is staffed by a team of software engineers who are developing

MICROSOFT EMEA BACKGROUND INFORMATION • JANUARY 2007 11 Increasing IT Literacy

Following the collapse of Eastern European socialism in 1989, a steady fl ow of migrants from war-torn and impoverished countries chose to start a new life in Greece. As with all migrant communities, the road to gaining employment and acceptance is long, and made even more diffi cult by individuals’ lack of computing skills — a requirement for most jobs. In October 2005, Microsoft partnered with the city of Athens to convert a government building into a computer training centre for disadvantaged migrants. The centre has proven highly successful, and Microsoft has since expanded its relationship with the municipal government, sponsoring its 2006 Athens Career Forum.

Responding to Local Needs

The EMEA region comprises a highly diverse As part of Microsoft’s commitment to the countries grouping of countries, spanning some of the most and communities where it operates, the company developed economies in the world and some of the also helps bring technology access and opportunity least. Cultural and social differences can be to underserved populations through formal immense, and governments’ policy objectives agreements with some of the world’s most refl ect this diversity. Even in well-developed infl uential development organisations. economies and “wired” societies, as in the Nordic Among them are the United Nations Development region, there are endless opportunities to put Programme (UNDP), the UN High Commissioner for technology to better use in business, in the public Refugees (UNHCR), the UN Educational, Scientifi c sector and in people’s daily lives. and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) and the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD). Microsoft recognises that doing business in EMEA requires different approaches and presents different opportunities to support local development. One “size” does not fi t all. This is why the company has been steadily increasing its physical presence in EMEA over the past two decades, recently opening offi ces in Armenia and Azerbaijan, on the eastern fl ank of EMEA, and in Bosnia.

12 MICROSOFT EMEA BACKGROUND INFORMATION • JANUARY 2007 Building Skills and Knowledge

Companies have a responsibility to support the Partners in Learning is making a difference for communities in which they do business. Microsoft schools and students in 64 EMEA countries. The embraces this viewpoint in its work with a wide programme has already trained 2.2 million teachers range of organisations — including governments, and school leaders worldwide, and millions of non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and students — 43.2 million and counting — have been private companies — to create opportunities for reached by the programme. underserved populations, and drive local innovation and economic development. Microsoft is making a i www.microsoft.com/emea/education difference in communities across EMEA, helping society capitalise on the knowledge revolution, by Extending this work, Microsoft has developed a promoting the use of ICT in education and proven framework to help governments bring ICT supporting ICT training for adults in disadvantaged to underserved schools and communities in Africa. communities. However, while technology itself is a The African Pathfi nder is a programme blueprint key element in promoting economic growth and that helps education authorities and NGOs spread digital inclusion, it must be combined with the productive use of ICT in schools — in a locally education and sustainable programmes that refl ect driven, sustainable way. Growing out of a partnership the needs of the local area. between Microsoft and the government of Namibia, Partnering With Schools African Pathfi nder provides PCs, teacher training, technical support and advice to schools. Since the According to the UN’s Millennium Development successful implementation of the Namibian Goals Report 2005, of the 185 million jobless people Pathfi nder project, the governments of Angola, worldwide, nearly half are aged 15–24, and youth Madagascar and Rwanda have joined the unemployment rates in developing countries have Pathfi nder network. increased since the 1990s. Training and education are an essential part of turning these fi gures around.

Microsoft’s Partners in Learning programme strives to help schools in three areas: to signifi cantly raise the level of ICT literacy among school staff; to support teachers and schools in developing an internal culture of innovation; and to work with schools to prepare students for the digital workplace.

Partnering With Schools

In cooperation with the Czech Republic Ministry of Education, Youth and Sports and Microsoft, the secondary technical school Na Tˇrebešínˇe is one of many schools using Microsoft Class Server 4.0 to create and deliver e-learning materials, administer and grade tests, and improve collaboration between teachers and students. Microsoft’s Partners in Learning has supported the school with technical support, training and e-learning content.

The Kenya ICT Trust Fund private-public partnership with Microsoft has helped the Kenyan government develop a National Education ICT Strategy and mobilise over $80,000 of contributions for initiatives in schools. The Microsoft Partners in Learning initiative is also training secondary school teachers and helping the Ministry of Education develop a national ICT curriculum that provides a 21st-century education to school children across the nation.

MICROSOFT EMEA BACKGROUND INFORMATION • JANUARY 2007 13 Partnering With Communities Advanced Teacher Training In addition to supporting the use of ICT primary Schools that want to integrate ICT more deeply and secondary education, Microsoft is helping into their curriculum need more than computing adult learners gain basic ICT skills for work and equipment. They also need teachers who have life through local community training centres. the knowledge to use computers, operating Community-based technology training and access systems and applications. Microsoft has made a is one of the most promising avenues for helping substantial commitment over the next fi ve years people in underserved communities to become to invest in technology skills training for teachers more employable and to gain access to information in schools worldwide. and services available through the internet. Microsoft IT Academy for Teacher Training is a In 2003, Microsoft launched the Unlimited programme for accredited academic institutions to Potential programme, which provides equipment, offer students high-quality education using Microsoft resources and training for Community Technology technologies. Among the components of this Centres (CTCs). These training facilities, often programme, Microsoft offers a comprehensive located at community centres or public libraries, curriculum aligned with real-world career paths, provide practical technology training to people of all textbooks and course libraries, online and e- ages. Groups targeted by the programme vary from learning resources, and faculty training. The country to country, and include women, senior programme seeks to inspire school leaders to citizens, refugees, immigrants, unemployed people, recognise the power of ICT for teaching and disadvantaged children and young adults, and school improvement. people with disabilities. Microsoft recently established four School Microsoft supports 183 Unlimited Potential projects Technology Innovation Centres — in Amman, in EMEA, serving an estimated 1 million people. Jordan; Belfast, Northern Ireland; Brussels, Belgium; With an investment of approximately US$25 million and Prague, Czech Republic. At these centres, to date, Microsoft has helped to establish more than teachers are shown how technology can create 7,120 CTCs in the region. richer, more inspiring and more effective learning environments. Each centre is a demonstration and i www.microsoft.com/emea/inthecommunity learning laboratory for educators, where Microsoft and its partners Cisco Systems, HP and Intel share innovative teaching practices and provide information, training and equipment that enhances the use of ICT in classrooms and curriculums.

In cooperation with local government, the Polish foundation Modern Poland used a $250,000 Microsoft Unlimited Potential grant to install internet access points in each of the 118 districts in the Podlasie region of north-eastern Poland — the country’s fi rst effort to provide free internet access to the residents of poor, rural communities. This year the programme is being extended with additional funding from Microsoft, with fi ve of the existing access points being expanded into CTCs that will enable residents to develop computer skills and become more employable.

