A window of opportunity for Microsoft with tablets - Los Angeles Times

A screenshot of Windows 8 consumer preview. (Microsoft Corp. / March 20, 2012)

Some may wonder whether there's room for Microsoft to carve a niche for itself with a behemoth like Apple's iPad dominating the tablet market. 

According to a Bloomberg report, Microsoft is said to be preparing Windows 8, a touch-friendly operating system, for a fall launch. Although the iPad is a dominant critical and commercial success by most accounts, there's a sizable gap between it and the nearest comparable Android tablet, presenting Microsoft with a window of opportunity.

To say that Microsoft has a lot riding on Windows 8 for its foray into the tablet market is simply stating the obvious. The company has all but conceded a whole popular segment by its absence in the tablet market.

Analyst Michael Cherry of Directions on Microsoft has doubts that Microsoft will be able to deliver on the aggressive schedule detailed by Bloomberg. He said that of the three important facets of a new product -- quality, features and time -- to be long on two means you'll be short on one. "Picking all three is really hard."

However, Gartner analyst Michael Gartenberg says it's too early to count Microsoft out, despite its late arrival to the tablet market.

"The question is, can Microsoft make a dent in the Android market," he said. "The marketplace is moving with such a rate of change, unexpected things can happen.... Microsoft is hoping that the [first-place] runner does stumble," so that the company might gain some ground.

The only official words coming out of Microsoft these days about the advent and execution of Windows 8 seem to be no comment, but there's lots of discussion about expectations and what's at stake.

Here are a few things Microsoft has to do to avoid being relegated forever to the distinction of an also-ran or, really, a never-had-a-chance.

Build it: First and foremost, Microsoft cannot let Apple have one more holiday season without a Windows tablet on the market. It needs to bring something to market -- and that something has to be ready for prime time in terms of hardware, software and ecosystem.

"The longer it happens, the more difficult it is for a developer to break into that market," Gartenberg said. "You get into a cycle that becomes very, very difficult to break."

It's not just the Windows 8 software that has to be on point.  Although Microsoft is building the operating system, it might be wise to be intimately involved in development of some hardware -- to help ensure positive user experience.

On the tablet hardware side, Microsoft will need to meet or beat what's already on the market. To that end, the company has said that Windows 8 will support multiple display resolutions, possibly even beyond that of Retina display.

With iPad in its third iteration and Android-based tablets past their infancy, consumers have an expectation of a mature, seamless and reliable computing experience, not one that is glitchy or experimental. Windows-based tablets will be compared to what's already on the market.

"Everybody seems to want to measure the numbers, but it's more about the experience," Cherry said.

One potential advantage is that Windows 8 is nothing like Apple's iOS or Android 4.0, or Ice Cream Sandwich. The Metro-style updating tiles will be a fresh approach to mobile computing, if executed properly.

Populate it: Now that much of the buying public is familiar with at least the concept of tablet computing, Microsoft will have to deliver more than just a tablet and a stellar OS. 

“Ecosystems are driving purchases these days.” Gartenberg said.

In other words, it's all about the apps. 

Windows Phone, essentially a precursor to a possible upcoming Windows-based tablet, now has 70,000 apps, or less than 5% of the market. That compares with half a million each for iOS and Android.

They aren't ignoring app development. Microsoft just released the developer's kit for Windows Phone 7.1.1, which can also run on the Windows 8 Consumer Preview release. In addition, this week Microsoft and Nokia announced an investment of about $12 million in AppCampus, a mobile app development program at Aalto University in Finland, to develop new apps for the Windows Phone platform.

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Microsoft and Nokia to Invest Up to 18 Million Euros in Mobile Application Development Program at Aalto University

HELSINKI, Finland, March 26, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- To drive innovation and business opportunities in Finland's mobile ecosystem and beyond, Microsoft Corp. and Nokia will each invest up to 9 million euros into a newly established mobile application development program at Aalto University during the next three years. The AppCampus program has been set up to foster the creation of innovative mobile applications for the Windows Phone ecosystem, and in addition Nokia platforms, including Symbian and Series 40, to create a new generation of self-sustaining mobile startups.

(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO)

Kicking off in May 2012, the Finland-based program will be led and managed by Aalto University, which has a growing reputation as a hotbed of new startup companies. AppCampus is intended to attract thousands of application proposals from students and entrepreneurs from all over the world. Aalto University will make a significant contribution to the project by providing premises, coaching services, and access to both academic and business networks for budding app developers.

Within the AppCampus program, mobile entrepreneurs can benefit from comprehensive support, training in mobile technology, design and usability, and funding to create innovative new mobile apps and services. Windows Phone Marketplace and Nokia Store offer local and global business opportunities to program participants via distribution to consumers around the world.

