News from Microsoft Ireland: Windows

Internet Explorer 8 Beta 2 Released

Thu, 28 Aug 2008 06:37:26 GMT

The second pre-release version of Internet Explorer 8, the next version of Microsoft's web browser is now available for download.

You can download it and find out more about the new features here: http://www.microsoft.com/windows/internet-explorer/beta/

The design of Internet Explorer 8 was based on a lot of research on how people really browse the web. One of the clear findings was that the bulk of user activity outside of web pages involved tabs and “navigation”. And that's one of the goals of IE8 to make everyday browsing more productive. The second area of focus was Internet safety and the third was providing a platform that enables developers to build great web pages and online services.

You can find out more about the new features in Internet Explorer 8 in this video:

Some of the new features include:

Smart Address Bar. In addition to matching URLs in the user’s site history, the Smart Address Bar in Internet Explorer 8 matches what a user types in the Address Bar with titles in the history as well as content in their favourites and feeds, making it easier to locate sites the user wants to visit.
Enhanced Find On Page. Find On Page functionality has been enhanced to improve how users search for text on Web pages.
Find On Page. Find On Page now appears as a toolbar activated by pressing Ctrl-F or choosing Find On Page from the Edit menu or Instant Search Box. The toolbar appears below the user’s tab so it doesn’t obscure any of the text on the page.
Result count. The enhanced Find On Page functionality shows the user how many places the search text appears on the page.
Result highlighting. The enhanced Find On Page functionality highlights all places on the page where the search text appears so users can locate them at a glance.
Redesigned New Tab Page. The New Tab Page in Internet Explorer 8 has been redesigned to allow the user to perform common tasks by clicking links on the New Tab Page.
Tab Groups. When one tab is opened from another, the new tab is placed next to the originating tab, and both are marked with a coloured tab, so users can quickly discern which tabs have related content.
Reopen last browsing session. Internet Explorer 8 enables users to reopen their last browsing session from the most recently closed instance of Internet Explorer, which is useful if the user accidentally closes the browser.
Accelerators. Accelerators, which were called Activities in beta 1, give users ready access to the online services they care about most from any page they visit, and developers gain an easy way to extend the reach of their online services. They allow users to browse faster by allowing them to launch online services without having to leave the current Web page.
Web Slices. Developers can mark parts of Web pages as Web Slices and enable users to monitor information they rely on as they move about the Web. With a click in the Favourites bar, users see rich Web Slice visuals and developers establish a valuable end-user connection.
Enhanced Search Box. The Search Box in Internet Explorer 8 is more helpful, making it easier for users to find content of interest and increasing the odds that search results will be relevant. As users type a search term, they can see real-time search suggestions, including images, from their chosen search provider. In addition, the Search Box now presents results from the user’s own Favourites and browsing history.

In addition IE8 makes it easier for IT managers to deploy and administer, provides a safer browsing experience, and supports the development of new online applications and services.

Internet Explorer 8 Beta 2 is available for 32- and 64-bit editions of Windows Vista, Windows XP, Windows Server 2003, and Windows Server 2008.

More Resources:

You can find out more and download the beta here.
You can find a full list of the new features here.
You can read more at the Internet Explorer blog.

Microsoft Announces Release of Windows Vista Service Pack 1

Tue, 18 Mar 2008 17:27:12 GMT

Dublin: March 18th, 2008: Microsoft has today announced the release of Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) to Windows Update and Microsoft Download Centre. On February 14th, Windows Vista SP1 was released to many of technical customers via the MSDN & TechNet Plus Subscription programme, Volume Licensing, and the TechBeta programme. These customers are already benefiting from the improved reliability and performance SP1 brings. Customers can now get Windows Vista SP1 by visiting Windows Update or the Microsoft Download Centre.

There are two ways that customers can obtain Windows Vista SP1. They can download it manually from Windows Update and in a month Windows Update will begin automatically downloading SP1 to PCs set to receive updates. Windows Vista SP1 will download automatically, but not install without the user explicitly agreeing. When Microsoft announced the RTM of Windows Vista SP1 last month, they shared their intention to hold the public availability of SP1 via Windows Update until mid-March.

Microsoft has identified a small set of device drivers that may be problematic if installed on a Windows Vista PC that is subsequently updated to SP1. Many of these issues have been eliminated by changes made to SP1 between those builds and final the build. Because Microsoft wants customers to have the best possible experience with Windows Vista SP1, they have configured Windows Update to delay offering SP1 to PCs with these identified drivers installed. Microsoft has worked with partners to produce driver updates for a majority of the issues found and are using Windows Update to deliver these updated drivers to PCs in advance of offering them SP1.

