Microsoft Canada News Centre

Microsoft’s public IE9 demo pushes HTML5 support

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 20:23:00 GMT

Microsoft Corp. on Tuesday offered up a "platform preview" of its upcoming Internet Explorer 9 aimed at letting programmers and Web developers get their feet wet with the new browser.

Microsoft kicks off MIX10 with call to action to developers

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 14:26:00 GMT

On Monday at MIX10, Microsoft. showcased advancements in its platform technologies that enable the developer and designer community to deliver compelling user experiences across a broad set of devices.

Microsoft offers Windows Phone 7 to developers

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Tue, 16 Mar 2010 13:17:00 GMT

On Monday at the MIX10 conference in Las Vegas, Microsoft gave developers an in-depth look at the tools they'll be using to build applications for Windows Phone 7 devices and the marketplace where they'll sell their creations.

Microsoft launches Windows Phone 7 developer tools

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 21:02:00 GMT

Microsoft Corp. unveiled on Monday a set of development tools for its upcoming Windows Phone 7 Series OS.

Microsoft Outlines New Opportunities at MIX10 for Developers to Create Compelling Experiences

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Mon, 15 Mar 2010 18:58:00 GMT

Unveils end-to-end development platform with free tools for Windows Phone 7 Series and advances with Silverlight that will bring new applications, games and experiences to life.

LAS VEGAS - March 15, 2010 - Today at MIX10, Microsoft Corp. showcased advancements in its platform technologies that enable the developer and designer community to deliver compelling user experiences across a broad set of devices. Building on the excitement of the recently announced Windows^® Phone 7 Series, Scott Guthrie, corporate vice president, .NET Developer Platform, and Joe Belfiore, corporate vice president, Windows Phone Program Management, detailed the opportunity for developers to use proven technologies such as Microsoft Silverlight and the XNA Framework to build new mobile applications and 3-D Games.

"As the browser, server, Web and devices evolve, a focus on delivering consistently great user experiences has become paramount," Guthrie said. "By extending our familiar platform technologies and tools to phones, Microsoft is delivering the premier application development experience across a variety of devices and form factors."

End-to-End Application Development Platform for Windows Phone 7 Series

During the keynote, Microsoft provided the first deep dive into Windows Phone 7 Series application development. By combining Silverlight features for rich application development and the XNA Framework for games, Windows Phone 7 Series empowers millions of developers and designers to build visually stunning and immersive applications and games - one of the industry's most profitable mobile application categories - while taking advantage of device-specific capabilities. Specifically, developers will be able to take advantage of the following features:

--Accelerometer, an intuitive control that responds to motion

--A Microsoft Location Service to provide developers with a single point of reference to acquire location information

--Microsoft Notification Service for pushing information to the phone, regardless of whether or not an application is running

--Hardware-accelerated video with digital rights management (DRM)

--Internet Information Services Smooth Streaming for the industry's highest quality content viewing experience

--Multitouch

--Camera and microphone support

"Windows Phone 7 Series brings together a rich application environment, powerful hardware, a fresh approach to software and a smart new design," Belfiore said. "It was designed to generate incredible opportunities for developers and designers to quickly and easily deliver compelling applications and games. With the best developer tools, an established ecosystem and marketplace, and a path for developers to use their Silverlight and XNA Framework skill sets, we are delivering an application platform that is simple, powerful and inspiring."

Free Tools for Windows Phone 7 Series Developers and Designers

To further support an end-to-end development experience, Microsoft announced the availability of comprehensive tools support for Windows Phone 7 Series. The easy-to-install package includes previews of the following:

--Microsoft Visual Studio 2010 Express for Windows Phone

--Windows Phone 7 Series add-in to use with Visual Studio 2010 RC

--XNA Game Studio 4.0

--Windows Phone 7 Series Emulator for application testing

--Expression Blend for Windows Phone Community Technology Preview (available as a separate download)

A Marketplace for Windows Phone 7 Series Applications

Microsoft also showed how developers and designers will be able to bring applications and games to market with a new Windows Phone Marketplace. The Marketplace features a panoramic design and active merchandising to increase the discoverability of games and applications, and supports one-time credit card purchases, mobile operator billing and advertising-funded applications. The Marketplace will also enable customers to try applications before buying them and allow developers to cross-promote their applications through deep linking.