Mentored by veterans in the mobile industry, program participants will be given insights and business coaching to help them commercialize their ideas while retaining the full intellectual property rights for their innovations.

"The ICT industry and knowledge base in Finland is one of the most competitive in the world, particularly in the mobile technology field," said Jyrki Katainen, Finnish prime minister, at the launch event for the AppCampus program in Helsinki. "Finland is an early-adopter market, and the significance of national education and technology innovation is deeply rooted in our culture. As a result, there is a growing appetite for entrepreneurship among the younger generation at Aalto University and beyond. The partnership between Microsoft and Nokia is a critical investment in this growing ecosystem and represents an exciting opportunity and access to global markets for our local startup community."

"AppCampus offers an unprecedented opportunity for entrepreneurs to put their ideas into practice and create world-class mobile products," said Klaus Holse, president, Microsoft Western Europe. "We want to turn a new leaf in the mobile industry and foster Finland's role as a center of excellence for mobile technology. Such investment into early-stage concepts has rarely been seen in this sector, and this demonstrates how highly both Nokia and Microsoft value Finnish mobile expertise."

"We are proud to announce this new program, which will enable new and existing developers to create next-generation mobile apps and unique user experiences," said Kai Oistamo, executive vice president, Nokia Corp. "The partnership will allow developers to ideate and monetize business opportunities globally, via both Windows Phone Marketplace and Nokia Store."

"An essential part of Aalto University's mission is to strengthen Finland's competitiveness," said Tuula Teeri, president of Aalto University. "We are pleased to host this initiative, which concretely boosts utilization of new knowledge and skills in creation of new entrepreneurial ventures."

"Through our technology transfer and Aalto Venture Garage activities, the Aalto University community has been able to help catalyze the creation and growth of more than 30 companies during the past two years, with a number of them having mobile applications," said Will Cardwell, head of the Aalto University Center for Entrepreneurship, which will be charged with managing the program. "The people and ideas we work with hail from all corners of the world, and our partnership with Microsoft and Nokia will further strengthen our global network. This program will provide a unique opportunity to turn application ideas into real business with the support of world-class partners and coaches."

"Within our student community, we have a strong mission to boost entrepreneurship and to create more startups," said Teemu Tapanila, a board member of the Aalto Entrepreneurship Society and leader of the Windows Phone Aalto community. "We warmly welcome the opportunities and networks brought by this cooperation."

On the AppCampus Program

Mobile entrepreneurs can apply for grants within the AppCampus program beginning in May 2012. More information can be found at http://appcampus.aalto.fi.

About Nokia

Nokia is a global leader in mobile communications whose products have become an integral part of the lives of people around the world. Every day, more than 1.3 billion people use their Nokia to capture and share experiences, access information, find their way or simply to speak to one another. Nokia's technological and design innovations have made its brand one of the most recognized in the world. For more information, visit http://www.nokia.com/about-nokia.

About the Aalto University Center for Entrepreneurship

The Aalto Center for Entrepreneurship (ACE) at Aalto University, Finland, offers innovation, commercialization, and start-up services for Aalto University researchers, students and other stakeholders. In addition, we facilitate innovation and growth entrepreneurship by co-creating research and education of these areas across all the Aalto schools. ACE partially funds and participates in the award-winning Aalto Venture Garage and Startup Sauna open source seed accelerator. For more information, visit www.aalto.fi and http://ace.aalto.fi.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT - News) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.

About Microsoft EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa)

Microsoft has operated in EMEA since 1982. In the region Microsoft employs more than 16,000 people in over 64 subsidiaries, delivering products and services in more than 139 countries and territories.

This material is for informational purposes only. Microsoft Corp disclaims all warranties and conditions with regard to use of the material for other purposes. Microsoft Corp shall not, at any time, be liable for any special, direct, indirect or consequential damages, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other action arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of the material. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting any kind of warranty.

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Microsoft and Nokia to Invest Up to 18 Million Euros in Mobile Application Development Program at Aalto University - Microsoft Presspass

HELSINKI, Finland — March 26, 2012 — To drive innovation and business opportunities in Finland’s mobile ecosystem and beyond, Microsoft Corp. and Nokia will each invest up to 9 million euros into a newly established mobile application development program at Aalto University during the next three years. The AppCampus program has been set up to foster the creation of innovative mobile applications for the Windows Phone ecosystem and in addition, Nokia platforms, including Symbian and Series 40, to create a new generation of self-sustaining mobile startups.

Kicking off in May 2012, the Finland-based program will be led and managed by Aalto University, which has a growing reputation as a hotbed of new startup companies. AppCampus is intended to attract thousands of application proposals from students and entrepreneurs from all over the world. Aalto University will make a significant contribution to the project by providing premises, coaching services, and access to both academic and business networks for budding app developers.