14 MICROSOFT EMEA BACKGROUND INFORMATION • JANUARY 2007 Improving Access to Technology

It goes without saying that information technology is an integral part of today’s global society. But not everyone has an equal opportunity to take advantage of ICT. Through numerous programmes, Microsoft is increasing access to computers for people with disabilities, speakers of regional languages, people in underserved areas, and small businesses.

The cost of computers and software is a signifi cant Microsoft also offers Windows XP Starter Edition, barrier to development in emerging economies. In a more affordable version of the Windows XP many places around the world, the cost of a PC is operating system, to meet the needs of entry-level well beyond the means of the average person, and PC users and to promote digital access in computing centres are few and far between. underserved markets. Tailored to local markets and Microsoft is making an effort to put PCs within the compatible with a wide range of Windows-based reach of more people through its Digital Pipeline applications and devices, the product is offered in and Windows Starter Edition programmes. collaboration with governments and industry partners, to put PCs within the fi nancial reach of Microsoft is the founding partner of Digital citizens in selected middle- and low-income Pipeline, an independent organisation that is regions. Windows XP Starter Edition is currently building channels for older but usable computers to available in 63 countries in the region, with Arabic be refurbished and used in communities where the and Turkish versions for ten countries in the Middle cost of a new computer is prohibitive. The East and Northern Africa. programme provides a trustworthy framework for companies to donate their surplus computers responsibly. Not only is this an environmentally friendly way for companies to recycle unneeded computers, it helps to put affordable computers to work for schools and individuals who couldn’t afford them otherwise. i www.digitalpipeline.com

The Digital Pipeline

One example of Digital Pipeline in action is in Namibia, where the Education Ministry is using ICT to improve the quality of education and help students develop technology skills in schools. In partnership with Microsoft and Digital Pipeline, the ministry has deployed computer laboratories in more than a dozen schools, saving on costs while using the same software as schools in Europe and the US.

MICROSOFT EMEA BACKGROUND INFORMATION • JANUARY 2007 15 Bridging the Language Divide Microsoft began this work in 1988, becoming one of The Council of Europe estimates the number of the fi rst technology companies to create products living languages in the world at around 6,000, with for people with disabilities. The company developed between 200 and 300 indigenous languages in products for hearing-impaired people as well as Europe alone. Globalisation, however, is forcing keyboard and mouse enhancements for people people to communicate increasingly in only a with limited mobility. Since then, Microsoft’s work in handful of major languages. Rather than increasing this area has grown. All of its fl agship products, diversity, it is actually undermining and diluting local including Microsoft Windows and Offi ce, now languages and cultures. include accessibility features.

To prevent language from being a barrier to ICT use, Windows Vista features a new Ease of Access centre worldwide, Microsoft offers full editions of Windows that helps users easily locate the product’s built-in and Offi ce in 25 and 37 languages, respectively. accessibility features, which include improved Likewise, Microsoft Customer Service operates in all magnifi cation and state-of-the-art speech regional subsidiaries, in more than 43 languages, recognition that allows people to interact with their supported by a common infrastructure to enable computer by voice. This is particularly important for consistent processes, systems, tools and knowledge people who have limited dexterity or use of their sharing. In addition, Microsoft’s Local Language hands. Windows Vista also offers developers an Programme (LLP) is enabling people to use enhanced platform for creating accessible Microsoft Windows and Offi ce in less-common technologies. Recently Microsoft has been languages such as Albanian, Gaelic Irish, Kiswahili and supporting over 150 assistive-technology Luxemburgish. Through LLP, local governments and manufacturers in their development of Windows language authorities work with Microsoft to develop Vista-compatible products. language interface packs that overlay Windows and Offi ce, based on offi cially approved glossaries of IT i www.microsoft.com/enable terms. Since the programme was created in 2004, LLP has generated 52 downloadable language interface packs for Windows XP and 35 for Microsoft Offi ce. Remarkably, Windows Vista and the 2007 Offi ce system will be available in 95–110 languages.

Access for People with Disabilities In the UK alone, nearly 10 million people have some kind of disability, from vision or hearing impairments to limited mobility or cognitive disabilities such as dyslexia. Loosely extrapolated, the number reaches into the hundreds of millions across EMEA. Microsoft strives to provide equal access for people with disabilities in everything it builds, approaching accessibility with the same level of commitment as it does to IT security.

16 MICROSOFT EMEA BACKGROUND INFORMATION • JANUARY 2007 Strengthening the Local Knowledge Economy

Wherever Microsoft does business, the economic and social benefi ts of its partner-driven business model are felt. Microsoft creates business opportunities for local technology companies and works with governments to support economic growth and spread the use of ICT in support of education, jobs and competitiveness in the global marketplace.

Microsoft has built its business by creating In terms of jobs, Microsoft-related employment inexpensive software that millions of customers can ranges from approximately 36,000 people in both use without extensive training. This approach puts Hungary and Turkey to more than half a million in ICT within the reach of most people, for their Germany and the UK. In South Africa, 49 per cent of personal empowerment and enjoyment as well as IT employment is related to Microsoft products, and their livelihood. Importantly, Microsoft provides a in Estonia, Lithuania, Russia and Turkey, Microsoft- software platform on which other developers can related employment represents more than half of build their own applications, and their own business. the industry total. This model is the foundation of a commercial software ecosystem that creates ripples of economic For six countries in south-eastern Europe, including value, generating jobs, tax revenues and enhanced Bulgaria, Croatia, the Former Yugoslav Republic of economic competitiveness. Macedonia, Romania, Serbia and Motenegro (one country when the study was conducted), and In September 2006, the consultancy IDC released a Slovenia, IDC projects that between 2004 and 2009 report projecting the economic impact of Windows the IT sector will generate over 35,000 new jobs and Vista in six key European markets — Denmark, $1.4 billion in cumulative new IT tax revenue. In France, Germany, Poland, Spain and the UK. 2004, over half of employment and tax revenues According to the study, the new Microsoft operating were attributable to the fast-growing Microsoft system will be a major driver of revenue and ecosystem in that region (IDC, 2005). employment for more than 150,000 IT companies in the six countries, which collectively account for 65 Microsoft also invests directly in the success of its per cent of IT spending in the European Economic software partners, whose products and services Zone. Windows Vista will generate revenues of enhance the overall value of the Microsoft platform. more than €32 billion for these companies in 2007. Microsoft is investing approximately $95 million in supporting ISVs in EMEA. This partner focus shapes IDC has also studied the impact of the overall the way other companies feel about engaging with software industry on selected EMEA economies. Microsoft. In 2004, according to IDC, ten of the In 2006, the consultancy studied 28 EMEA countries, leading systems integrators in Europe, representing and found that IT-related activities were the source one-third of the European services market, ranked of nearly 8 million jobs and nearly US$300 billion in Microsoft as the vendor providing the greatest tax receipts. An estimated 2.8 million jobs — fully business opportunity through strategic alliances. 37 per cent of the overall IT sector — is attributed to companies and employees working with These data underscore a key principle of Microsoft’s Microsoft products. business model: to support a vibrant IT economy in which local business thrive and local jobs are created. In addition, for every $1 of revenue that Microsoft generated in the EMEA region, another $7.68 was Achieving e-Europe earned by other companies selling hardware or Microsoft is committed to working with the software that works on Microsoft operating systems European Union to achieve its vision for an inclusive or servicing that software. So the value of the information society through its e-Europe and software industry compounds, fuelling economic e-Europe+ Action Plans, bringing communities growth and dynamism in every local market. closer together, promoting economic growth and creating a more integrated society. Accordingly, Between 2005 and 2009, IDC estimates that Microsoft participates in public-private partnerships 1.5 million new IT jobs will be created in the region, to help prevent the development of a two-tier Europe. generating $179 billion in new tax receipts (IDC, 2006).