Several leading companies will be creating exciting applications and games for Windows Phone 7 Series. They include The Associated Press, Archetype International Inc., AWS Convergence Technologies - WeatherBug, Citrix Systems Inc., Clarity Consulting Inc., Cypress Consulting, EA Mobile, Fandango Inc., Foursquare Labs Inc., frog design inc., Glu Mobile Inc., Graphic.ly, Hudson Entertainment Inc., IdentityMine Inc., IMDb.com Inc., Larva Labs, Match.com LLC, Matchbox Mobile Ltd., Microsoft Game Studios, Namco Networks America Inc., Oberon Media Inc., Pageonce Inc., Pandora Media Inc., Photobucket Inc., PopCap Games Inc., Seesmic, Shazam Entertainment Ltd., Sling Media, SPB Software Inc., stimulant, TeleCommunications Systems Inc., Touchality LLC and Vertigo Software Inc.

Continued Innovation With Silverlight and Expression Blend

Available for download today, Microsoft announced a release candidate (RC) for Silverlight 4, which builds on the beta version released at the Professional Developers Conference in November 2009. The Silverlight 4 RC provides powerful media and enterprise application and media capabilities, out-of-browser flexibility and world-class tools support via Visual Studio and Expression Blend with Sketchflow to enable robust application development and rich interactive experiences.

In addition, Microsoft unveiled the Expression Blend 4 Beta, a design and development workflow tool. New features such as Path Layout enable developers and designers to build and animate innovative user interface design via a groundbreaking visual layout mechanism, without the need to write code. Expression Blend 4 Beta also adds support for Silverlight 4, .NET Framework 4 and Visual Studio 2010.

Silverlight Customer Adoption

Silverlight adoption has continued at a rapid pace with installations approaching 60 percent of all Internet devices worldwide - an increase of nearly 15 percentage points in just four months. Customers such as Major League Soccer, BBC, eBay Inc., Netflix Inc., NBCOlympics.com and CT Corp., a Wolters Kluwer business, demonstrated how they are taking advantage of the power of Silverlight to deliver compelling consumer and enterprise experiences.

"Microsoft Silverlight technology will be the backbone of the video platform on our newly launched MLSsoccer.com," said Chris Schlosser, director of digital strategy for Major League Soccer. "Our work with Microsoft allows us to launch cutting-edge digital and mobile experiences for our loyal fans. As part of our increased focus on digital media, we view a rich video experience as absolutely critical to accomplishing our goal of 'super serving' MLS supporters."

All the latest from MIX10 is available at http://live.visitmix.com/press, including downloads of tools for Windows Phone 7 Series, the Silverlight 4 RC and Expression Blend 4 Beta, which will be available today.

About Microsoft

Established in 1985, Microsoft Canada Co. is the Canadian subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq "MSFT") the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft Canada provides nationwide sales, marketing, consulting and local support services in both French and English. Headquartered in Mississauga, Microsoft Canada has nine regional offices across the country dedicated to empowering people through great software - any time, any place and on any device. For more information on Microsoft Canada, please visit www.microsoft.ca

For more information, press only

Allison Colalillo, on behalf of Microsoft Canada

416-368-8348 x227, acolalillo@highroad.com

Windows 7 early adoption beats Vista's 2-to-1

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Tue, 23 Feb 2010 17:25:00 GMT

In the five months since its release, Microsoft's Windows 7 has captured twice the usage share than did Vista in the same time period, a Web metrics company said Monday.

The Social Games start with this Olympics

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 13:52:00 GMT

As a boy growing up in rural British Columbia, I can remember sitting down with my family and watching some watershed moments unfold on television. Read more at the Vancouver Sun.

Award in Recognition of the Inuktitut Version of Microsoft Windows Vista and Office 2007

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 16:24:00 GMT

Award in Recognition of the Inuktitut Version of Microsoft Windows Vista and Office 2007

IQALUIT, Nunavut (February 12, 2010) - Honourable Lorne Kusugak, Minister of Community and Government Services, on behalf of Louis Tapardjuk, Minister of Languages, presented Microsoft Canada Inc. with an award in recognition of their contribution to Inuit Language promotion. The presentation occurred during a demonstration of 'Microsoft in the Inuit Language' at the Nunavut Language Summit in Iqaluit on February 11, 2010.

On behalf of the Government of Nunavut, I would like to thank Microsoft Canada, the Pirurvik Centre and others who contributed their time and expertise to make this interface available," said Minister Kusugak.