Within the AppCampus program, mobile entrepreneurs can benefit from comprehensive support, training in mobile technology, design and usability, and funding to create innovative new mobile apps and services. Windows Phone Marketplace and Nokia Store offer local and global business opportunities to program participants via distribution to consumers around the world.

Mentored by veterans in the mobile industry, program participants will be given insights and business coaching to help them commercialize their ideas while retaining the full intellectual property rights for their innovations.

“The ICT industry and knowledge base in Finland is one of the most competitive in the world, particularly in the mobile technology field,” said Jyrki Katainen, Finnish prime minister, at the launch event for the AppCampus program in Helsinki. “Finland is an early-adopter market, and the significance of national education and technology innovation is deeply rooted in our culture. As a result, there is a growing appetite for entrepreneurship among the younger generation at Aalto University and beyond. The partnership between Microsoft and Nokia is a critical investment in this growing ecosystem and represents an exciting opportunity and access to global markets for our local startup community.”

“AppCampus offers an unprecedented opportunity for entrepreneurs to put their ideas into practice and create world-class mobile products,” said Klaus Holse, president, Microsoft Western Europe. “We want to turn a new leaf in the mobile industry and foster Finland’s role as a center of excellence for mobile technology. Such investment into early-stage concepts has rarely been seen in this sector, and this demonstrates how highly both Nokia and Microsoft value Finnish mobile expertise.”

“We are proud to announce this new program, which will enable new and existing developers to create next-generation mobile apps and unique user experiences,” said Kai Öistämö, executive vice president, Nokia Corp. “The partnership will allow developers to ideate and monetize business opportunities globally, via both Windows Phone Marketplace and Nokia Store.”

“An essential part of Aalto University’s mission is to strengthen Finland’s competitiveness,” said Tuula Teeri, president of Aalto University. “We are pleased to host this initiative, which concretely boosts utilization of new knowledge and skills in creation of new entrepreneurial ventures.”

“Through our technology transfer and Aalto Venture Garage activities, the Aalto University community has been able to help catalyze the creation and growth of more than 30 companies during the past two years, with a number of them having mobile applications,” said Will Cardwell, head of the Aalto University Center for Entrepreneurship, which will be charged with managing the program. “The people and ideas we work with hail from all corners of the world, and our partnership with Microsoft and Nokia will further strengthen our global network. This program will provide a unique opportunity to turn application ideas into real business with the support of world-class partners and coaches.”

“Within our student community, we have a strong mission to boost entrepreneurship and to create more startups,” said Teemu Tapanila, a board member of the Aalto Entrepreneurship Society and leader of the Windows Phone Aalto community. “We warmly welcome the opportunities and networks brought by this cooperation.”

On the AppCampus Program

Mobile entrepreneurs can apply for grants within the AppCampus program beginning in May 2012. More information can be found at http://appcampus.aalto.fi.

About Nokia

Nokia is a global leader in mobile communications whose products have become an integral part of the lives of people around the world. Every day, more than 1.3 billion people use their Nokia to capture and share experiences, access information, find their way or simply to speak to one another. Nokia’s technological and design innovations have made its brand one of the most recognized in the world. For more information, visit http://www.nokia.com/about-nokia.

About the Aalto University Center for Entrepreneurship

The Aalto Center for Entrepreneurship (ACE) at Aalto University, Finland, offers innovation, commercialization, and start-up services for Aalto University researchers, students and other stakeholders. In addition, we facilitate innovation and growth entrepreneurship by co-creating research and education of these areas across all the Aalto schools. ACE partially funds and participates in the award-winning Aalto Venture Garage and Startup Sauna open source seed accelerator. For more information, visit www.aalto.fi and http://ace.aalto.fi.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.

About Microsoft EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa)

Microsoft has operated in EMEA since 1982. In the region Microsoft employs more than 16,000 people in over 64 subsidiaries, delivering products and services in more than 139 countries and territories.

This material is for informational purposes only. Microsoft Corp disclaims all warranties and conditions with regard to use of the material for other purposes. Microsoft Corp shall not, at any time, be liable for any special, direct, indirect or consequential damages, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other action arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of the material. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting any kind of warranty.

Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx.

View the original article here

Microsoft Partner Network Announces Small Business Competency - Microsoft Presspass

REDMOND, Wash. — March 1, 2012 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the upcoming launch of the Small Business Competency within the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN). This new Small Business Competency is dedicated to showcasing the expertise of partners that provide the most current Microsoft technology solutions to help small businesses with their unique business needs. With a special emphasis on cloud services, the Small Business Competency builds on the strength of the MPN in helping customers identify the most skilled technology professionals with the demonstrated ability to recommend and deliver high-quality technology solutions.