If a Windows Vista customer would like to download the service pack, but finds it is not offered via Windows Update—even after updating their PC with the latest “optional” driver updates from Windows Update and from their computer manufacturer’s website—they can download it via the Microsoft Download Center . However, Microsoft recommends users install SP1 via Windows Update, as that will help ensure they have the best experience.

Users who choose to download from the Microsoft Download Center should be sure to read these Knowledge Base articles: 948187 and 948343. For further comment please visit www.windowsvistablog.com.

Microsoft Reduces Price on Several Retail Stand-Alone Versions of Windows Vista

Fri, 29 Feb 2008 13:09:37 GMT

Dublin: February 28th, 2008 – Since its release, Windows Vista has seen solid sales through the first year of availability, primarily through the sale of new PCs. Stand-alone retail sales, while not representing a large percentage of the business, represents an area of opportunity for additional growth the company sees based on the new editions introduced in 2007.

To help reach that goal, Microsoft today announced price reductions on several consumer stand-alone editions.

Microsoft PressPass spoke with Brad Brooks, corporate vice president for Windows Consumer Product Marketing at Microsoft, to discuss how these price reductions will take effect and what prompted Microsoft to make this decision.

PressPass: What did you announce today?

Brooks: Today we announced a variety of price reductions for copies of Windows Vista sold on retail shelves. In developed markets, the price changes will most notably impact upgrade retail versions of the new editions we introduced in 2007 -- Windows Vista Home Premium and Ultimate editions. In emerging markets, we are combining full and upgrade Home Basic and Home Premium versions into full versions of these editions and instituting price changes to meet the demand we see among first-time Windows customers who want more functionality than is available in current Windows XP editions. In addition, we are also adjusting pricing on Windows Vista Ultimate in emerging markets to be comparable to price changes developed market customers will see.

Brad Brooks, Corporate
Vice President, Windows
Consumer Product Marketing

These price changes will take effect globally with the retail release of Windows Vista Service Pack 1 later this year, though some markets will see reduced prices sooner as a result of promotions many of our partners already are driving, such as Amazon.com in the United States.

Resources:

Read the rest of the interview with Brad Brooks
Find out more about Windows Vista
Visit the Windows Client Newsroom

Microsoft Releases Windows Vista Service Pack 1, Windows Server 2008 to Manufacturing

Mon, 04 Feb 2008 14:11:57 GMT

Client and server operating systems help provide customers with increased efficiency, performance and security.

Dublin: February 4th, 2008 - Windows Vista Service Pack 1 (SP1) was released to manufacturing today and will start being available to customers in March, starting with Microsoft Volume Licensing customers. Windows Server 2008 was also released to manufacturing today and will be available for purchase to new customers on March 1st.

“Windows Vista SP1 incorporates the extensive feedback we’ve had from our customers. This release addresses a range of areas especially compatibility, performance and reliability as well as feedback on deployment and support,” commented Tom Murphy at Microsoft Ireland. “Windows Vista SP1 also adds support for new types of hardware and adds support for several emerging standards. With SP1, it will be even easier for IT administrators to deploy and manage Windows Vista.”

Windows Vista SP 1 includes quality improvements that help enhance reliability, security and performance. Windows Server 2008 builds on the success and strengths of past server solutions and helps give organizations a solid foundation for their information technology (IT) infrastructure. Organizations using Windows Vista SP1 and Windows Server 2008 together can see a number of improvements for IT professionals, including benefits in security and manageability, overall system performance, and streamlined planning and deployment.

For further information online visit:

http://windowsvistablog.com/blogs/windowsvista/default.aspx

http://blogs.technet.com/windowsserver/

http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/features/2008/feb08/02-04WS2008.mspx

Microsoft Marks the One-Year Anniversary of Windows Vista Worldwide Release

Wed, 30 Jan 2008 20:49:55 GMT

365 days and 100 million licenses later, enthusiasm for a safe, reliable and engaging Windows Vista experience is high. In a roundtable Q&A, members of the Windows Vista team and others about the past year and how Vista’s presence in the marketplace is maturing.

Dublin: January 30th 2008 - Since the worldwide release of Windows Vista one year ago today, people are doing more and getting more out of their Windows experience. From pictures and videos, to games and family safety settings, users are finding out that they can do more with Windows Vista.

