REDMOND, Wash., Jan. 6, 2000 — As the computer industry continues to rapidly change and evolve, consumers are expressing increased confusion about how technology can improve their everyday lives – especially at home, where they run the show.
Although consumers want to use their computers for entertainment and education or to increase efficiency, they often find themselves road-blocked a
“bit”
and a
“byte”
at a time. Confusing techno-speak about
“ISPs,” “USBs,”
and
“URLs”
can hinder even the most determined among us in the quest to make life at home easier and more enjoyable.
To help people overcome these communications barriers, as well as understand technology issues and trends, Microsoft Corp. today introduced Stacy Elliott as the
“Digital Diva”
– an industry spokesperson who uses everyday language and her experience as a consumer technology advocate to explain how technology and computers can simplify and improve life for people at home.
The Digital Diva was welcomed into her role by Microsoft Chairman and CEO Bill Gates during his keynote speech at the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas today. Elliott joined in live via satellite from the new Microsoft® Home, a technology rich concept home on the Microsoft campus in Redmond.
In her role as the Digital Diva, Elliott will serve as a consumer ambassador and company spokesperson, helping people understand how technology can make life easier, now and in the future.
The Digital Diva will speak to community organizations whose members may be new to technology or use it outside the work environment – organizations like womens, parenting and senior citizens groups – to help explain how technology can offer them options and solutions. She will address issues related to computers, personal technology devices, software and the Internet, including privacy, safety, education, personal finance management, digital photography, online shopping and devices for the home of 2000. She will also conduct media interviews in a number of markets around the country.
“When people realize how technology can make life better and easier, they race toward it,”
Elliott said.
“Since 1995, for example, we’ve seen a tenfold increase in the number of older Americans exploring the Internet. So clearly, using technology doesn’t have to be difficult or scary. It can be as simple as researching your family tree or sending digital postcards when you’re on vacation. As Digital Diva, my role is to help people understand and use the technology that’s available today so they can enjoy life as fully as possible.”
During her three years at Microsoft, Elliott has focused on helping the company and the industry build bridges with consumers who might not fully understand technology. Before joining Microsoft, Elliott worked in a number of nontechnological jobs, including five years as an advocate at a nonprofit children’s hospital.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
”
MSFT’) is the worldwide leader in software 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.
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