Since 2004, Microsoft Canada Inc., in collaboration with the Pirurvik Centre and the Government of Nunavut have been working on the development of the Microsoft Inuktitut Language Interface Packs. More than a million words have been translated and approximately 5000 of those terms newly created through this project. With this latest release, users of Microsoft Windows and Microsoft Office are able to freely download Inuktitut versions of Windows XP, Windows Vista, Office 2003 and Office 2007.

"This is a great example of the government and the private sector working successfully together to help make the Inuit Language working language in our territory," said Tapardjuk. "This is a significant achievement in terms of making Inuktitut available in the information technology systems, and advancing the use of Inuktitut in the workplace."

"Microsoft Canada is committed to developing technology to help improve the lives of all Canadians," said Shann McGrail, Director of Education, Microsoft Canada. "This download will give Inuktitut-speaking Canadians the opportunity to communicate in their own language, something the rest of Canada takes for granted. We hope the language pack will help preserve the language and thank the government of Nunavut for helping us make this a reality."

The Inuktitut versions of Microsoft Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 were officially launched last Spring. The introduction of language-specific programs allows for an increased use of Inuktitut in the workplace, in schools and in the home. Microsoft initiated their Local Language Program to support small and emerging market languages to create localized versions of Office 2003 and Windows XP. This is a first time a small language user group of less than 100,000 speakers are able to use Microsoft interface in their language.

###

Media contact:

Napatchie Kolola

Department of Culture, Language, Elders and Youth

Telephone: (867) 975.5526

E-mail: nkolola@gov.nu.ca

Allison Stokes

Media Profile

Telephone: (416) 342-1830

Email: allison.stokes@mediaprofile.com

Microsoft revenues boosted by Windows 7

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Fri, 29 Jan 2010 16:52:00 GMT

If Microsoft's bottom line is any indication, consumers are opening up their wallets again after a long frugal period. Businesses, however are not.

City of Edmonton Innovates with Microsoft on Open Data Catalogue

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 21:32:00 GMT

Becomes first North American City to Leverage Open Government Data Initiative Solution

EDMONTON, AB. - January 14, 2010 - The City of Edmonton announced today that it is working with Microsoft towards the development of the region's first public open data catalogue. The online site will give citizens and developers easier and more transparent access to information and allow them to develop new solutions and suggest ideas that enhance public infrastructure and services.

"Today's launch of the City's open data catalogue demonstrates our commitment to enhancing engagement and collaboration with the citizens and community developers of Edmonton," said Chris Moore, CIO of the City of Edmonton. "By moving to a more open model and working with Microsoft, we hope to harness the talent and innovation that resides locally to drive Edmonton forward."

Edmonton is the first North American city to use the Open Government Data Initiative (OGDI) solution from Microsoft. The solution has been implemented rapidly and at a very low cost to the City by using open source components and Microsoft's newest cloud operating system, Windows Azure^TM technology platform. Using open standards and application interfaces (API), local developers and City IT staff can retrieve data easily for use in new and innovative online applications or mashups that can help improve citizen services, enhance collaboration between the City and private organizations, and increase City transparency.

"OGDI-based solutions not only provide easy access to government data, but also demonstrate how cloud computing can help significantly reduce the cost, complexity and time to market for solutions that consume the data," said John Weigelt, National Technology Officer, Microsoft Canada. "Citizens and community developers will now be able to help solve the business needs of the City of Edmonton, resulting in new solutions in a very short amount of time."

About Microsoft Canada
Established in 1985, Microsoft Canada Inc. is the Canadian subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq "MSFT") the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft Canada provides nationwide sales, marketing, consulting and local support services in both French and English. Headquartered in Mississauga, Microsoft Canada has nine regional offices across the country dedicated to empowering people through great software - any time, any place and on any device. For more information on Microsoft Canada, please visit www.microsoft.ca.

For more information, press only:

Najat Mahammed, on behalf of Microsoft Canada
416-644-2240, nmahammed@highroad.com

Microsoft and HP Expand Cloud Collaboration

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:51:00 GMT

In a joint conference call this morning, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer and HP chairman/CEO Mark Hurd announced a significant expansion of their business collaboration.