To get the full picture of what the past year has brought for Windows Vista customers, PressPass gathered a group of people representing many different viewpoints: Neil Charney, General Manager, Microsoft Windows Client; Robin Mason, a mom whose family participated in the “Life With Windows Vista”, program (in which 50 ordinary families gave feedback for the development of Windows Vista); Jeff Price, Senior Director in the Windows Group at Microsoft ; Richard Russell, Principal Development Manager in the Windows Client Performance Group; Austin Wilson, Director, Windows Client Security Product Management; Kevin Unangst, Senior Global Director of Games for Windows; and Chen Shaopeng, Lenovo's Senior Vice-President and President of Greater China Region.

PressPass: How have people responded to Windows Vista?

Neil Charney: The fact that we've passed the 100 million mark in licenses says something about people's response, but even more important has been people's increasing enthusiasm for using Windows Vista.

With any new operating system, there's a natural reluctance to upgrade because people have concerns about compatibility, they’re uneasy about learning something new or unsure about what the move to a new operating system will bring. But those who are using Windows Vista have generally been very pleased. We commissioned independent studies from IPSos and NPD to explore the attitudes of users about the operating system not only in the U.S., but also in China, France, Germany, Japan, and the UK. According to NDP, 70 percent of these users say it's an improvement over their previous operating system.

Personally, I know that the test of anything new for me is: Would I go back to what I was using before? When it comes to Windows Vista, for me it’s emphatically no. I watch my kids use the Instant Search technology to find information on the PC or to start up applications like Microsoft Office by simply typing Word into the Start menu—those are experiences that we quickly got used to. It's just much, much easier to work with applications, get to them quickly and visualize the information with folders that display thumbnails of the actual content.

Read the rest of this feature....

Other related Windows Vista links:

Microsoft’s Anti-Piracy Approach Evolves to Meet Ongoing Threat

Tue, 04 Dec 2007 14:11:05 GMT

Dublin: December 4th 2007: As part of a comprehensive effort to address piracy of its products, Microsoft today announced that they are increasing their efforts against piracy and outlined new steps being taken to protect Windows Vista from ongoing and known counterfeiting threats. The upcoming service pack for Windows Vista, known as SP1, will include updates that target and disable two types of known exploits to the Windows Vista activation process. Also as part of SP1, based on feedback from customers and partners, the company is changing how it differentiates user experiences for genuine and counterfeit systems.

In Ireland, partners are very supportive of the re-launched Microsoft’s Windows Genuine Advantage programme. They see the benefits of stamping out criminal behavior which effects both partners and consumers. The key benefit to Windows Genuine Advantage is that consumers purchasing Microsoft products can be confident they are receiving fully licensed and genuine software which they know will fully protect them against malicious viruses and malware.

Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, Spanish Point Technologies Ltd., along with Partners across Ireland agree that piracy and counterfeit systems cost businesses across the industry a great deal in time and money along with putting their businesses and the livelihoods of their employees at risk if they are caught using counterfeit or pirated software.

“I note the recent news that a major software piracy gang has been detected and put out of business in China. It was reported that some of the pirated software turned up in countries as far afield as Croatia. Spanish Point are firm supporters of Microsoft’s efforts in promoting genuine software through WGA. Firstly, WGA makes it more difficult for the piracy gangs; these are often major operations run by organized criminals; it was estimated the Chinese criminals had pirated as much as €2bn of software. Secondly WGA ensures users have access to important updates which protects their computers from viruses and malware,” commented Donal Cullen, CEO, Spanish Point Technologies Ltd.

Further adding to the benefits to customers Loraine Caulfield, Software Product Manager of Clarity said, “Clarity are delighted to see Microsoft offer customers a convenient, genuine site to validate their software. Allowing customers do this on line is superb, as many are not aware of the negative impact software piracy can have on their business or even that they may be using counterfeit software themselves. Not only will this site serve as an important tool for validation and providing peace of mind, it will also educate customers on the value of genuine software.”

Windows Genuine Advantage will enable consumers to be confident that the Microsoft products they are using are secure and that the data on their systems are fully protected. It will also cut down on costs in both time and valuable resources because they know that the security features in genuine Microsoft products along with other anti-virus and firewall software they have installed will work in protecting them from malicious viruses and malware.

“As a trusted advisor to our customers they rely on Maxima Ireland to give them the correct advice when it comes to all areas of their licensing needs as part of any project engagement we have with them. Therefore it is vital that we are able to advise them on the benefits of ensuring their software is maintained and up to-date and more importantly to the dangers of not using genuine Vendor software. In the case of Microsoft we always discuss the value of the Annuity Model in particular Open Value and Open Value Subscription as being the best way for a customer to stay current and legal at all times with their entire Microsoft license estate.

