Microsoft, Apr 10, 2006

REDMOND, Wash. — Jan. 23, 2006 — Microsoft Corp. today rolled out Microsoft® Small Business +, a suite of free, personalized online resources and technical support offerings — including a 45-day free trial of unlimited advanced technical support options that customers can choose to purchase — designed to help small businesses succeed in applying technology in their businesses. Fueled by customer feedback, Small Business + is evidence of Microsoft’s continued commitment to delivering solutions and resources designed for small businesses.

“It can be tempting to just throw new technology at small businesses, but that’s not the way to succeed,” said Ray Boggs, vice president for small and medium business research at IDC. “After all, the majority of firms with under 50 employees don’t have full-time IT staff, and can get very frustrated very quickly when things don’t work as planned. Microsoft Small Business + provides a lifeline for when problems develop and, just as important, it will build greater customer confidence in using new technology — and also in turning to Microsoft for answers even before questions come up.”

Small Business + is an extension of Microsoft’s Small Business Center Web site, which provides a broad array of resources for small companies. Small Business + builds on this foundation to provide members with a personalized experience. Customers complete a short registration to join, gaining free access to some offerings that are personalized to their needs based on their registration information. Small Business + can be accessed in the United States at http://www.microsoft.com/smallbusiness. It will also be available in Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.