Launch of Windows XP - NZ Countdown Begins

New Zealand Countdown Begins!!

Industry Rallies Towards Oct. 25th Launch Date of Windows XP

AUCKLAND, New Zealand - Thursday, May 10, 2001 - Microsoft today announced that Windows® XP, the highly anticipated next release of Windows, will be available in New Zealand on Thursday, October 25, 2001. Windows XP will be available for purchase on new PCs, at retail locations and as a full or upgrade version.

Microsoft says that the new look Windows XP, built on the enhanced Windows 2000 engine will deliver users greater freedom to create, connect and communicate - while also delivering standards in power, reliability, security and simplicity.

The operating system will be available on October 25, 2001 in two versions: Windows XP Home Edition and Windows XP Professional. "The launch of Windows XP is an important release for us - October 25 is going to be a historic day for our customers and for the industry," said Terry Allen, Business Solutions Group Manager at Microsoft New Zealand.

"Windows XP will be the highest quality Microsoft operating system we have released to date, and we and our partners are stopping at nothing to deliver amazing new computing experiences that enhance, not only the experience, but the capability and usability for PC users around the world."

Windows XP is set to be the biggest Windows marketing event in the company's history - Microsoft will invest double that of the Windows 95 launch in the first four months of product availability alone. The marketing push by Microsoft and its partners is expected to unleash tremendous demand for the Windows XP operating system.

"IDC expects that Windows XP Home and Windows XP Professional will see more new license shipments by the end of 2002 than any other new Microsoft operating system has in its first full year of availability," said Dinesh Kumar, Country Manager for IDC New Zealand. "This will make it the fastest-adopted version of Windows to date."

Industry partners have demonstrated unprecedented support for Microsoft and the new Windows XP operating system.

"The combination of Windows XP and Compaq PCs is going to transform our customers' computing experience, whether they are at home, at work or on the road," said Andrew Seerden, Director for Compaq's Access Business Group. "Compaq expects the launch of Windows XP to generate one of its busiest periods ever for our access products and we are fully committed to delivering the highest quality Windows XP computing experience for PC users."

"PCs that combine Intel's Pentium 4 processor with Windows XP will make the power of digital audio and video available to anyone," said Colin Purkis, Channel Account Manager for Intel New Zealand. "The launch of Windows XP will create a great opportunity for our entire industry to sell amazing new PCs and Intel is undertaking a huge marketing campaign to communicate the new capabilities of PC's with the Pentium 4 processor."

"In anticipation of huge demand for Windows XP, The PC Company is already making plans to line our stores' shelves with Windows XP on October 25," said Colin Brown, Managing Director, The PC Company. "Our customers are eagerly anticipating the arrival of Windows XP and our stores will be stocked both with brand new Windows XP PCs and the retail version of the operating system. We are ready for a very busy build up indeed!"

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software - any time, any place and on any device.

Microsoft and Windows 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.

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