Bangkok--30 Jan--Hill & Knowlton
BANGKOK — Jan. 30, 2007 — “The Wow Starts Now” was the predominant theme this afternoon as Microsoft (Thailand) Ltd. unveiled the most significant product launch in Microsoft history, culminating with the release of Windows Vista? and the 2007 Microsoft? Office system to consumers. The two flagship products—which were showcased for business leaders in Thailand on January 23—will be available for consumers starting today in retail stores. Designed to transform the way people use technology to communicate, connect, create and share content, and access entertainment, Windows Vista and the 2007 Office system deliver significant advancements that will help eliminate the barriers between people, information and communities.
“The future of computing starts today with the delivery of Windows Vista and the 2007 Office system to consumers in Thailand,” said Andrew McBean, managing director, Microsoft (Thailand) Ltd. “Windows Vista and the 2007 Office system are reingniting that ‘Wow’ we all felt when we first saw what a computer could do. These products are easier, safer, more connected, more entertaining and more productive whether you are enjoying them at home, at work or on the go.”
Gathered at the True Life @ Thonglor Internet cafe with many of its leading partners, Microsoft announced extensive plans to provide Thai consumers with opportunities to experience the new software and WOW for themselves. Working closely with Micrsoft, the True Corporation invited consumers to come and experience Windows Vista and the 2007 Office System at ten TrueLife and True Coffee shops in Bangkok between February 3-4, 2007. Microsoft representatives will offer assistance at True venues during this trial offer.
“We are thrilled to be a part of this significant product launch today and we hope our customers have an outstanding experience with Windows Vista and 2007 Office system when they use PCs at TrueLife and True Coffee shops,” said Mr. Noppadol Dej-Udom, director and general manager - Online of True Corporation Plc. “This event is continuation of the good relationship we have with Microsoft, and is a testimony to our mutual endeavors to bring solutions to fulfill consumers’ lifestyle.”
A New Era of Connected Experiences
Windows Vista and the 2007 Office system deliver innovations in interface design that transform the desktop and make these two products visually exciting and significantly easier to use. New capabilities make it easy for anyone to create and share digital content like photos, music and videos, and participate in digital communities by posting blogs, creating Web sites or playing games online.
With Windows Vista and the 2007 Office system, consumers will be able to experience all kinds of entertainment—from television to video games to music and movies—on their own terms and according to their own schedule. Communication will be richer and more convenient with the PC as the hub for keeping in touch with family, friends and colleagues using e-mail, voice or video. Productivity will continue to improve as new tools make it easy to find the right piece of information, image or media clip, no matter where it is stored.
The new versions of Windows and Office also deliver advances in security and family safety to help parents enable their kids to explore the Internet more safely while also safeguarding their personal information so they can share experiences, shop and have fun with greater confidence. One example in Windows Vista is the Parental Control Panel, a feature that provides a central location where parents can manage Internet and computer access and receive reports about which Web sites their children have visited and the amount of time they have spent on the computer. In addition, features like Windows Defender help protect consumers against attacks by spyware and malicious Web sites.
“The new versions of Windows and Office are the highest quality and most tested software products ever, due to unprecedented partnership and feedback between Microsoft and its customers, including students, gamers, families, teachers and others who are passionate about technology,” said McBean. “In addition, these products were built from the ground up with a focus on being more innovative and more powerful than any other software ever released. The visual effects are spectacular; the navigation is streamlined and intuitive. They make it much easier to protect your PC, yourself and your children online. And they work together to help you accomplish more throughout the day.”
New Opportunities
As part of a wide-ranging effort to educate consumers about the new features and capabilities the two products deliver, Microsoft has mobilized thousands of employees around the world to educate people about the new product features. In Thailand, Microsoft will have employees stationed at major retail centers, such as Pantip Plaza and IT City as well as the True Internet cafes, to answer questions and discuss products with consumers.
Industry experts project that Windows Vista will have a significant impact on the retail sales of new PCs. According to data from IDC, the release of Windows Vista will enable IT industry companies to add more than 150,000 new jobs. Worldwide partner revenue from the two products is expected to exceed $250 billion.
The consumer launch of Windows Vista is also expected to unleash a flood of new next-generation hardware, software, and entertainment devcices and services. Currently, there are more than 1.5 million devices and peripherals on the market that work with Windows Vista, including more than 2,000 that are Windows Vista Certified. Among the new devices available today that are designed specifically to work with the features of Windows Vista are the TouchSmart PC from HP, which includes a touch-sensitive screen; the Toshiba Portege R400, which features a SideShow display that lets users view their e-mail without turning on the PC or opening the lid; and the OQO model 02, a new ultra-mobile device that optimizes entertainment and communication on the smallest mobile PC form factor available.
In Thailand, Microsoft’s partners are optimistic about the impact that the new products will make in the market.
"We would like to congratulate Microsoft on its successful launch of Windows Vista,” said Harry Yang, managing director, Acer Computer Co., Ltd. “Acer is ready to offer our products with Windows Vista beginning in February. The new Windows Vista and Office 2007 will be showcased at the Acer Shop in Central World Plaza. With a live demonstration of its power, Acer believes our customers will be impressed with its performance."
Intel Microelectronics (Thailand) also expressed tremendous optimism for this latest stage of the companies partnership, which dates back to the 1980s and the earley versions of MS-DOS.
“Intel is delighted to share in the Windows Vista and 2007 Microsoft Office System launch,” said Accharas Ouysinprasert, country manager of Intel Microelectronics (Thailand). “Together we are ushering in an exciting new digital lifestyle for consumers and business alike. Intel and Microsoft have been partnering together for decades to bring new technologies to consumers worldwide. And it is an honor to still stand with Microsoft today. With Windows Vista and 2007 Microsoft Office System running on Intel? Core? 2 Duo processors, consumers can truly experience ‘More Performance’ and ‘More Possibilities’ as they create, manage and share entertainment and information like never before.”
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Suphada Jaidee Hill & Knowlton ThailandTel: 0-2627 3501 ext 209
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