MICROSOFT EMEA BACKGROUND INFORMATION • JANUARY 2007 17 These include community affairs programmes and Spurring ICT Use by Smaller Companies a wide range of partnerships with governments, SMEs represent 99 per cent of the businesses in businesses and institutions to strengthen local Europe, about 22 million currently, with a steady technology infrastructures and address the growth rate of just below 5 per cent annually, economic and social priorities across the EU. according to the European Commission. In an increasingly competitive global market, SMEs are The (SSI) was created in under increasing pressure to participate in new 2001 to make Microsoft source code more broadly markets, reduce operating costs and pursue new available for key products and components. The business opportunities, but they often lack the initiative includes over 70 different offerings, and capital to invest in the needed ICT. Recognising this more than 2 million developers worldwide have need, governments and banks in Europe have accessed shared source code. Through SSI, made approximately €117 billion (US$150 million) developers receive royalty-free access to Microsoft of funding available to SMEs for technology and intellectual property, creating business related investments. However, only 45 per cent of opportunities for hardware, software and service SMEs in Europe are aware that these funds are providers, and offering university students, teachers available. Then there are the bureaucratic hurdles. and researchers access to technologies vital to Of the 4 per cent of SMEs that do apply, only one their research. quarter are successful in their application and receive grant money. The Government Security Programme (GSP) was launched in 2003 as a continuation of SSI. GSP Led by Microsoft in cooperation with local and provides national governments with access to regional governments, the European Union Windows source code as well as the technical Grants Advisor (EUGA) programme aims to help information and training they need to be confi dent SMEs better understand and benefi t from in the security of the Windows platform. In government funding opportunities. Through the September 2005, Offi ce 2003 was included in GSP EUGA website, business owners are able to fi nd for the fi rst time. Microsoft has 32 GSP agreements information about EU and national funding, and with governments and agencies in EMEA. ascertain which funds they may be eligible for. Since its initial pilot in 2004, the programme has The Solutions Sharing Network (SSN) is an online expanded to 18 EU countries, supported by 131 forum for technical information exchange among partner organisations. There are currently more government organisations, academic institutions than 500 projects in the pipeline, benefi ting 132,000 and other public-sector agencies, whose goal is to companies and representing a contribution of over reduce the cost and time required to develop and €170 million to local economies. deploy software solutions. Through the SSN programme, Microsoft hosts an online catalogue of i www.microsoft.com/emea/euga intellectual property such as software solutions, architectures, best practices and application source code to be shared openly. It also is a forum for technology providers to showcase their solutions and capabilities. Microsoft currently hosts 17 SSN websites in EMEA, with 19 new or upgraded SSNs in the pipeline.

18 MICROSOFT EMEA BACKGROUND INFORMATION • JANUARY 2007 Contributing to Business and Industry Dialogue

Microsoft is a vocal contributor to IT-industry forums — participating in cross-industry organisations and conferences where all points of view can be heard and debated. Among the most important issues in the industry today are intellectual property protection, software interoperability, and security and online safety.

Protecting the Value of Innovation Building Software That Works Together One invention, introduced at the right time, has the In today’s heterogeneous IT marketplace, power to spawn thousands of satellite businesses, interoperability is a practical necessity. generating tax revenues for government, and Interoperability means enabling diverse systems to creating jobs and income for countless individuals. work together, giving customers complete control Innovative ideas, therefore, must be protected if over their data in a multi-vendor environment. they are to benefi t local economies. Microsoft products and services are interoperable by design. They work well together and with other Intellectual property laws make it possible for enterprise solutions to reduce complex business creators to build businesses around their integration. Microsoft makes its products innovations, and thus form the framework upon interoperable by focusing on four areas: which the software industry exists. Microsoft, which engineering, industry collaboration, standards contributes to a vibrant, widely distributed engagement and IP licensing. ecosystem of technology providers, is a strong advocate of intellectual property protection. = Engineering. Interoperable components are built into Microsoft software. Therefore, Increasingly, Microsoft is patenting and licensing its enterprise customers are less reliant on custom software inventions, instead of retaining exclusive development, consulting services, and usage rights. Open licensing of intellectual property cumbersome testing and certifi cation to achieve has become common in the software industry, and interoperability. For products and technologies it allows Microsoft to be more transparent with its such as Microsoft Offi ce and web services, the products. Increased licensing allows multiple company offers an extensive set of tools, vendors to provide innovative technology in their educational materials and other resources for diverse product offerings. This model encourages developers and ISVs to enhance the broader availability and use of new technologies, interoperability of their products with and the result is more consumer choice. Microsoft’s products.

Software piracy undermines the market’s ability to = Licensing. Licensing intellectual property reward innovation. Although a number of countries increases the overall pool of innovations have solid intellectual property protection legislation, available to industry, enhancing growth of the IT counterfeiting and software theft is prevalent, and industry with resulting benefi ts to , protection is inconsistent. According to the Business interoperability, consumer choice and Software Alliance’s (BSA’s) 2005 Global Software productivity. Microsoft formalised its intellectual Piracy Report, just over a third (35 per cent) of property licensing programme in 2003 and has software loaded on to computers in 2005 was expanded access to Microsoft technology illegally copied. Globally, this represents a $34 billion ever since. loss of revenue for the world’s economies due to piracy in 2005. = Industry Collaboration. IT companies frequently engage in technical collaboration to Microsoft EMEA has built strong partnerships with solve interoperability challenges facing their industry, governments and industry associations customers and the IT industry. These such as the BSA, sharing its expertise in the areas of collaborations vary widely, and include private- intellectual property law. The company supports law sector engagements as well as collaboration enforcement on prosecutions and helps other between private industry and government. For government agencies protect and inform the public. example, Microsoft has engaged in several recent company-to-company collaborations, i www.microsoft.com/mscorp/ip pursuing instant messaging interoperability with AOL and Yahoo!, and interoperability between open source software and Windows with Novell, JBoss and SugarCRM.

