REDMOND, Wash., Oct. 5, 2004 — Need to view and print Visio
® drawing and diagramming software files? Track expenses on a custom reporting application that only runs on the Microsoft® Windows®
operating system? Or easily share files with co-workers, friends or family? Look no further. Microsoft Corp.’s Macintosh Business Unit (Mac BU) today announced the availability of Microsoft Virtual PC for Mac Version 7 with Windows XP Professional and Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac Professional Edition.
Virtual PC for Mac is a must-have for Mac users who sometimes need to run Microsoft Windows and work with PC-only software, files, networks and devices directly on their Macs. Virtual PC 7 is offered in a box by itself, but to get the highest level of cross-platform compatibility at the best value, customers need Office 2004 Professional Edition, which includes Virtual PC 7 with the latest version of Office for Mac.
“Compatibility is key to Mac users,” said Scott Erickson, group product manager of Mac BU at Microsoft. “Virtual PC 7 allows Mac users to run PC software with more speed and simplicity than ever before. And now that Virtual PC 7 is compatible with the G5, Mac users will be able to run it on Apple’s latest hardware.”
“Microsoft is delivering important new features with the latest release of Virtual PC for Mac, including support for the amazing Power Mac G5,” said Ron Okamoto, vice president of Worldwide Developer Relations at Apple Computer Inc. “Virtual PC ensures cross-platform compatibility, offering a comprehensive solution for Mac users who need access to PC-only software and data.”
In addition to compatibility with the Macintosh G5 and an enhanced user experience, Virtual PC 7 also meets one of the top customer demands — improved performance. Virtual PC 7 picks up the pace, clocking in at 10 percent to 30 percent faster than its predecessors. Applications overall are quicker to respond, helping users maximize their time.
Virtual PC 7 with Windows XP Professional and Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac Professional Edition are now available at major resellers nationwide, including the Apple Store online, Amazon.com, MacConnection, MacMall and Mac Zone. Virtual PC 7 with Windows XP Professional is at a suggested retail price of $249, and Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac Professional Edition can be acquired at a suggested retail price of $499. An upgrade version of Office 2004 Professional Edition is also available at a suggested retail price of $329, an amazing value for both Office and Virtual PC.
To see Virtual PC 7 in action, users can check out the new Flash demo at www.microsoft.com/mac for a personal tour. Key enhancements in the new release include these:
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G5 support. Virtual PC for Mac was significantly rewritten to run on the 64-bit G5 processor.
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Improved performance. Virtual PC 7 is 10 percent to 30 percent faster than its predecessors.
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Better graphics handling. Taking advantage of the graphics processor on the Mac, Virtual PC now delivers faster, cleaner graphics.
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Fast Save. Virtual PC closes with the click of a button, saving the PC state in the background so users can get back to their other work immediately.
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Enhanced user experience. Virtual PC 7 is more intuitive, straightforward and just plain easier to use.
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Easy installation. Virtual PC 7 includes a new setup assistant that guides the user through an intuitive installation process.
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Easy printing. Mac OS X Panther version 10.3 users can simply choose to print from any PC application, and the file will automatically print to the Mac’s default printer.
Other editions of Virtual PC 7, including Virtual PC 7 with Windows XP Home Edition, Windows 2000 Professional Standalone and Upgrade, will be available over the next few months. Virtual PC 7 and Office 2004 Professional can be acquired now in English, with details forthcoming on availability in French, German, Japanese and Swedish. Customers can check http://www.microsoft.com/mac and local resellers for the most up-to-date information and pricing.
About the Microsoft Macintosh Business Unit
The Macintosh Business Unit at Microsoft is a leading developer of software and online products for the Macintosh platform. The group is composed of more than 160 full-time Mac product experts and is dedicated to creating innovative software for Mac customers worldwide. For more than 20 years, Microsoft has developed award-winning software for the Mac. Current products include Microsoft Office 2004 for Mac, a productivity suite that includes the e-mail application and personal information manager Entourage® 2004, Word 2004, Excel 2004, PowerPoint® 2004 and MSN®
Messenger for Mac Version 4.0; Virtual PC for Mac Version 7; and Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.2 for Mac. More information about the Mac BU and Microsoft Macintosh products is available at http://www.microsoft.com/mac .
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.
Microsoft, Visio, Windows, Entourage, PowerPoint and MSN are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
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