Customers expect their trusted advisors to be their partner and knowledge source in all of these matters and we work closely with vendors such as Microsoft to ensure we have this knowledge ourselves and also tap in to the experts in your organization to help us help our clients,” commented Andrew Miller, Sales Director of Maxima Ireland.

Partners in Ireland appreciate that the commitment Microsoft has made in ensuring that they are working with legal and secure solutions which allows them to deliver a secure and legitimate chain of trusted services and products. Aisling O’Sullivan, Business Development Manager at Sharptext said that, “we are very impressed at Microsoft’s commitment to stamp out “Software Piracy”. The recently launched “WGA” web-site will help increase awareness of counterfeit software which in turn will allow customers to enjoy the benefits of legal software."

John Hurley, Managing Director of Quicktec Computers Ltd. In Galway added,“Windows Genuine Advantage is a good business initiative, in that it facilitates the process of legalising all Microsoft Products and hence assists us in ensuring that our customers are compliant. An invaluable trust is then built up between the customer and system builder, knowing that the Supplier is providing, and the end user is using, legal software products.”

To learn more about what Microsoft is doing to address the challenge of software piracy and how the WGA program is evolving, PressPass spoke with Mike Sievert, Corporate Vice President, Windows Product Marketing.

PressPass: What kind of progress has the company made against software piracy? How big a problem is it for Microsoft and the industry as a whole?

Sievert: While there have been some gains and signs of progress, piracy remains an ongoing problem that faces most industries with strong intellectual property components and is particularly severe for us, our customers and partners. Software pirates are becoming more sophisticated – not just with their ability to produce high-quality fakes, but in their distribution systems and international reach. Research from the Business Software Alliance (BSA) estimates about 35 percent worldwide of software in use is not paid for each year and in certain countries that rate can top 80 percent.

We have to address this. We have a responsibility to our shareholders, partners and customers to promote legal use of our products.

The good news is we are starting to see some progress. This past quarter, we reported that about five percent of Windows desktop OEM revenue growth was attributable to piracy declines In the last year alone we have pursued legal action against more than 1000 dealers of counterfeit Microsoft products, taken down more than 50,000 illegal and improper online software auctions, and reached out with our “How to Tell” and anti-piracy focused educational Web sites to millions of customers. While piracy rates are hard to measure precisely, we’re seeing indications from internal metrics, like WGA validation failures, that the Windows Vista piracy rate is less than half that of Windows XP today.

PressPass: What are the latest threats that you see out there today to Windows Vista, and what are you doing about it?

Sievert: We know that Windows Vista is a lot harder to counterfeit than Windows XP, but we also know that pirates will keep trying. For example, there are two primary types of exploits that we’re seeing pirates use to generate counterfeit versions of Windows Vista currently. One is known as the OEM Bios exploit, which involves modifying system files and the BIOS of the motherboard to mimic a type of product activation performed on copies of Windows that are pre-installed by OEMs in the factory. Another is called the Grace Timer exploit. This exploit attempts to reset the “grace time” limit between installation and activation to something like the year 2099 in some cases. Implementing exploits involves extreme alterations to key system components and can seriously affect system stability.

So we are taking action: SP1 will include updates that will target those exploits and disable them.

PressPass: What will happen to systems which have those exploits?

Sievert: Although our overall strategy remains the same, with SP1 we’re adjusting the customer experience that differentiates genuine from non-genuine systems in Windows Vista and later in Windows Server. Users whose systems are identified as counterfeit will be presented with clear and recurring notices about the status of their system and how to get genuine. They won’t lose access to functionality or features, but it will be very clear to them that their copy of Window Vista is not genuine and they need to take action.

This is a change in tactics from our current approach for Windows Vista, and it is based on great feedback from customers and partners. With the original version of Windows Vista we released in November 2006 (known as the “RTM version,” for release-to-manufacturers), counterfeit systems can go into a state called reduced functionality mode, which essentially suspends a number of features of the system until the user takes action to get genuine.

Our new tactic, which takes effect with SP1 for Windows Vista and also will be part of Windows Server 2008 which is due out next year, is a proven and effective way to combat piracy. Customers want to know the status of their systems, and how to take action if it turns out they were victimized.

It’s worth re-emphasizing that our fundamental strategy has not changed. All copies of Windows Vista still require activation and the system will continue to validate from time to time to verify that systems are activated properly. What is changing with SP1 is the nature of the experience for those systems that are never activated or that fail validation.

PressPass: What about after SP1 is released? Will you continue to draw from customer feedback to guide your efforts?

