REDMOND, Wash., Aug. 22, 2002 — Microsoft Corp. today announced plans to broadly offer MSN®
subscription services to users of Macintosh computers for the first time with the release of MSN for Mac OS X, the first Internet subscription service from MSN built specifically for Mac users.
When MSN for Mac OS X becomes available in early 2003, Macintosh users in the United States will be able to experience a comprehensive and useful set of software services, including valuable communication services, advanced browsing features, free Mac-specific customer support and enhanced online safety features. MSN for Mac OS X will be available for MSN Internet Access broadband and narrowband subscribers and as a separate subscription for consumers in the United States who use other ISPs.
“MSN for Mac OS X will allow us to expand the availability of MSN subscription services to a vital and important group of consumers, who previously could not take advantage of the benefits MSN delivers,”
said Bob Visse, director of MSN at Microsoft.
“Through working closely with the Macintosh Business Unit at Microsoft, we are able to deliver a custom version of MSN designed for the unique needs and preferences of Mac consumers.”
Much like MSN 8, the new version of MSN for Windows®
that will be available this fall, MSN for Mac OS X benefits from thousands of hours of research and development. The result of collaboration between the MSN development team and Microsoft’s Macintosh Business Unit, MSN for Mac OS X is designed and built by Mac users for Mac users.
“Our research shows that Mac users today want the rich online experience that users of MSN for Windows enjoy,”
said Tim McDonough, director of marketing for the Macintosh Business Unit (MacBU) at Microsoft.
“We’re building MSN for Mac OS X specifically with the Mac user in mind. By seamlessly integrating with OS X technologies, MSN for Mac OS X will make the Web as useful as the Mac.”
MSN for Mac OS X: Innovative Subscription Services for Mac Users
Based on extensive customer research, MSN for Mac OS X was developed to deliver what Mac users want and need today while providing options and features that allow them to grow with the service as their Internet expertise increases. By scaling according to the abilities of both the Internet beginner and more-advanced enthusiast, MSN for Mac OS X will deliver an incredibly useful experience that enables consumers to freely explore the Web and communicate with others. Features users will find in MSN for Mac OS X include the following:
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Advanced communication services. MSN for Mac OS X will offer an advanced set of communication services that help reduce the amount of incoming junk mail as well as new tools that make the process of writing, sending and receiving e-mail more fun than ever.
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Useful browsing features. MSN for Mac OS X will provide powerful and innovative browser software that allows consumers to quickly find the information that matters most to them.
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Mac-specific customer support. MSN for Mac OS X will offer free 24-hour customer support for Mac users (connect-time fees may apply). Whether via phone, e-mail or the Web, customers will be talking to people who really know the Mac and can help resolve problems quickly.
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Online safety features. MSN for Mac OS X will help fulfill consumers’ demand for online protection by offering useful and reliable tools such as a broadband firewall and advanced, flexible parental controls.
About Microsoft Macintosh Business Unit
The Macintosh Business Unit at Microsoft is a leading developer of software and online products for the Macintosh platform. With the largest Mac-focused development team outside of Apple Computer Inc., the MacBU consists of 145 full-time Mac product experts. Committed to the Macintosh platform since 1997, the MacBU delivers award-winning products developed to meet the unique needs of Mac users. Current products include Microsoft® Office v. X for Mac, a productivity suite that includes the e-mail application and personal information manager Entourage (TM) X, Word X, Excel X and PowerPoint®
X; Internet Explorer 5.2 for Mac; and MSN Messenger 3.0 for Mac. More information about the MacBU and Microsoft Macintosh products is available at http://www.microsoft.com/mac/.
About MSN
MSN.com attracts more than 270 million unique users worldwide per month. Globally available 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.
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, MSN, Windows, Entourage and PowerPoint are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
Apple, Mac and Macintosh are registered trademarks of Apple Computer Inc.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
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