SEATTLE, April 2, 1997 — Microsoft Corp. today announced its sponsorship of
The Mountain Zone’s “1997: Return to Everest,” a historic cybercast of the Alpine Ascents International Inc. team’s expedition of the highest mountain on Earth.
Beginning today, users will be able to experience this event firsthand through daily live dispatches from the expedition. This groundbreaking event, sponsored by Microsoft, will include live audio, video, animation, photo galleries and feature stories. The Mountain Zone site will also take advantage of Microsoft® ActiveX
™
technologies to bring this content to life. Key technologies to be featured in the Mountain Zone site include the Microsoft NetShow
™
server, the Surround Video ActiveX Control and VRML.
“Microsoft is excited to be sponsoring this historic and innovative broadcast,” said Tod Nielsen, general manager, applications and Internet client group at Microsoft. “By integrating the ActiveX technologies, The Mountain Zone is providing cutting-edge, interactive coverage of the Mount Everest expedition for users worldwide.”
Users will be able to experience the expedition firsthand as the Alpine Ascents International team, led by Todd Burleson, not only attempts to reach the summit of Mount Everest, but positions scientific equipment to be used in measuring geologic movement of the peak.
“By using Microsoft ActiveX technologies, we are able to bring a truly exciting and interactive experience to users,” said Peter Potterfield, editor in chief of The Mountain Zone. “This one-of-a-kind event will bring Mount Everest into people’s homes like never before. Using technology such as the Surround Video ActiveX Control to show Mount Everest and the Khumbu region of Nepal will really enhance the level of user interaction.”
Users can begin their interactive experience of Mount Everest by going to (http://www.mountainzone.com/) . The Mountain Zone is owned by The Zone Network, a Seattle-based, privately held Web publishing company.
In addition, the site will be one of the featured events in the NetShow Spring events program guide, a broadcast showcase for Internet content and technology, at http://webevents.microsoft.com/ .
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, ActiveX and NetShow 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.
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