Microsoft, HP unveil ‘breakthrough’ stack integration

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 14:48:00 GMT

Microsoft Corp. and Hewlett-Packard Co. Wednesday announced a $250-million three-year investment toward integrating their respective technology stacks from infrastructure to application in a cloud-driven effort the companies said "represents the most integrated technology stack in the industry today."

Global TV: Fakes and Forgeries exhibit

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 19:25:00 GMT

Watch some of these great fakes now on display at the ROM

Access the video at Global Toronto

CityTV: New ROM exhibit

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 19:20:00 GMT

Watch coverage of the unveiling of the new Fakes and Forgeries exhibit in Toronto.

Access the video at CityTV

Royal Ontario Museum displays its fakes

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 19:17:00 GMT

Exhibit includes displays devoted to counterfeiting of software, currency and modern objects, ranging from hockey jerseys to Goofy figures to toothpaste.

Tech giants step towards tablet revolution

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:05:00 GMT

At the Consumer Electronics Show here Wednesday, reports indicated that software giant Microsoft Corp. and Hewlett-Packard Corp. will join forces to launch a touchscreen, tablet computer.

Ballmer kicks off CES with Microsoft keynote

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Thu, 07 Jan 2010 14:03:00 GMT

Microsoft team introduces software, hardware partnerships, slate PCs and give sneak peaks at Halo Reach and Project Natal.

Microsoft unveils Office 2010 retail pricing

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Wed, 06 Jan 2010 15:37:00 GMT

Microsoft on Tuesday revealed pricing for the four versions of Office 2010 it plans to sell in the U.S. and added a new SKU to the mix that's tailored to the needs of academia.

Read more at IT in Canada

Eight-year-old from Saskatoon Boys and Girls Club Wins Microsoft Canada's National Holiday Greeting Card Contest

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:07:00 GMT

Eight-year-old from Saskatoon Boys and Girls Club Wins Microsoft Canada's National Holiday Greeting Card Contest

Mississauga, ON, December 9, 2009 - Roselle Castro, an eight-year-old girl from the Boys and Girls Club of Saskatoon, Saskatchewan is this year's winner of Microsoft Canada's 13^thannual Holiday Greeting Card contest. To capture the essence of the holiday spirit, children from Boys and Girls Clubs across Canada were invited to design a holiday card based on the theme "This holiday season I promise to...." Roselle's card was selected from over 800 entries. Her artwork will appear on Microsoft Canada's corporate holiday greeting cards that will be distributed to thousands of Microsoft employees, customers and partners across the country.

"Microsoft believes that every child has creative potential; the greeting card contest encourages children to express their creativity through art." said Gavin Thompson, Director of Citizenship, Microsoft Canada. "Roselle's holiday card was very imaginative and her message "...let in peace" was true to this year's theme."

Microsoft Canada presented Roselle with a laptop computer loaded with Microsoft software, a printer and a laptop bag. Microsoft also awarded the Boys and Girls Club of Saskatoon with a $1,000 donation. Microsoft Canada works with Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada across the country to provide programs designed to empower children and youth through technology. This is the 13^th year that Microsoft has partnered with Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada on this initiative.

"Being the contest winner is very exciting! I've been writing about the whole experience in my journal." said Roselle. "I'm very happy and excited to test out my brand new laptop!"

"We are all very proud of Roselle's artistic talents." said Karen McCullagh, Regional Director, Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada, Western Region. "We believe it's important to foster creative development among children and youth and Microsoft's greeting card contest is a fun activity that encourages all of our members to express their artistic skills and imaginations."

About Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada

Boys and Girls Clubs of Canada is a leading charitable organization providing programs that support the healthy physical, educational and social development of more than 200,000 children, youth and their families each year. In 700 community locations across Canada, clubs offer after-school programs in physical recreation, technology, the arts, personal growth and more. Many clubs also provide meals, emergency shelter, family support programs and other supports to children and youth at risk. Boys and Girls Clubs have been helping young Canadians to discover, develop and achieve their potential, for over 100 years. To learn more, visit www.bgccan.com.

About Microsoft Canada
Established in 1985, Microsoft Canada Co. is the Canadian subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq "MSFT") the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential. Microsoft Canada provides nationwide sales, marketing, consulting and local support services in both French and English. Headquartered in Mississauga, Microsoft Canada has nine regional offices across the country dedicated to empowering people through great software - any time, any place and on any device. For more information on Microsoft Canada, please visit www.microsoft.ca.

