The “WOW” Starts Now!

Microsoft Singapore is embarking on a “WOW” launch campaign of unprecedented scale to introduce the two products to Singapore, including efforts to ready the local IT partners and retailers, and for above-the-line marketing and launch activities. In particular, Microsoft has conducted extensive outreach to more than 10,000 IT professionals in Singapore to educate them on advancements in the Windows Vista operating system and Microsoft Office 2007 through customized training sessions, and aims to certify the first 100 Singapore IT professionals in Windows Vista as part of this milestone event. In addition, PC manufacturers and system builder partners will deliver the Windows Vista operating system and Microsoft Office 2007 on new PCs.

Singapore’s Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 “WOW” launch campaign includes:

Vista Fiesta @ Funan DigitaLife Mall (February 1 – 4)

In conjunction with the arrival of Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 as well as the upcoming Lunar New Year festive season, Funan DigitaLife Mall will be decked out from head-to-toe in the bright and refreshing Windows Vista colors of green and blue, and is the place to be for consumers eager to be the first in Singapore to get their hands on both products. To commemorate the consumer launch of Windows Vista™ in Singapore, the first buyer of the new operating system will also receive an additional limited edition of Windows Vista Ultimate signed by none other than Bill Gates.

This event is also supported by leading global and local Original Equipment Manufacturers, system builders, sponsors as well as Microsoft’s partners such as HP, Lenovo, Toshiba, Pluto Technologies, Cybermind, SanDisk, Singtel, Samsung, Chamoxa, Asus and Intel, some of whom will offer PCs pre-installed with Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007. In particular, Intel will be launching the Core2 Quad processor for the first time in Singapore.

“Intel’s multi-core processors are designed to enhance the computer user’s experience from start to finish. Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 running on Core 2 Quad processors will provide the breakthrough user experience on the full capabilities of Windows Vista,” said Patrick Liew, Singapore Country Manager, Intel Technology Asia Pte Ltd. “This launch marks a rare occurrence in which new processors and a new operating system hit the market about the same time. This combination will ignite a whole new class of PCs that will fundamentally reshape the way consumers interact, experience entertainment and multitask with their computers.”

PhotoVista competition

In this unique competition which ran from December 4, 2006 to January 21 this year, Singaporeans from all walks of life submitted around 2,300 photographic depictions of their interpretation of a truly Singapore Vista. Thirty winners, selected by a panel of renowned local photographers comprising Ken Seet, Ming and Andy Wong, will not only walk away with S$50,000 in cash and prizes, but also gain the opportunity to put their Singapore Vista on the desktops of PCs across the world as their works will be made available for wallpaper download in April this year. The winning PhotoVista will be announced on February 16.

Windows Vista Gadgets

Microsoft also seeks to provide local enterprises with an opportunity to leverage the excitement surrounding this milestone event to increase consumer awareness of their business and showcase their creativity. In December last year, Microsoft called for home-grown businesses to create Windows Vista gadgets, which are lightweight, helper applications residing on the Windows Vista sidebar that boost productivity by providing instant access to information and frequently used tools at the click of a button. More than 50 gadgets by 20 local companies, including digital publication distributor E-Book Systems, automatic video production maker Muvee and education software developer Heulab, have been developed to date. In particular, Street Directory has developed the Community Gadget, which provides PC users instant access to the mapping capabilities of the web site by simply typing zip codes into the gadget on their desktop.

The “WOW” Journey

This top-secret special event, slated to take place in mid-February, will feature more than 800 Microsoft employees in a spectacular and unforgettable journey. Keep your eyes and ears open for updates closer to the date!

IT Show 2007 (March 8 - 11)

Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 fever will sweep this year’s IT Show. The entire third floor of Suntec Convention Center will feature interactive and immersive displays on how the two new products will deliver an enhanced computing experience to PC users. In particular, consumers will be able to experience the Windows Vista Consumer Scenario Booths, which will showcase the product’s amazing capabilities and features in the areas of Digital Memories, Productivity, Gaming, Music, TV and Movies and Communication.

Pricing and Availability

Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 will be available in Singapore from February 1 at leading IT retail stores as well as leading global and local Original Equipment Manufacturers and system builders.

The recommended retail pricing for Full Packaged Product (FPP) is as follows:

Windows Vista	Price w/o GST
Windows Vista Home Basic English Upgrade DVD	SGD 179.05
Windows Vista Home Basic English DVD	SGD 340.95
Windows Vista Home Premium English DVD	SGD 407.62
Windows Vista Home Premium English Upgrade DVD	SGD 274.29
Windows Vista Business English DVD	SGD 502.86
Windows Vista Business English Upgrade DVD	SGD 340.95
Windows Vista Ultimate English DVD	SGD 664.76
Windows Vista Ultimate English Upgrade DVD	SGD 445.71
Microsoft Office 2007
Office Home and Student 2007 Win32 English CD	SGD 236.19
Office 2007 Win32 English CD	SGD 607.62
Office Small Business 2007 Win32 English CD	SGD 683.81
Office Pro 2007 Win32 English CD	SGD 760.00
Office Ultimate 2007 Win32 English DVD	SGD 1,036.19