Microsoft announces new hardware partners

Los Angeles

17th May, 2007

Microsoft chairman Bill Gates demonstrated Windows Home Server and announced
new hardware partners for the upcoming product, which include Gateway Inc.,
LaCie and Medion International.

In his keynote address at the Microsoft Windows Hardware Engineering
Conference (WinHEC) 2007 on 15th May, Gates announced that they will release a
version of the software for system builders. He named eight independent software
vendors who will provide applications for Windows Home Server and revealed plans
to kick off the Code2Fame Challenge for developers to create Windows Home Server
hardware and software add-in solutions.

Delivered on hardware from leading partners and slated for release later this
year, Windows Home Server helps families with more than one PC centralize, share
and protect their digital pictures, music, documents and videos.

"With Windows Home Server, we're launching a new category of consumer
products that will make it much easier for people to connect to their digital
content and share experiences with friends and family no matter where they
are," Gates said.

Microsoft also announced that Windows Home Server would be available to the
system builder channel, further broadening the scope of the home server product
category. Using this version of the software, system builders worldwide will
have the resources and flexibility to provide customized, targeted Windows Home
Server products to meet the needs of a wide array of customer segments.

Gates also announced the Windows Home Server Code2Fame Challenge which will
offer recognition and cash prizes for developers of Windows Home Server hardware
and software add-ins. Using the Windows Server and Windows Home Server software
development kits, contestants will create software applications and hardware
elements that are designed to enhance the customer experience with Windows Home
Server. Code2Fame Challenge winners will be announced later this year and stand
to win cash prizes of $10,000, $5,000 and $1,000 awarded to the first-, second-
and third-place winners respectively in the hardware and software categories.