Sievert: As we go forward, we always want to be mindful of our customers and their experience with Windows, and operate the WGA program to be as responsive as possible to feedback we hear. At the same time, it’s important that we be consistent in how the program evolves in the future. We have and will continue to base our decisions on some fundamental principles.

Namely, we want to ensure that through this program, we maintain a great customer experience, and to do so, we will go after pirates and counterfeit software in a way that minimizes any disruption to our genuine customers. We are committed to transparently communicate how the program operates so that our customers and all interested parties clearly understand what’s happening and why. We understand the importance of protecting user privacy and e conduct the program in accordance with a clear privacy policy (see related links below). We are committed to delivering WGA with accuracy by making it a priority in identifying counterfeit software and striving to meet the high standards customers and partners expect of Microsoft. Finally, we are committed to providing great customer service and support. For those systems identified as non-genuine, we will provide resources to help individuals acquire genuine Windows Vista.

These principles will continue to serve as the bar we measure ourselves against in evaluating our anti-piracy efforts and how these efforts evolve over time to meet the continued threat of piracy.

Microsoft Resources:

Piracy: http://www.microsoft.ie/piracy
Windows Genuine Advantage: http://www.microsoft.com/protect/promotions/us/windowsgenuineadvantage_us.mspx
Genuine Microsoft Software: http://www.microsoft.com/genuine
How to Tell: http://www.microsoft.com/resources/howtotell/
Microsoft’s privacy policy: http://www.microsoft.com/genuine/downloads/PrivacyInfo.aspx

DataKraft Products Earns Microsoft Vista Certification

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 13:57:38 GMT

Dublin: August 29, 2007 - DataKraft announced today that its DataKraft Studio product has been certified for Windows Vista by Microsoft. The product simplifies how customers can build powerful database applications without the need for software development. The company also provides pre-built database applications for project management, customer relationship management (CRM), human resource management and sales management.

Windows Vista certification ensures that DataKraft’s products support customers using Microsoft’s new operating system. “Our products enable customers to increase their productivity by reducing the complexity of using databases to increase business insight and improve decision making. Vista certification ensures that as our customers move to Windows Vista they can be sure that their DataKraft products will take full advantage of Vista’s new capabilities” said Jacques Lefebvre of DataKraft.

“Our certification programme provides customers with assurance that the products they are using have met explicit standards of dependability and excellence, and have been tested and proven to deliver a superior experience with Windows Vista,” said Arantza Kennedy, Windows marketing manager at, Microsoft Ireland. “We are delighted to see a leading Irish software vendor like DataKraft successfully achieving certification and bringing the benefits of Windows Vista to their customers.”

Vista certification involves both rigorous in-house testing and verification of the test results at Microsoft labs. “We have clients that have moved to Vista, and our certification gives them a necessary level of comfort that our product has been fully tested and certified on their new operating system. We want them to be fully secure in the knowledge that not only do we support Vista, but Microsoft has also certified our software for Vista.” added Carol Mc Keon, DataKraft.

DataKraft technology supports a number of different companies including InterTrade Irelands Acumen Programme, TopSecTechnology, Dalkia Ireland, Bryan S Ryan, and the DBC Group.

“Acumen now engages with over three thousand businesses across the island and directly supports two hundred and fifty companies,” explained Willie Maxwell the Programme Director. “We have very exacting support and monitoring procedures. It is critical that our information management system DataKraft is fully certified for our existing and new Vista systems. Knowing that DataKraft is certified for our new Vista machines gives us an essential level of confidence that we need as we move forward and further invest in our in-house systems.”

DataKraft are based in Shankill, Dublin and are a leading provider of custom designed database solutions, HR, CRM, project, and Budget tracking solutions. This certification opens the door for companies to embrace the benefits that Microsoft Vista delivers and further highlights the explicit standards of reliability and quality offered by DataKraft.

Microsoft Launches New Product Category: Surface Computing Comes to Life

Wed, 30 May 2007 07:35:12 GMT

First commercially available surface computer from Microsoft breaks down barriers and provides effortless interaction with information using touch, natural gestures and physical objects.

CARLSBAD, United States: — May 29, 2007 — Picture a surface that can recognize physical objects from a paintbrush to a cell phone and allows hands-on, direct control of content such as photos, music and maps. Today at the Wall Street Journal’s D: All Things Digital conference, Microsoft Corp. CEO Steve Ballmer will unveil Microsoft Surface™, the first in a new category of surface computing products from Microsoft that breaks down traditional barriers between people and technology. Surface turns an ordinary tabletop into a vibrant, dynamic surface that provides effortless interaction with all forms of digital content through natural gestures, touch and physical objects. Beginning at the end of this year, consumers will be able to interact with Surface in hotels, retail establishments, restaurants and public entertainment venues.