MICROSOFT EMEA BACKGROUND INFORMATION • JANUARY 2007 19 = Standards. Technology standards enable and resulted in a 56 per cent decrease in the interoperability across a wide range of products number of security bulletins, compared to and services. Standards are created through Windows Server 2000. open and collaborative development, and established through market adoption of a Microsoft’s leaders are determined to help make the particular technology. For years, Microsoft has internet safe for everyone, especially children and been a leader and advocate in promoting web families. One company cannot protect the millions services technology, which enables connected, of people who use computers and technologies web-based applications to exchange data and alone. So Microsoft is also working with technology interoperate — principally through its industry partners, law enforcement organisations contribution to the XML standard. The company and others in the fi ght to protect all users from actively participates in the standards process, computer worms and viruses, as well as online cooperating with industry partners and security threats including spam, spyware and independent standards bodies such as the World phishing (identity theft). Wide Web Consortium (W3C) to promote the use and continual improvement of these = In March 2006, Microsoft launched the Global specifi cations. Phishing Enforcement Initiative (GPEI), a legal campaign to fi ght phishers in partnership with i www.microsoft.com/interop law enforcement, multiple industries and governments, with the goal of educating Helping to Make Computing Safe consumers, prosecuting criminals and As a developer of leading internet technologies and developing technology solutions to address the a producer of mass-market software, Microsoft has threat of phishing. an obligation to help address the challenges of the new information-based society. Microsoft is dealing = In April 2005, in cooperation with international with security and internet safety threats by law enforcement agencies, Microsoft unveiled developing new features that strengthen its products the Child Exploitation Tracking System (CETS), a and enable customers to control their level of computer system that allows global police protection and safety online. agencies to share information for tracking online child predators. The company has adopted numerous practices to ensure that security standards are met. For example: MSN is one of the world’s most popular destinations on the internet, attracting over 440 million users = The quality and predictability of security updates each month worldwide. MSN is deeply committed have been improved by moving to a regular to online safety and security, and collaborates with monthly update cycle and reducing the size of partners in the volunteer sector, child-protection the updates to make it easier for people to keep professionals, parent groups, governments and both their systems secure. local and international law enforcement to fi nd practical solutions that address this issue. In Europe, = Microsoft requires its software developers to some of these partners include InHope, EuroISPA, attend ongoing training in writing secure code EU Safer Internet Program, the Government’s Task and has established strict security checkpoints at force on Child Protection (UK), Anesvad (Spain) and every stage in the software development process. Safer Internet for Children Group (the Netherlands).

= Enterprise-class and internet-facing software i www.microsoft.com/mscorp/innovation/twc must meet mandatory and rigorous security and reliability standards before shipping. This process was used for Windows Server 2003

Since October 2003, Microsoft has trained more than 600,000 IT professionals and developers — including 180,000 in EMEA — on security best practices through security summits, webcasts, e-learning clinics, online security guidance and the Microsoft Security Guidance Kit CD.

20 MICROSOFT EMEA BACKGROUND INFORMATION • JANUARY 2007 Milestones

2007 = The company also acquires British game 1992 = Windows Vista and the 2007 Microsoft Offi ce developer Rare. = Microsoft becomes the fi rst software System launch. = Subsidiary offi ces are opened in Cyprus, company with a broad presence in Eastern Kazakhstan, Ukraine and Yugoslavia. Europe, opening Eastern and Central 2006 European offi ces. = The Microsoft Development Center for 2001 = Subsidiary offi ces are established in Greece Collaboration Technologies is opened in = Subsidiary offi ces are opened in Jordan and South Africa. Zürich, Switzerland, and Microsoft innovation and Oman. centres are opened in Poznan, Poland; 1991 Moscow, Russia; and Durban, South Africa. 2000 = Subsidiary offi ces are opened in Austria = Microsoft acquires British game developer = Microsoft unveils the .NET platform, its and Dubai, UAE. Lionhead Studios, Swiss software company roadmap for the next generation of software media-streams and French mobile search and services. 1990 technology provider MotionBridge. = becomes the second CEO of = A Microsoft subsidiary is established = A Microsoft subsidiary is established in Microsoft, and takes on a new role in Switzerland. Bosnia and Herzegovina. as Chief Software Architect. = Subsidiary offi ces are opened in Algeria, 1989 Finland and Nigeria. = Microsoft introduces the earliest version of 2005 the Offi ce suite of productivity applications. = Xbox 360 launches. 1999 = Microsoft establishes its European = Jean-Philippe Courtois is named president of = Subsidiary offi ces are opened in Bulgaria, headquarters in Paris and opens subsidiaries Microsoft International, and Neil Holloway is Pakistan and Tunisia. Microsoft Baltics opens in Belgium and Israel. promoted to president, Microsoft EMEA. in Latvia. = Subsidiary offi ces are opened in Armenia 1988 and Azerbaijan, and Microsoft development 1998 = The European Product Development Centre centres are opened in Belgrade, Serbia; and = Microsoft Europe, Middle East and Africa (EPDC) opens in Dublin, Ireland. Sandyford, Ireland. (EMEA) is established in Paris. = The Microsoft European Science Initiative is = Subsidiary offi ces are opened in Abu Dhabi, 1987 created to foster research at the convergence UAE; Kuwait; Lebanon and Namibia. = A Microsoft subsidiary is established of science and computing, and the Microsoft- in Portugal. University of Trento Centre for Computational 1997 Biology is opened in Trento, Italy. = Microsoft Research Cambridge opens in the 1986 = Microsoft launches the European Union UK, and a Microsoft subsidiary is established = Microsoft stock goes public. Grants Advisor programme to help more in Mauritius. = The Microsoft European Operations Centre small and medium-sized businesses benefi t (EOC) opens in Ireland. from public funding. 1996 = Subsidiary offi ces are opened in Croatia, 1985 2004 Ivory Coast, Romania and Saudi Arabia. = Subsidiary offi ces are opened in Denmark, = A Microsoft Innovation Centre for ISV Ireland, Italy, Norway, Spain and Sweden. Development opens on the campus in 1995 1983 Copenhagen, Denmark. = Windows 95 sells more than 1 million copies = Microsoft launches the Windows = A Microsoft subsidiary is established in the in its fi rst four days of availability. operating system. Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. = Bill Gates outlines Microsoft’s commitment to = Subsidiary offi ces are opened in France supporting and enhancing the internet. and Germany. 2003 = Subsidiary offi ces are opened in Egypt, = Microsoft marks 20 years of operations in Kenya and Slovakia. 1982 EMEA, and Jean-Philippe Courtois is named = Microsoft opens its fi rst subsidiary outside CEO of the regional organisation. 1994 the US — Microsoft Ltd. in the UK. = Subsidiary offi ces are opened in Bahrain, = A Microsoft subsidiary is established in Estonia, Iceland, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Slovenia. 1981 Malta and Qatar. The European Microsoft = The MS-DOS operating system is introduced Innovation Center (EMIC) is founded in 1993 on the IBM personal computer. Aachen, Germany. = The Windows NT is created with the release of the company’s fi rst 32-bit server 1975 2002 operating system. = Microsoft is founded in the US. = Microsoft acquires Danish software company = Subsidiary offi ces are opened in the Czech Navision A/S, creating Microsoft’s largest Republic, Hungary, Morocco, Poland, Russia product development hub outside the US. and Turkey. Facts and Figures

