Microsoft Enhances Virtual Earth Platform Imagery With GlobeXplorer Aerial Imagery

REDMOND, Wash. — Jan. 9, 2007 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that it will begin to update the Virtual Earth™ online mapping platform with new, more detailed U.S. imagery under an agreement with GlobeXplorer LLC, a leading global provider of aerial and satellite images. The deal is part of Microsoft’s ongoing efforts to bring consumers the most up-to-date content and help them easily explore broader geographic areas through the Live Search Maps service (http://maps.live.com), which is powered by Virtual Earth.

“We share Microsoft’s dedication to making available the most current and richly detailed images of the earth on the Web,” said Paul Smith, chief operating officer of GlobeXplorer. “This collaboration will help us extend the value of GlobeXplorer content to millions more businesses and individuals over the Windows Live™ network of services.”

“Combining the vast aerial and satellite image library of GlobeXplorer with our current Virtual Earth mapping content will enable us to continue delivering exceptional experiences for consumers, enterprise customers, advertisers and software developers,” said Stephen Lawler, general manager of the Virtual Earth Business Unit at Microsoft. “I’m thrilled that we can deliver new dimensions of speed, accuracy and ease to local search, which is one of the fastest-growing categories online today.”

As part of the deal, more than 400,000 square miles of U.S. aerial imagery will be enhanced with high-resolution coverage. Microsoft and GlobeXplorer plan to integrate the new imagery into Virtual Earth over the next several months. More information about the Virtual Earth platform is available at http://www.microsoft.com/virtualearth.

About MSN and Windows Live

MSN® attracts more than 465 million unique users worldwide per month. With localized versions available globally in 42 markets and 21 languages, MSN is a world leader in delivering compelling programmed content experiences to consumers and online advertising opportunities to businesses worldwide. Windows Live, a new set of personal Internet services and software, is designed to bring together in one place all the relationships, information and interests people care about most, with enhanced safety and security features across their PC, devices and the Web. MSN and Windows Live will be offered alongside each other as complementary services. Some Windows Live services entered an early beta phase on Nov. 1, 2005; these and future beta updates can be found at http://ideas.live.com. Windows Live is available at http://www.live.com. 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 solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

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