The intuitive user interface works without a traditional mouse or keyboard, allowing people to interact with content and information on their own or collaboratively with their friends and families, just like in the real world. Surface is a 30-inch display in a table-like form factor that small groups can use at the same time. From digital finger painting to a virtual concierge, Surface brings natural interaction to the digital world in a new and exciting way.

“With Surface, we are creating more intuitive ways for people to interact with technology,” Ballmer said. “We see this as a multibillion dollar category, and we envision a time when surface computing technologies will be pervasive, from tabletops and counters to the hallway mirror. Surface is the first step in realizing that vision.”

The Human Touch

Microsoft Surface puts people in control of their experiences with technology, making everyday tasks entertaining, enjoyable and efficient. Imagine ordering a beverage during a meal with just the tap of a finger. Imagine quickly browsing through music and dragging favorite songs onto a personal playlist by moving a finger across the screen. Imagine creating and sending a personal postcard of vacation pictures instantly to friends and family, while still wearing flip-flops.

Surface also features the ability to recognize physical objects that have identification tags similar to bar codes. This means that when a customer simply sets a wine glass on the surface of a table, a restaurant could provide them with information about the wine they’re ordering, pictures of the vineyard it came from and suggested food pairings tailored to that evening’s menu. The experience could become completely immersive, letting users access information on the wine-growing region and even look at recommended hotels and plan a trip without leaving the table.

Surface computing at Microsoft is an outgrowth of a collaborative effort between the Microsoft Hardware and Microsoft Research teams, which were struck by the opportunity to create technology that would bridge the physical and virtual worlds. What started as a high-level concept grew into a prototype and evolved to today’s market-ready product that will transform the way people shop, dine, entertain and live. It’s a major advancement that moves beyond the traditional user interface to a more natural way of interacting with information. Surface computing, which Microsoft has been working on for a number of years, features four key attributes:

• Direct interaction. Users can actually “grab” digital information with their hands, interacting with content by touch and gesture, without the use of a mouse or keyboard.

• Multi-touch. Surface computing recognizes many points of contact simultaneously, not just from one finger like a typical touch-screen, but up to dozens of items at once.

• Multi-user. The horizontal form factor makes it easy for several people to gather around surface computers together, providing a collaborative, face-to-face computing experience.

• Object recognition. Users can place physical objects on the surface to trigger different types of digital responses, including the transfer of digital content.

“Consumers now have an entirely new way to get the information they need, turning their everyday tasks into enjoyable and engaging experiences,” said Pete Thompson, general manager of Microsoft Surface Computing. “There are hundreds of thousands of restaurants, hotels and retail locations that are looking to give their customers the unique and memorable experiences that Surface will provide. In turn, companies have a new opportunity for generating additional revenue streams and increasing retail traffic.”

About Microsoft Surface Computing

Microsoft Surface Computing brings to life a whole new way to interact with information that engages the senses, improves collaboration and empowers consumers. By utilizing the best combination of connected software, services and hardware, Microsoft is at the forefront of developing surface computing products that push computing boundaries, deliver new experiences that break down barriers between users and technology, and provide new opportunities for companies to engage with people. More information can be found at http://www.surface.com.

Note: There are currently no details on the availability of Microsoft Surface outside the United States.

Product Notice: US Daylight Saving Time Changes

Mon, 19 Feb 2007 06:42:30 GMT

On March 11th 2007, daylight saving time (DST) will start on March 11, 2007, which is three weeks earlier than usual, and it will end on November 4, 2007, which is one week later than usual.

This results in a new DST period that is four weeks longer than in previous years. Unless certain updates are applied to your computer, the time zone settings for your computer's system clock, should you be in the US or have multiple time zones on your PC, may be incorrect during this four-week period. In particular, you must make sure that both your Windows operating system and your calendar programs are updated.

To find out how you can update your PC visit this site.

Microsoft Launches Windows Vista and 2007 Office System to Consumers and Small Business

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 06:37:25 GMT

Dublin: Tuesday 30^th January 2007 — Microsoft today released Windows Vista and the 2007 Office System to Irish consumers. 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.

To mark Microsoft’s most significant product launch ever, Microsoft Ireland is hosting an exclusive concert with chart topping Irish band Republic of Loose at a private invitation only party in the Village tonight. On the retail side PC World’s 12 retail outlets across Ireland are being heavily branded with Windows Vista images for the week ahead as a significant demand for the new operating system from home PC users is anticipated.