People, Operations and Facilities = Product localisation: Microsoft Offi ce is = Microsoft beginnings in EMEA: Microsoft UK available in 29 languages spoken in the EMEA was established in 1982, the fi rst offi ce outside region, as well as 20 additional languages via the US, followed by Microsoft France and downloadable language interface packs (LIPs). Microsoft Germany in 1983. Microsoft Windows is available in 19 regional languages, with 34 LIPs. At the European = Subsidiaries: Microsoft has over 70 offi ces Product Development Centre (EPDC) in Dublin, and subsidiaries in 61 EMEA countries. Ireland, Microsoft developers and linguists = Employees: More than 13,000 people specialise in 50 languages and dialects to create work for the organisation, representing these local-language products. 12 business groups. = Regional coverage: Microsoft EMEA offers services and products in 139 countries and territories. = Manufacturing, distribution and logistics: Supported by the European Operations Centre (EOC), manufacturing operations were set up in County Dublin, Ireland, in 1986.

22 MICROSOFT EMEA BACKGROUND INFORMATION • JANUARY 2007 R&D: Investing in the Future = NGOs and charities: Through the Unlimited Microsoft makes a considerable investment in Potential programmes, Microsoft EMEA partners innovation-related activities worldwide, in excess of with organisations to improve life-long learning 15 per cent of revenue in recent years. Few other for disadvantaged young people and adults companies — in any industry — make such a through community technology centres. To date, signifi cant investment in R&D. The company Unlimited Potential has supported 183 projects operates numerous facilities in the region dedicated in EMEA with over 130 partners in 45 countries to technology innovation and software development: across the region. Over the next fi ve years, Microsoft will commit up to $1 billion to = Microsoft Research, whose mandate is to Unlimited Potential partnerships worldwide. develop new technologies through long-term “blue sky” research as well as applied, product- focused research — UK Participating in Industry Dialogue = Mission: Responsible leadership through = Microsoft Institutes, research centres of industry partnership and dialogue excellence that Microsoft has established in collaboration with leading research and = Industry association membership and academic bodies — France, Italy, South Africa participation: Business Software Alliance (BSA), CompTIA, CSR Europe, the European = Microsoft Development Centres, where Information, Communications and Consumer Microsoft products are developed and Electronics Technology Association (EICTA), eLIG, enhanced — Denmark, Ireland, Portugal, Serbia, European Policy Centre (EPC), EU Committee of Spain, Switzerland, UK the American Chamber of Commerce, Initiative = Microsoft Innovation Centres, where the for Software Choice, International company works with industry partners and Communications Round Table (ICRT), and the governments to share expertise and speed time World Economic Forum’s Global Digital Divide to deployment, time to market — Croatia, Initiative Taskforce (GDDI). Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, Poland, Spain, South Africa i www.microsoft.com/emea/associations = Microsoft Technology Centres, where enterprise customers can test their applications and obtain support and advice from Microsoft engineers — France, Germany, Spain, UAE, UK

Connecting With Customers and Building Partnerships = Customer and partner ecosystem: Microsoft partners in EMEA include over 97,000 resellers, distributors and systems integrators, 33,000 ISVs and more than 100,000 software developers registered with the Microsoft Developer Network. Across EMEA, 3,500 Microsoft Business Solutions partners develop solutions for SMEs. This ecosystem serves over 20 million SMEs in the region. = Education: Through the Partners in Learning programme, Microsoft EMEA collaborates with schools and universities to enable better integration of technology into the curriculum. To date, Partners in Learning agreements have been signed with 64 national governments in the region.

MICROSOFT EMEA BACKGROUND INFORMATION • JANUARY 2007 23 Microsoft EMEA Leadership Team

Neil Holloway, President of Microsoft EMEA, and Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Corp Umberto Paolucci, Senior Chairman, Microsoft EMEA, and Vice President, Microsoft Corp Olga Dergunova, Chairwoman, Microsoft Russia and CIS Cheick Diarra, Chairman, Microsoft Africa Goran Radman, Chairman, Microsoft South-East Europe Ali Faramawy, Vice President, Middle East and Africa Pierre Liautaud, Vice President, Western Europe Vahé Torossian, Vice President, Central and Eastern Europe Erich Andersen, Deputy General Counsel Alistair Baker, General Manager, Microsoft UK, and Vice President, Microsoft EMEA Michel van der Bel, Vice President, Public Sector Achim Berg, General Manager, Microsoft Germany Eric Boustouller, General Manager, Microsoft France, and Vice President, Microsoft EMEA Simon Brown, General Manager, Developer and Platform Evangelism Ramon Demelbauer, Vice President, Enterprise Services Philippe Dumont, General Manager, Marketing and Communications Wolfgang Ebermann, General Manager, Information Worker Wilfried Grommen, General Manager, Business Strategy Albert Hakkers, Director, Human Resources Guido Haring, General Manager, Customer Service and Technical Support Michael Hartmann, Director, Windows Client Business Group Klaus Holse Andersen, Vice President, Microsoft Business Solutions, and Small and Midmarket Solutions and Partners Rik van der Kooi, General Manager, Finance and Administration Chris Lewis, Vice President, Home and Entertainment Division Mauro Meanti, General Manager, Business Marketing Organisation for Central and Eastern Europe, and Director, Server Platforms Business Group Jan Muehlfeit, Vice President, Corporate and Government Strategy Jonathan Murray, Vice President and Chief Technology Offi cer Walter Puschner, Vice President, Customer and Partner Experience and Field Operations Alexander Stüger, Vice President, Business Marketing Organisation Geoff Sutton, Regional General Manager, MSN Europe

