Nov 4 , 2002 — A recent study by an independent research firm concluded that three out of four people prefer the new MSN 8 software to AOL 8. Microsoft, the world’s leading software giant, recently unveiled the new MSN® 8.

In an 11,000-square-foot dome in Central Park’s Wollman Rink, Microsoft Chairman and Chief Software Architect Bill Gates kicked off the “It’s Better With The Butterfly” tour with a multimedia presentation. Gates’ presentation pointed out how the advanced communications, improved browsing and online safety features of MSN 8, the Internet service with the rainbow butterfly logo, provide consumers with an online experience unmatched by any other Internet service provider.

“MSN 8 marks the start of an exciting new era for MSN,” Gates said today. “It takes a significant step toward Microsoft’s vision of providing convenient access to a wide range of software and services online, enabling people to realize their full potential at home and at work.”

During today’s launch, Gates and consumers who provided feedback during product development will describe via video how the advanced communications, browsing and online safety features of MSN 8 make the Web more useful and fun. Specifically, they will describe how the junk-mail filter in MSN 8 blocks spam by getting smarter over time, how customized home pages and the new on-screen dashboard make it easy to find their most important information, and how new parental controls and virus scanning and cleaning software help protect both the family and the family PC while they are online.

Gates and Yusuf Mehdi, Vice President of MSN, will be joined by special guests to give those in attendance a first look at a new MSN 8 feature called Shared Browsing, which enables consumers to simultaneously surf the Web with friends or family and to discuss their Shared Browsing session via the MSN Messenger Service.

“MSN 8 is the strongest proof ever of Microsoft’s dedication to providing consumers with the richest online experience possible,” Mehdi said today. “We have invested nearly 1,000 working person years and $500 million in research and development to bring MSN 8 to people everywhere. And we couldn’t be more thrilled at the rave reception MSN 8 has already received from consumers and publications nationwide.”

In addition to the 75% user preference of MSN 8 over AOL, the research also revealed that more than 75% of the users who preferred MSN 8 said their primary reason was that it was easier to use than AOL, and more than 80% preferred the junk-mail protection of MSN 8 over that of AOL 8, while more than 60% preferred the parental control, instant messaging and e-mail features of MSN 8 over those offered by AOL 8.

MSN has 9 million subscriptions and attracts more than 300 million unique users worldwide per month. With localized versions available globally in 34 markets and 18 languages, MSN is a world leader in delivering Web services to consumers and digital marketing solutions to businesses worldwide. The most useful and innovative online service today, MSN brings consumers everything they need from the Web to make the most of their time online. MSN is located on the Web at http://www.msn.com/. MSN worldwide sites are located at http://www.msn.com/worldwide.ashx
 
-Ends-

AboutAbout 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 Contact:
Mohammed Saqqa
Public Relations Manager
Microsoft Arabia
Tel: 00-9661 – 2180808
Fax: 00-9661 – 2180809
E-mail: v-msaqqa@microsoft.com

or

Agency Contact:
Ahmed Al Hassani
SACCS
Jeddah, Saudi Arabia
Tel: 00-966 2-663 2525
Fax: 00-966 2-660 1874
E-mail: ahmed@saccs.com

© Press Release 2002