Microsoft Introduces Exciting Technology to Philadelphia Seniors

REDMOND, Wash., Oct. 28, 1998 — Microsoft Corp. today presented a grant of hardware and software valued at more than $90,000 to the Philadelphia Corporation for Aging (PCA), a nonprofit corporation dedicated to improving the quality of life for older and disabled Philadelphians. Microsoft also is serving as technology sponsor of the 1998 PCA Age Expo, the largest show of its kind on the East Coast, attracting approximately 20,000 older adults and their families.

“Technology empowers people of all ages to live better lives. Older Americans are living longer, more active lives, and Microsoft is committed to developing programs that help seniors share their wisdom and lifelong learning,”
said Craig Spiezle, director of the Microsoft Senior Initiative.
“This grant, which is part of our worldwide effort to enhance seniors’ communities, creativity and employability, will allow older Philadelphians to realize the exciting possibilities that technology presents.”

Microsoft created the Microsoft Senior Initiative to help bring generations and communities together through technology and to bridge the
“digital divide”
– the widening gap between people who are computer- and Internet-literate and those who are not. The Microsoft grant will be used by PCA to create computer labs in selected senior centers in Philadelphia neighborhoods, allowing seniors to learn the PC and Internet skills they need to become more employable.

“The Greater Philadelphia region houses the highest percentage of citizens ages 50 and up of any major U.S. city. PCA programs touch the lives of over 70,000 people annually,”
said Philadelphia Mayor Edward G. Rendell.
“Microsoft is committed to improving the lives of communities nationwide via technology, and Philadelphia is fortunate to be one of the first cities to benefit directly from the Microsoft Senior Initiative.”

“The Philadelphia Corporation for Aging is honored to be a beneficiary of the Microsoft Senior Initiative program. Working hand-in-hand with dedicated companies like Microsoft enables us to continue working toward enriching the lives of older Philadelphians,”
said Rodney D. Williams, president of PCA.
“With the access to technology that Microsoft’s significant grant will provide, seniors can learn to become more financially independent, be retrained for jobs, contribute more to society and make more informed decisions about issues that affect their lives.”

Microsoft features many products that are easy for seniors to use and manage. These products can be customized to meet the needs of all users, allowing them to choose options that facilitate computer use.

“Microsoft is committed to opening new opportunities for mature adults by expanding their use of technology,”
said Dianne Gregg, East Region vice president at Microsoft.
“In Philadelphia and other cities across the country, seniors are finding new friends, shopping and accessing new worlds through their PCs and the Internet. Microsoft is pleased to offer technologies and the access to these technologies to enable this trend.”

With the aging and technology revolutions converging, the Microsoft Senior Initiative is committed to working with the private, public and nonprofit sectors to provide seniors with access to technology and PC literacy training. Microsoft aims to become a leader in the industry in educating people about the important role technology can play in empowering seniors, their families and their communities.

The Microsoft grant to PCA includes Microsoft product libraries such as the Microsoft® Windows® 98 operating system, Microsoft Office, the Microsoft Works Suite 99, Microsoft Encarta® 99 Encyclopedia, Microsoft Money 99, the Microsoft IntelliMouse® and Microsoft Natural® Elite keyboards. The products will be loaded onto 15 Hewlett-Packard Pavilion Systems with 17-inch monitors. Microsoft also will provide PCA with licenses for Microsoft Office and the Windows NT® operating system for more than 100 computers.

The Microsoft Senior Initiative is a program aimed at bridging the
“digital divide”
by providing access to PC literacy training technology and tools for individuals worldwide. The initiative’s Web site, Seniors and Technology, is a resource for seniors, their families and communities about the exciting possibilities that can be realized through the use of technology.

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, Windows, Encarta, IntelliMouse, Natural 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 about the Microsoft Senior Initiative, please visit the Microsoft Senior Initiative Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/seniors/. If you are interested in viewing additional information about Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft’s corporate information pages.

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