Organisationally, Microsoft EMEA falls under Microsoft International. Formed in 2005, Microsoft International leads sales, marketing and services for all regions outside the US, focusing on continued growth through strategic partnerships and globally integrated business operations. Jean-Philippe Courtois, President, Microsoft International, and Senior Vice President, Microsoft Corp. Claude Changarnier, Vice President, Finance and Administration, Microsoft International Ulrich Holtz, General Manager, Human Resources, Microsoft International

24 MICROSOFT EMEA BACKGROUND INFORMATION • JANUARY 2007 Executive Biographies

Jean-Philippe Courtois During his 22 years at the company, Courtois has President, Microsoft International, and held several leadership positions. Previously, as Senior Vice President, Microsoft Corp CEO of Microsoft EMEA, he led the worldwide As president of Microsoft International, Jean-Philippe business planning process for EMEA, improving Courtois leads sales, marketing and services for all customer satisfaction and enhancing regional regions outside the US and Canada, including EMEA, integration. Before he was named CEO, Courtois Japan, China, the Asia Pacifi c region, Latin America, had served for three years as president of Microsoft and emerging markets. He also shares responsibility EMEA and as vice president of worldwide customer for Microsoft Corp’s worldwide public sector team, marketing, based in Microsoft’s US headquarters in Courtois’ leadership refl ects directing the company’s engagement with Redmond, Washington. the company’s commitment governments around the globe. to customers, industry Following the company’s reorganisation in March partners and governments. Microsoft has evolved into a truly global company 1999, a process that realigned Microsoft’s divisions with more than 80 subsidiaries around the world, to focus on core customers, he launched the and Courtois’ role includes responsibility for driving Customer and Partner Satisfaction initiative and growth through strategic partnerships and globally was instrumental in managing its strategic, global integrated business operations. rollout. Before that, he was vice president of Microsoft Europe in 1997 and became general Courtois’ leadership refl ects the company’s manager for Microsoft France in 1994, following commitment to customers, industry partners and several promotions. Courtois joined Microsoft governments. As president of Microsoft France in 1984 as a channel sales representative. International, Courtois also places a high priority on Before joining Microsoft, Courtois spent 18 months spreading the benefi ts of technology for economic as a product manager for Memsoft, a French and social development — creating ubiquitous accounting software company. access to technology, helping ensure internet safety, supporting education, and generating Courtois is administrator for PlaNet Finance and economic growth and opportunity. As an industry the offi cial representative of Microsoft at Institut leader, Microsoft has a responsibility to enable Montaigne. A French national, Courtois graduated access to technology in ways that help people from The Ecole Superieure de Commerce, Nice realise their full potential, and Courtois works to (CERAM) and obtained his DECS. align Microsoft’s business priorities to help address these critical global issues.

Neil Holloway Since joining Microsoft in 1990, Holloway has held a President, Microsoft EMEA, and number of strategic roles in its UK subsidiary. He was Vice President, Microsoft Corp appointed managing director of Microsoft Ltd. in As president of Microsoft EMEA, Neil Holloway leads July 1998 and subsequently was appointed vice Microsoft Corp’s business throughout EMEA, and is president of Microsoft EMEA in April 2000. a member of the worldwide Sales, Marketing and Services Group (SMSG) leadership team and the Before joining Microsoft, Holloway was managing worldwide Consumer Leadership Team (CLT). He director of Migent UK, a company operating in the focuses on the balanced objectives of driving consumer and client server software markets. He is Holloway is passionate about customer satisfaction, improving integration across passionate about demonstrating responsible demonstrating responsible leadership and delivering Microsoft business units, addressing the unique leadership and delivering the highest level of the highest level of customer technology needs of diverse markets, and growing customer experience. experience. the software business in the region. Holloway has a master’s of philosophy in Before assuming the president’s role in 2005, operational research and control engineering from Holloway served as corporate vice president of Cambridge University and a BSc Hon. in sales, marketing and services for EMEA, and has mathematics from Bath. His hobbies are football, extensive fi eld expertise establishing programmes swimming, playing golf and spending time with his that directly address customer and partner needs in family. the region. His role included leading the business planning processes, enhancing fi eld effectiveness i www.microsoft.com/emea/about/ and managing Microsoft’s sales and marketing executivebiographies.mspx efforts across the EMEA region.

MICROSOFT EMEA BACKGROUND INFORMATION • JANUARY 2007 25 Regional Headquarters and Subsidiary Offi ces

For the most up-to-date contact information for Microsoft regional offi ces, refer to: i www.microsoft.com/worldwide

