REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 9, 1997 — Microsoft Corp. today launched a new season for Microsoft® TV, an industry-leading video-based series focused on providing IT professionals and developers with concise, timely education about how to solve business problems using the latest information technology. New Learning Tracks and free availability via the Internet (connect-time charges may apply) enable viewers to easily and consistently find the information they need to stay up-to-date and increase their knowledge of new products and solutions. Microsoft TV is available via the Internet (using Microsoft NetShow
™
server, at http://www.microsoft.com/mstv/ , satellite (DIRECTV and Ku band), cable TV, videotape and CD-ROM subscription.
“We saw a need in the IT community for an educational resource that provided a timely and cost-effective understanding of ‘how to,'” said Brad Brunell, group manager of Microsoft TV. “IT professionals have big challenges and little time. They asked us for clear technical information that is broadly available, accessible from the desktop and focused on providing real solutions to tough problems. Now, IT professionals can select the best programming available wherever they are – at the desk, in the classroom or at home.”
Microsoft TV Programming
Microsoft TV shows focus on key areas of interest to the IT professional, including new products, technology and industry trends. Programs include topics such as scalability, implementation and interoperability within the enterprise. “Windows NT Server and UNIX Interoperability,” airing on Tuesday, Sept. 16, 1997, is an example of the kind of timely, relevant topic that Microsoft TV targets. Specific products covered range from the Microsoft BackOffice® family of products to desktop applications to the latest Internet technologies, including Microsoft Site Server, Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0, and the Windows NT® Server 5.0 network operating system.
“Microsoft TV provides real-world examples of how other companies approached and solved their business problems,” said Mark Stevens, vice president of information technology at Municipal Services Group, a financial services firm based in Littleton, Colo. “The case studies have spurred ideas for specific solutions that we’ve implemented in our business.”
New Learning Tracks for Easy and Consistent Viewing
New this year, Microsoft TV Learning Tracks make it easy for viewers to determine which shows are most appropriate for their needs, while providing the key “next step” resources to empower them to take action with the “how to” information. Tracks are shown at the same time each month, enabling viewers to plan a consistent viewing schedule.
The 1997-1998 Microsoft TV season includes 10 shows in each of the following tracks:
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Solutions Track is designed for IT professionals focused on building technology solutions to business problems. Real-world case studies illustrate how a solution is approached from both a business and an IT perspective.
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Architect Track is for IT professionals who design and support multiproduct, complex environments using Microsoft technologies, complementary third-party applications and existing legacy systems.
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Site Builder Track is designed for IT professionals and developers who identify and develop Internet solutions. The show examines how to enable key business processes through Internet, intranet and extranet technologies.
A Variety of Flexible Viewing Options
With the recent addition of live and on-demand Internet broadcasts via Microsoft NetShow, Microsoft TV is available directly on IT professionals’ desktops – what they need, when and where they need it. “The Microsoft TV broadcast is a very productive, thorough, quick and easy way to become familiar with the rapidly expanding Microsoft product line,” said Roy Mendoza, of Uptime Information Technology, who is a regular viewer of Microsoft TV. “The broadcasts on the Internet allow me to further my education and familiarity with products at a time that is convenient for me.”
Microsoft TV is also available via satellite (DIRECTV and Ku Analog), cable TV (Knowledge TV), videotape and CD-ROM subscription. The Microsoft TV CD-ROM provides a thorough reference resource, with the source video segments in high-quality AVI format and in several Microsoft NetShow formats, transcripts, technical white papers and product documentation.
Microsoft TV Educates Employees and Attracts Customers
Channel partners, training organizations, government agencies, higher education institutions and enterprise corporations are taking advantage of Microsoft TV as a convenient, flexible training option for educating employees and customers. For example, IKON Technology Services, a Microsoft Authorized Technical Education Center in Overland Park, Kan., offers “lunch and learn” sessions showing Microsoft TV programs that attract up to 40 attendees. An estimated 300 Microsoft Authorized Technical Education Centers, Microsoft Certified Solution Providers, and community colleges broadcast the Microsoft TV shows for their students.
Microsoft TV is one option in the broad spectrum of Microsoft’s online, instructor-led and self-paced technical training programs, available through Authorized Technical Education Centers. A complete listing of opportunities is available at http://www.microsoft.com/train_cert/ .
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
Microsoft, NetShow, BackOffice and Windows NT are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Note to editors : If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft’s corporate information pages.
Viewing Information for All Microsoft TV Shows
Tuesdays at noon Eastern time – 60 minutes
Satellite
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Ku Analog – SBS6, Transponder 13 or 11, Downlink Frequency 12019, Polarity H
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DIRECTV (within United States only) – Channel 757
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Technology Education Network (TEN) – (800) 943-1088
Internet
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NetShow 2.0 http://www.microsoft.com/mstv/
Tuesdays and Thursdays at 9 p.m. Eastern time – 30 minutes; Saturday 11 a.m. – 60 minutes
Cable
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Knowledge TV
Satellite
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C Band – Galaxy 5, Channel 21
For details on how to view in your area or information on CD-ROM and video subscriptions, visit the Microsoft TV Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/mstv/ .