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For more information please contact:

Sherline Joe

Media Profile

sherline.joe@mediaprofile.com

416-342-1852

Nearly Half of Canadians Worry About Mistakenly Buying Counterfeit Goods Online this Holiday Season

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Wed, 02 Dec 2009 18:49:00 GMT

Microsoft Canada helps Canadians shop smart online with a series of tips

Mississauga, Ontario, - Dec. 2, 2009 - Seventy-five per cent of Canadians will shop online this holiday season, but nearly half are concerned about mistakenly buying counterfeit goods like toys, clothing, video games and software. Microsoft Canada Co. captured Canadians' views on counterfeiting in a national survey conducted by The Strategic Counsel, and found that 40 per cent of consumers are not confident they know how to ensure they are buying genuine software.*

Alongside the explosive growth of the Internet has been a surge in the number of counterfeit goods available online. Today counterfeiters have a global reach and peddle their wares to unassuming consumers through online auction sites, web sites and spam. The anonymity afforded by the web allows counterfeiters to operate with little chance of detection while the risks to consumers are high.

Canadian mother and accounting student, Krista Prong, said she purchased Microsoft Office Professional 2007 via eBay to help her family and herself with school projects.

"I really did my homework and knew the version and price of what I was looking for," she said. "The product looked legitimate when I received it and the seller had a good track record, but upon installing it, I realized I had been sold a high quality counterfeit package. I thought I was out of luck, but after a call to Microsoft's 1-800-R-U-LEGIT hotline, Microsoft helped replace the software."

"Consumers need to be vigilant when shopping online and in the store. That is why we provide resources like the www.howtotell.com website and other tools that help consumers buy smart," said Christopher Tortorice, Corporate Counsel, Anti-Piracy, Microsoft Canada Co. "Software piracy and counterfeiting is a complex, global problem, and we are committed to working with the Canadian government, the RCMP, local law enforcement agencies, and customers and technology partner communities to stay one step ahead of this illegal industry."

"Increasingly, highly sophisticated and organized networks are engaging in the global trade of counterfeit software and other pirated goods. We must continue to focus on effective public and private sector collaboration to unite in the fight against product counterfeiting and copyright piracy in Canada," said Insp. Peter Goulet, Officer in Charge, RCMP GTA Federal Enforcement Section. "The RCMP is committed to working with organizations like Microsoft Canada to help protect consumers."

A few tips to help consumers avoid buying counterfeit products this holiday season include:

1. Understand what you are buying - take time to learn more about the products that you are buying and from whom you are buying. Read reviews and talk to colleagues and retailers so that you build a knowledgeable perspective.

2. Check the prices - if the price seems too good to be true then it probably is.

3. Look for spelling mistakes on the package or a shoddy appearance.

4. For software products, make sure they are licensed. It is standard that every legal piece of software includes a developer's license agreement. This applies whether you are buying software for use on one machine, software to be networked across a number of machines or software that's preloaded as part of a system.

5. If you are unsure if a product is legitimate -- call the manufacturer.

*The online poll of 1,740 adult Canadians was conducted in November 2009 by The Strategic Counsel.

About Microsoft Canada

For more information, please contact:

Rene Samulewitsch

416-644-2287

rsamulewitsch@highroad.com

Video: Canadian businesses discuss the value of Windows 7

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 14:25:00 GMT

Watch the City of London, Phaeton Automotive and others as they talk about the value of the newest Microsoft operating system.

Ballmer says Windows 7 sales booming

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Fri, 20 Nov 2009 14:58:00 GMT

It's been less than a month since Microsoft launched Windows 7, but the new OS is already far exceeding the sales rate of previous Windows releases.

Microsoft launches Windows Azure and supporting channel strategy

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 16:04:00 GMT

As part of its software plus services strategy, Microsoft Corp. has announced the commercial availability of its Windows Azure cloud platform, in addition to a new online marketplace and information and brokerage service for its developer partners.

Microsoft launches Office 2010 Public Beta

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:43:00 GMT

Microsoft on Wednesday launched the public beta of Office 2010, paving the way for all and sundry to experience the suite's expanded collaboration features and cloud computing integration.

Microsoft launches Windows Azure platform

Microsoft Canada News Centre — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 15:42:00 GMT

In his opening keynote, Ray Ozzie, Microsoft's Chief Software Architect, described Windows Azure and SQL Azure as core elements of the company's cloud services strategy.