Microsoft EMEA Headquarters Belgium Finland Ivory Coast and West Africa Western Europe Headquarters Microsoft N.V. Microsoft OY (Suomi) Microsoft Côte d’Ivoire Microsoft EMEA Avenue Culliganlaan 1 Keilaranta 7 31, Avenue Noguès Plateau Cœur Défense, Tour B Madison Building 02150 Espoo Immeuble Karrath, 4ème étage 100, Esplanade du Général de Gaulle 1831 Diegem Suomi Abidjan 92932 Paris La Défense Belgium Tel: +358 9 525 501 Ivory Coast France Tel:+32 2 704 30 00 Fax: +358 9 878 8778 Tel: +225 20 31 05 00 Tel: +33 1 70 99 10 00 Fax: +32 2 704 35 35 Fax: +33 1 70 99 10 30 France Jordan Bosnia and Herzegovina (Supporting French Polynesia) Microsoft Jordan Central and Eastern Europe 503 Astra Building Headquarters Microsoft BiH Microsoft France S.A.R.L. Fra Andela Zvizdovi´ca 1 18 Avenue du Quebec P.O. Box 3321 Microsoft Deutschland GmbH Sarajevo Zone de Courtaboeuf 1 Amman 11181 Konrad-Zuse-Strasse 1 Bosnia and Herzegovina 91957 Les Ulis Cedex Jordan 85716 Unterschleissheim (Munich) Tel:+387 33 296 710 France Tel: +962 6 4626969 Germany Fax: +387 33 296 711 Tel: +33 8 25 82 78 29 Fax: +962 6 4637686 Tel: +49 89 3176 0 Fax: +33 1 64 46 06 60 Kazakhstan Fax: +49 89 3176 1000 Bulgaria Germany Microsoft Kazakhstan Middle East and Africa Microsoft Bulgaria Ken Dala Business Center Headquarters 18–20 Gogol Str. Microsoft Deutschland GmbH 38 Dostyk Avenue, Microsoft Bilgisayar Yazilim 1504 Sofi a Konrad-Zuse-Strasse 1 050010 Almaty Barbaros Plaza Bulgaria 85716 Unterschleissheim (Munich) Kazakhstan Emirhan Cad. 145-C Tel: +359 2 9657 371 Germany Tel: +7 3272 585 595 Dikilitas Fax: +359 2 9657 377 Tel: +49 89 3176 0 Fax: +7 3272 585 559 Istanbul, 34349 Fax: +49 89 3176 1000 Turkey Croatia Kenya and East Africa Tel: +90 212 326 5000 Microsoft Hrvatska Greece Microsoft East Africa Software Ltd. Fax: +90 212 258 5954 Turinina 3 Microsoft Hellas S.A. 2nd Ngong Avenue 10010 Zagreb Kifi ssias 221 I & M Bank House Microsoft Corporate Affairs Croatia 151 24 Maroussi 7th Floor Troonstraat 4, rue du Trône Tel: +385 1 4802 500 Athens PO Box 64736 1000 Brussels Fax: +385 1 4802 525 Greece Esso, Plaza 00620 Belgium Tel: +30 211 1206 000 Kenya Tel: +32 2 550 06 10 Cyprus Fax: +30 211 1206 003 Tel: +254 (2) 2728196 Fax: +32 2 550 06 11 Microsoft Cyprus Hungary Kuwait 11 Kyriacos Matsis Avenue Algeria Microsoft Hungary Microsoft Kuwait Nikis Center, 5th fl oor Muhammed Thunayan Al Ghanim Microsoft Algeria 1082 Nicosia - Cyprus Graphisoft Park 3 (Zahony u.) 9 lot. Petite Provence 1031 Budapest Street Tel: +357 22456077 x200 Al Sahab Tower Commune d’Hydra Fax: +357 22681961 Hungary Wilaya d’Alger, Alger Tel: +36 1 437 2800 14th Floor, PO Box 5244 Safat Algérie Czech Republic Fax: +36 1 437 2899 Tel: +213 21 48 01 00 Kuwait Fax: +213 21 48 29 40 Microsoft s.r.o. Iceland BB Centrum, budova Alpha Latvia Armenia Vyskocˇilova 1461/2a Microsoft Iceland Engjateig 7 Microsoft Latvia SIA Microsoft RA LLC 140 00 Praha 4 Merkela Street 21 Czech Republic 105 Reykjavík 123 Hovsep Emin Street, Iceland Riga LV-1050 Yerevan 375051 Tel: +420 2 611 97 111 Latvia Fax: +420 2 611 97 100 Tel: +354 510 6908 Republic of Armenia Fax: +354 510 6901 Tel: +371 704 6000 Fax: +371 704 6006 Austria Denmark Ireland Microsoft Österreich Ges.m.b.H. The Danish offi ce also supports Faroe Lebanon Islands and Greenland) Microsoft Ireland Am Euro Platz 3 Atrium Building Block B Microsoft Lebanon SARL 1120 Wien (Vienna) Microsoft Danmark ApS Carmenhall Road Borj An Nahar Building, 3rd Floor Austria Tuborg Boulevard 12 Sandyford Industrial Estate Martyrs Square Tel: +43 1 610 64 0 2900 Hellerup Dublin 18 Beirut Central District Fax: +43 1 610 64 200 Denmark Ireland Lebanon Tel: +45 44 89 0100 Tel: +353 1 295 3826 Tel: +961 1 98 33 44 Azerbaijan Fax: +45 44 68 5510 Fax: +353 1 706 4110 Lithuania Microsoft Azerbaijan LLC Egypt 340 Nizami St. Israel Microsoft Lietuva UAB Baku AZ1000 Microsoft Israel Ltd. Šeimyniškiu˛ 3 Republic of Azerbaijan Smart Village Vilnius LT-09312 Kilo 28, Cairo/Alex Desert Road Ha’Pnina St. 2 Tel: + 994 12 497 2454 Ranana 43107 Lithuania Fax: + 994 12 497 2454 Abu Rawash Tel: +370 52780680 Egypt Israel Tel: +972 (9) 7625-100 Fax: +370 52780681 Bahrain Tel: +202 539 3333 Fax: +202 539 3030 Fax: +972 (9) 7625-200 Bahrain Institute of Technology Luxembourg GOSI Complex Estonia Italy NCI Offi ce — Laccolith Exhibition Avenue Microsoft Estonia OÜ Microsoft 20, rue Eugène Ruppert P.O. Box 26038 - Manama 319 Rävala 5 Centro Direzionale San Felice 2543 Luxembourg Tel: +973 17 58 31 51 10143 Tallinn Via Rivoltana 13 Tel: +352 26 493 706 Fax: +973 17 58 31 61 Estonia Palazzo A Fax: +352 26 196 385 Tel: +372 6679800 20090 – Segrate - Milano Fax: +372 6679801 Italy Tel: +39 02 70398398 Fax: +39 02 70392020