Over 1,000 of Microsoft’s Irish based employees in Sandyford, Co. Dublin have contributed to the launch of these products – from core development work, to localisation into over 30 languages to sales and marketing and logistics support for Europe, the Middle East and Africa, the Irish team has been central to the launch.

In addition to the significant work that has been done by Microsoft to prepare for this milestone launch, the imminent launch of Windows Vista is also expected to provide a broad range of opportunities for the IT industry. Partner companies such as IT support providers and training companies will also benefit from the launch as the availability of Windows Vista is expected to be a catalyst for increased activity across the IT sector and beyond.

Microsoft Ireland MD, Joe Macri pictured at the PC World in Liffey Valley, Dublin

Irish software companies have also been involved in the development of this product. PixAlert, based in Dublin, was selected by Microsoft to support the Family Safety Settings’ parental controls in the new Windows Vista operating system.

Mike Hughes, Microsoft Ireland said, “We are very excited to be releasing Windows Vista and 2007 Office to consumers today. One look at Windows Vista shows the difference - a breakthrough design, easy-to-use search and organisation tools and a safer online experience. The built-in Windows Media Centre and new mobility features give users more ways to enjoy their favorite digital entertainment at home or on the go. These products will transform the way people work and play.”

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 kind 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.

For more information on Windows Vista and 2007 Microsoft Office System visit:

http://www.microsoft.com/ireland/windowsvista/

http://www.microsoft.com/office

Microsoft Launches Windows Vista and 2007 Microsoft Office System in Northern Ireland

Tue, 30 Jan 2007 06:36:34 GMT

Belfast: 30th January 2007 - Microsoft is today releasing the Windows Vista operating system and the 2007 Microsoft Office System to consumers and businesses in Northern Ireland. Windows Vista and the latest release of the 2007 Microsoft Office System features dramatic graphic enhancements to the interface that make the desktop more visually exciting and significantly easier to use. With simple and intuitive tools, consumers can easily create and share digital documents, photos, music and videos, participate in digital communities, and play online and offline games.

Clear Pharmacy, a retail pharmacy chain and Lisclare, a healthcare and rehabilitation equipment supplier from Belfast have piloted the new products and are at present using both Windows Vista and the 2007 Office System.

“Windows Vista and the Office 2007 System have been designed to provide the tools people need to make the most of their computers at home and at work,” according to Microsoft’s Peter Russell in Belfast. “They are easier to use than ever before and deliver a range of features from simplifying how you manage your photos and music, to increased security, parental controls and increased productivity and collaboration. These products are a major step forward for consumers and businesses alike.”
Clear Pharmacy, Financial Director, Robert Smyth trialled the software personally and was very impressed. He singled out improvements in the user interface for particular praise: “Everything in Windows Vista was very logical and accessible. In Office 2007, the look and feel of Excel and Word are much better. As well as discovering new features I started using tools that were on earlier versions but I did not know existed. Features and functions are much more transparent.”
Tim Clarke, Deputy Managing, Lisclare focused improved remote working functionality "The Windows Vista search facility allows key information stored on my laptop to be visible with a few keystrokes. As a new PC user Office 2007 applications were immediately simple to use. I can see how this will reduce our training costs and improve productivity across the board but for us the mobility features will greatly benefit our mobile workforce."

The main benefit for both companies was the potential for increased productivity, not just in the improved interface and features, but also in how it can be deployed and managed. Neither business has an IT department so they rely on Microsoft partner Nitec, for support.

With Windows Vista, consumers will be able to experience all kinds of entertainment — from television to video games to music and movies — how and when they want. Keeping in touch with family, friends and colleagues using e-mail, voice recording or video is richer and more convenient. Redesigned user interfaces will increase productivity and ease of use, helping consumers and small businesses produce documents — from a marketing plan to a child’s birthday invitation — that look better and are more professional in less time. Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 System continues to improve access to information with new tools that make it easy to find the right piece of information — be it an e-mail message, image, note or media clip — no matter where it is stored.

The new versions of Windows Vista and the Microsoft Office 2007 System also deliver advances in family safety by empowering parents to better manage and monitor their children’s PC and Internet activities. With a few simple clicks in the new Windows Vista Parental Controls center, parents can manage and monitor PC and Internet access, and decide what kinds of TV, music and games are appropriate for their children. Security is also more robust in the new releases. Features such as Windows Defender help protect consumers against attacks from spyware and malicious Web sites, while other enhancements help safeguard personal information. In the Microsoft Office 2007 System, Document Inspector helps clean personal information, comments and hidden text from documents, so families can share their documents with confidence.

