Microsoft Announces Executive Appointments and Promotions In Consumer and Commerce Group

REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 2, 1999 — Microsoft Corp. today announced a series of executive appointments and promotions that further strengthen the company’s commitment to and focus on its growing online Consumer and Commerce Group (CCG). Microsoft President Steve Ballmer announced that Richard Belluzzo has joined the company as group vice president for CCG, and that Brad Chase and Jon DeVaan have been promoted to senior vice president. Belluzzo, Chase and DeVaan form the core leadership team of Microsoft’s CCG.

Belluzzo will report directly to Microsoft President Steve Ballmer. Reporting to Belluzzo will be Chase, DeVaan, Moshe Lichtman, who heads CCG’s international efforts, Rich Barton, who manages the Expedia® travel service, and Lewis Levin, who heads Internet bill payment.

“Today’s announcements underscore our commitment to executing decisively and rapidly in the online services space by forming a seasoned management team that is dedicated to improving and facilitating commerce for consumers,” Ballmer said. “I have known and respected Rick’s management skills for more than 15 years. His reputation for managing tough challenges effectively is well-deserved. Combining his considerable talents with those of Brad, Jon and the entire CCG team positions Microsoft to build on its leadership in the online space.

“Broadening our leadership in this important online space positions Microsoft to deliver on some incredible opportunities in the areas Brad and Jon have articulated as priorities – small business, consumer portal, Internet service and our TV platform,” Ballmer said.

“I am excited to be part of the momentum that Brad and Jon and their group have created,” Belluzzo said. “The opportunity to work with such great people, and the fact that we have the chance to have a huge impact on the lives of millions of people, is both exciting and challenging.”

As of June 1999, Media Metrix ranked MSN.com as the No. 3 Web site for reach and Microsoft third in digital properties, based on number of users. Microsoft’s CCG currently manages the No. 1 travel, news and e-mail Web sites on the Internet – Expedia, MSNBC and the MSN TM Hotmail TM Web-based e-mail service, respectively. MSN Messaging Service recently surpassed 1 million new users, adding to the company’s online momentum.

The focus of Microsoft’s CCG is to empower individuals through the Internet-based software and services that improve people’s lives at home, work and play. For example, CCG includes MSN.com, whose mission is to offer consumers in one place the best that the Web has to offer today and in the future. This encompasses enabling consumers to easily search the Web in an intelligent and intuitive fashion; offering the best and most secure online shopping and e-commerce experience; and allowing people to freely communicate via e-mail and instant messaging services that are second to none.

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, Expedia, MSN and Hotmail 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 on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft® Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft’s corporate information pages.

Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft’s corporate information pages.

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