Microsoft and Macromedia Team to Help OEMs Bring Macromedia Flash Player to Their Windows CE-Based Smart Devices

SAN FRANCISCO SEPT. 25, 2001 — Microsoft Corp. and Macromedia Inc. today announced a strategic agreement that will enable original equipment manufacturers (OEMs) to more easily and quickly develop Windows® CE operating system-based devices that include Macromedia Flash Player. Under the terms of deal, OEMs will be able to take advantage of specially discounted fees for porting and redistribution of Macromedia Flash Player technology in their Windows CE-based devices. This new agreement will help OEMs extend the reach of content authored in Macromedia Flash beyond the desktop to the broad range of Windows Powered devices. It also will enable a community of more than 1 million Macromedia Flash developers to create for these devices content and applications that will run consistently across Microsoft®
desktop and device platforms. In addition, it will enable Microsoft to deliver the richest user experience on Windows CE-based platforms such as Pocket PC, Microsoft TV, Car.NET and Microsoft smart phone solutions. Earlier this month, both companies also announced that Macromedia Flash Player would be included with the Microsoft Windows XP platform.

“Macromedia and Microsoft have a mutual interest in building the richest and most consistent user experience across different devices,” said Rob Burgess, chairman and CEO of Macromedia. “Microsoft and Macromedia have a long-standing relationship built on ensuring that our leading technologies, browsers and platforms work well together.”

“As the role of smart Windows CE-based devices continues to expand, it becomes increasingly important for customers to build compelling user experiences for their devices,” said Bill Veghte, vice president of the Embedded and Appliance Platforms Group at Microsoft. “With this announcement, Macromedia and Microsoft are making it easier for embedded developers to build exciting interactive content that users demand for their Windows Powered devices.”

“Offering consumers a rich Internet experience through our SIMpad product line is a must as access to rich Web content continues to rise in popularity for mobile devices,” said Klaus Karl, director of information appliances at Siemens. “Siemens is excited to take advantage of this agreement because it makes porting Macromedia’s Flash Player to our Windows CE-powered device easier and more affordable than ever before.”

OEMs that want further information on licensing Macromedia Flash Player for Windows CE-based devices can visit Macromedia at http://www.macromedia.com/go/windowsce/.

About Windows CE

Windows CE 3.0 is the current shipping version of Microsoft’s embedded operating system for small footprint, smart, connected mobile devices that demand rich applications and services. Released in June 2000, Windows CE 3.0, a real-time embedded operating system, was developed to power a broad range of embedded devices, including PDAs, Internet appliances, retail point-of-sale devices, industrial automation solutions and Windows-based terminals. With “Talisker,” the code name for the next version of Windows CE, Microsoft will deliver the most robust real-time operating system for rapidly building and powering the next generation of smart devices. “Talisker” is on target to ship by the end of 2001.

About Macromedia Flash

Leading customers such as Cisco Systems, ESPN and Ford Motor Co. use Macromedia Flash to deliver effective Web interfaces and engaging, branded experiences online. Macromedia Flash Player is one of the most distributed pieces of software in the history of the Web. More than 97 percent of online users can immediately view Macromedia Flash content. The broad penetration of the player across all leading platforms and devices ensures that developers can create high-impact Web experiences that have an immediate potential audience of nearly every person online. More information on authoring Macromedia Flash content can be found at http://www.macromedia.com/flash/.

About Macromedia

Macromedia is passionate about what the Web can be. Its award-winning products empower designers and developers to efficiently create and deliver the most engaging experiences on the Web, and enable innovative Internet business applications. Headquartered in San Francisco, Macromedia has more than 1,500 employees worldwide and is available on the Internet at http://www.macromedia.com/.

About 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 and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

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