New Opportunities: The launch of Windows Vista is expected to unleash a flood of new next-generation hardware, software and entertainment devices and services. Currently, more than 1.5 million devices and peripherals are on the market that work with Windows Vista, including more than 2,000 that are Certified for Windows Vista. In addition, thousands of PC manufacturers and system builders around the globe will deliver the Windows Vista operating system and Microsoft Office 2007 on new PCs.

Microsoft Ireland plays a central role in the launch of Windows Vista and 2007 Office

Mon, 29 Jan 2007 06:35:37 GMT

Almost 1,000 Irish Based Employees play a role in getting Microsoft’s latest Operating System to over 37 countries in 28 languages in time for global launch
Core Development Work for Windows Vista done at Microsoft’s European Development Centre in Sandyford

Dublin: 29th January, 2007 - Microsoft Ireland today announced details of the role that its employees have played in ensuring that Windows Vista, the company’s latest operating system, reaches markets across the Europe, Middle East and Africa region in time for tomorrow’s global launch. The team has also been significantly involved in supporting the launch of 2007 Microsoft Office System.

Microsoft Ireland employees in the four different businesses based in Sandyford, Co. Dublin have played a critical role in the development and distribution of Windows Vista to customers in over 37 countries in a total of 28 languages.

Employees in the European Development Centre have been involved in core development work for the latest operating system while others, in the European Product Development Centre, have co-ordinated localisation efforts in the region. Employees in the Irish sales and marketing subsidiary have been busy driving local sales and marketing efforts for the product launch while the European Operations Centre employees have been responsible for the management of all logistics which has ensured that the product arrived in each of the markets in time for sale to customers for launch day tomorrow.

Commenting about the involvement of the Irish based team, Joe Macri, MD Microsoft Ireland said: “Our Irish team continues to be at the heart of Microsoft’s business across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. The significance of the diverse range of roles and functions that are based here becomes most apparent at the time of a large scale launch such as that of Windows Vista. The team in Ireland, across the four separate divisions, has contributed significantly to the development, localisation, sales and distribution of our latest and much anticipated operating system.
“Tomorrow’s launch marks a significant milestone for the site as the entire team can be proud of the role that it has played in ensuring the successful release to the general public of Windows Vista, “he added.

The European Development Centre has been working on a number of different development projects for Windows Vista. The Dublin based team has had sole responsibility for the design, development and delivery of the date and time control panel’, time zone data and the new date and time reference user interface. They also delivered the Regional and Language Options control panel applet in Windows Vista which allows users to configure how Windows displays numbers, dates, time, set location, choose keyboard, install additional display language support and change system locale ensuring that Windows Vista will work in all European cultural environments.

The EDC also supported the new Windows Smartcard Framework by providing a quality certification programme for vendors that wish to develop modules for this new architecture. Testing the European wireless and ISDN network drivers that are included in the Windows Vista product was also done here as was the development of the scanning feature into Vista Media Center.

The European Product Development Centre has been responsible for managing the localisation of the 2007 Microsoft Office System and the localisation of packaging for Windows Vista and 2007 Office packaging. 27 main language editions were managed by EPDC in Dublin in addition to 59 local language versions including Irish.

The Irish Sales, Marketing and Services Group has been busy in the past number of months managing the sales and marketing of Windows Vista and 2007 Office in the Irish market. This work has included working with 15,000 Beta testers and with 30 indigenous software companies who have helped develop applications for Windows Vista.

The European Operations Centre was responsible for all logistics, manufacturing, customer support, order management and fulfilment for both Windows Vista and 2007 Office System. In addition, all billing, partner management and communications and digital supply chain has been managed from Dublin. A total of 12 million discs are being manufactured by Microsoft partner companies in Ireland for launch.

In addition to the work that is being done by Microsoft itself, the imminent launch of Windows Vista has also provided a broad range of opportunities for the IT industry. Partner companies such as IT support providers and training companies will also benefit from the launch as the availability of Windows Vista is expected to be a catalyst for increased activity across the IT sector and beyond.

One example of the partnerships that exist is the fact that PixAlert, an Irish company based in Dublin, was selected by Microsoft to support the Family Safety Settings’ parental controls in the new Windows Vista operating system.

On the retail side PC World’s 14 retail outlets across Ireland are being heavily branded with Windows Vista images for the week ahead as a significant demand for the new operating system from home PC users is anticipated.

You can find out more about Windows Vista here.