26 MICROSOFT EMEA BACKGROUND INFORMATION • JANUARY 2007 Former Yugoslav Republic Poland South Africa of Macedonia Microsoft Sp. z o.o. Microsoft Corporate Hill Research and Microsoft Macedonia Al. Jerozolimskie 195a 3012 William Nicol Drive Belasica Street no. 2, 3rd fl oor 02-222 Warszawa Bryanston 1000 Skopje Poland Johannesburg 2000 Republic of Macedonia Tel: +48 22 594 1000 South Africa Development Tel: +389 2 3215 806 Fax: +48 22 594 1002 Tel: +27 11 361 7000 Fax: +389 2 3216 745 Fax: +27 11 361 7004 Portugal Offi ces Malta Edifício Qualidade, C1-C2 Spain Microsoft Malta Av. Prof. Doutor Aníbal Cavaco Silva Microsoft Ibérica S.R.L. Tower St. Julian’s Level 15 Portomaso Tagus Park Paseo del Club Deportivo, 1 European Microsoft Innovation Center Malta 2744-010 Porto Salvo Centro Empresarial La Finca — Edifi cio 1 (EMIC) Tel: +356 79 426456 Portugal 28223 Pozuelo de Alarcón Ritterstrasse 23 Fax: +356 21 381213 Tel: +351 21 440 92 00 Madrid 52072 Aachen Fax: +351 21 441 21 01 Spain Germany Mauritius and Indian Ocean Islands Tel: +34 91 391 99 99 Tel: +49 241 997 84 0 Microsoft Mauritius Quatar Fax: +34 91 391 90 01 Fax: +49 241 997 84 77 3rd Floor Barkly Wharf, Suite 3G Microsoft Qatar La Caudan Waterfront Bustan Steet, Villa Nr 2 Sweden Microsoft Development Center, Old Pavilion Opposite Doha Collage Microsoft AB Copenhagen Port Louis Rayyan Area Finlandsgatan 30, Box 27 Frydenlunds Allé 6 Mauritius P.O. Box 2812 164 93 Kista DK-2950 Vedbæk Tel: +230 202 8133 Doha – Qatar Sweden Tel: +45 45 67 80 00 Tel: +974 447 4683 Tel: +46 8 752 56 00 Morocco Fax: +974 447 5765 Fax: +46 8 750 51 58 Microsoft European Operations Centre (EOC) Microsoft Afrique du Nord Twin Center Romania Switzerland Atrium Building Block B Tour A — 15ème étage Microsoft Romania s.r.l. Microsoft Schweiz Carmenhall Road Bd Zerktouni Bd. Lascar Catargiu nr. 51-53 Richtistrasse 3 Sandyford Industrial Estate 20100 Casablanca Europe House etaj 6 8304 Wallisellen Dublin 18 Morocco Bucuresti, Sector 1 Zürich Ireland Tel: +212 22 95 61 50 Cod postal: 711 121 Switzerland Tel: +353 1 295 3826 Fax: +212 22 95 85 85 Romania Tel: +41 848 22 44 88 Fax: +353 1 706 4110 Tel: +40 21 20 24 200 Fax: +41 43 456 44 44 Microsoft European Product Namibia and South-East Africa Fax: +40 21 20 24 276 Development Centre (EPDC) Microsoft Namibia Tunisia South County Business Park 21 Nachtigal Street Russia Microsoft Tunisie Leopardstown Windhoek (Supports Belarus, Georgia, Kyrgyzstan, Immeuble Iris Dublin 18 Namibia Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan and Les Berges du Lac Ireland Tel: +264 61 2925000 Uzbekistan) 1053 Tunis Microsoft Russia and CIS Tunisie Microsoft Research Cambridge Netherlands 125252, Moscow, postbox 70 Tel: +216 71 96 00 06 Russia Fax: +216 71 86 25 05 Roger Needham Building Microsoft BV 7 J J Thomson Ave Boeing Avenue 30 Tel: +7 095 967 8585 Fax: +7 095 967 8500 Turkey Cambridge CB3 0FB 1119 PE Schiphol-Rijk UK Postbus 12377 Microsoft Bilgisayar Yazilim Saudi Arabia Tel: +44 1223 479 700 1100 AJ Amsterdam-Zuidoost Barbaros Plaza Fax: +44 1223 479 999 The Netherlands Microsoft Arabia Emirhan Cad. 145-C Tel: +31 20 5001 500 Abraj Atta’awuneya, King Fahd Road, Dikilitas Rare Fax: +31 20 5001 999 Olaya Istanbul, 34349 Manor Park 16th Floor, North Tower Turkey Twycross PO Box 17100, Riyadh 11484 Tel: +90 212 326 5000 Nigeria Warwickshire CV9 3QN Saudi Arabia Fax: +90 212 258 5954 Microsoft Nigeria UK Tel: +966 1 2188000 3rd Floor, Octagon Building Tel: +44 1827 883 400 Fax: +966 1 2188001 Ukraine 13A, A. J Marinho Drive Fax: +44 1827 883 410 Victoria Island Annex Microsoft Ukraine Lagos Serbia and Montenegro 30A, Spasskaya Str. Nigeria Microsoft Software d.o.o. Podil Plaza, offi ce 3-2b¯ Tel: +234 1 2625239 Makedonska 30, 6th fl oor 04070, Kiev 11000 Belgrade Ukraine Norway Serbia and Montenegro Tel: + 380 44 4960310 Tel: +381 11 330 66 00 Microsoft Norge AS United Arab Emirates Postboks 43, Lilleaker Fax: +381 11 330 66 01 0216 Oslo Microsoft Gulf FZ LLC Norway Slovakia P O Box 52244 Tel: +47 22 02 25 00 Microsoft Slovakia s.r.o. Dubai Internet City, Building No 8 Fax: +47 22 95 06 64 Westend Court Sheikh Zayed Road Dubravska cesta 4 Dubai Oman 841 04 Bratislava UAE Slovakia Tel: +9714 391 7000 Offi ce no 35, Qurum Plaza, Fax: +9714 391 7001 108, Al Walaj Street, Muscat Tel: +421 2 5929 5111 Fax: +421 2 5929 5100 P.O. Box 1261 United Kingdom Jibroo 114 Sultane of Oman Slovenia Microsoft Ltd Tel: +968 24 56 5757 Microsoft d.o.o. Ljubljana Thames Valley Park Fax: +968 24 56 7121 BTC City stolpnica/VII Reading Smartinska 140 RG6 1WG Pakistan 1000 Ljubljana UK Slovenia Tel: +44 870 60 10 100 Microsoft Corporation Fax: +44 870 60 20 100 Pakistan Liaison Offi ce Tel: +386 1 5 484 100 The Forum, Suite 202 Fax: +386 1 5 484 122 G-20, Block 9, Khayaban-e-Jami Clifton, Karachi – 75600 Pakistan Tel: +92 21 111 11 (6738) Fax: +92 21 5369 106

MICROSOFT EMEA BACKGROUND INFORMATION • JANUARY 2007 27 i For More Information:

Contact the Microsoft EMEA press offi ce at +44 870 243 0515 or by e-mail at [email protected].

For additional information on Microsoft EMEA and Microsoft Corp., our home page can be viewed on the web at www.microsoft.com/emea.

For media and background information, visit www.microsoft.com/emea/presscentre and www.microsoft.com/presspass.

For fi nancial questions, visit www.microsoft.com/msft.

Microsoft, Windows, MSN, Windows Live, Windows Vista, Windows Server System, Windows Server, MSDN, Visio, InfoPath, OneNote, SharePoint, Microsoft Dynamics, Xbox 360, , Visual C++, Outlook, Excel, PowerPoint, Visual Studio, Hotmail, Halo, MS-DOS and Windows Media are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp, in the United States and/or other countries. The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners. This document is for informational purposes only. MICROSOFT MAKES NO WARRANTIES, EXPRESS OR IMPLIED, IN THIS DOCUMENT. © 2007 Microsoft Corp. All rights reserved.