For Microsoft partners who want to be leaders in the small-business marketplace, earning silver or gold in the Small Business Competency will enable them to expand their customer base and differentiate their expertise to customers regarding Microsoft solutions such as Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, Windows Small Business Server 2011 and Microsoft Office 365.

The goal of the new competency, designed and based on partner input and feedback, is to enable partners to seize the huge market opportunity represented by the worldwide addressable software market for small and midsize businesses (SMBs), of which cloud services represents a growing share. Microsoft will launch the competency in June 2012 and expects it to become one of the largest MPN partner-obtained competencies.

“As the cloud opportunity continues to expand and mature in the small-business segment, this new competency will enable each Small Business Competency partner to have a cloud conversation with each of their customers,” said Jon Roskill, corporate vice president, Worldwide Partner Group at Microsoft. “It offers partners world-class value, service and support from Microsoft to help increase their profitability when marketing, selling and servicing key SMB products for customers and furthers our mission of building a high-quality partner ecosystem focused on driving breakthrough growth for end customers.”

For Microsoft partners that are leading the migration to the cloud and want to grow their business, the Small Business Competency also provides a competitive advantage via a wealth of benefits and resources, including Microsoft’s strong brand recognition. The Small Business Competency will enhance the marketing, sales and technical capabilities of partners serving small-business customers who are currently moving, or in the future may move, their IT services to the cloud.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx.

View the original article here

Microsoft Partner Network Announces Small Business Competency - Microsoft Presspass

REDMOND, Wash. — March 1, 2012 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the upcoming launch of the Small Business Competency within the Microsoft Partner Network (MPN). This new Small Business Competency is dedicated to showcasing the expertise of partners that provide the most current Microsoft technology solutions to help small businesses with their unique business needs. With a special emphasis on cloud services, the Small Business Competency builds on the strength of the MPN in helping customers identify the most skilled technology professionals with the demonstrated ability to recommend and deliver high-quality technology solutions.

For Microsoft partners who want to be leaders in the small-business marketplace, earning silver or gold in the Small Business Competency will enable them to expand their customer base and differentiate their expertise to customers regarding Microsoft solutions such as Windows 7, Windows Server 2008, Windows Small Business Server 2011 and Microsoft Office 365.

The goal of the new competency, designed and based on partner input and feedback, is to enable partners to seize the huge market opportunity represented by the worldwide addressable software market for small and midsize businesses (SMBs), of which cloud services represents a growing share. Microsoft will launch the competency in June 2012 and expects it to become one of the largest MPN partner-obtained competencies.

“As the cloud opportunity continues to expand and mature in the small-business segment, this new competency will enable each Small Business Competency partner to have a cloud conversation with each of their customers,” said Jon Roskill, corporate vice president, Worldwide Partner Group at Microsoft. “It offers partners world-class value, service and support from Microsoft to help increase their profitability when marketing, selling and servicing key SMB products for customers and furthers our mission of building a high-quality partner ecosystem focused on driving breakthrough growth for end customers.”

For Microsoft partners that are leading the migration to the cloud and want to grow their business, the Small Business Competency also provides a competitive advantage via a wealth of benefits and resources, including Microsoft’s strong brand recognition. The Small Business Competency will enhance the marketing, sales and technical capabilities of partners serving small-business customers who are currently moving, or in the future may move, their IT services to the cloud.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx.

View the original article here

Microsoft Imagine Cup Grants Awarded to Students to Help Create Businesses and Nonprofits Aimed at Global Change - TechWeb

DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- At the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting today in Davos, Switzerland, Microsoft Corp. announced the winners of the inaugural year of the Imagine Cup Grants program, a three-year, $3 million competitive grant program for student technology and social entrepreneurs. Grant recipients include Team Apptenders from Croatia, Team Falcon Dev from Ecuador, Team OaSys from Jordan and Team Lifelens from the United States. The teams invented solutions that address issues, such as accessibility, health and education, and use technologies that include Kinect for Xbox 360, Windows Phone, Bing Maps and more.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120127/SF42988)
(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO)

Winners of the grants were finalists at the Imagine Cup 2011 Worldwide Finals, a global competition now in its 10th year in which students use technology to solve the world's toughest problems. The Imagine Cup Grants program is focused on providing opportunities for young people by helping Imagine Cup competitors create a business or nonprofit to bring the benefits of their ideas to the world.

The grant packages include $75,000 (U.S.) for each team, as well as software, cloud computing services, solution provider support, premium Microsoft BizSpark account benefits and access to local resources such as the Microsoft Innovation Centers. Microsoft will also connect grant recipients with its network of investors, nongovernmental organization partners and business partners.

"The Imagine Cup Grants program showcases young people's ingenuity, entrepreneurial passion and real potential to solve tough real-world problems," said Brad Smith, executive vice president, Legal and Corporate Affairs, Microsoft. "Today's young people will become tomorrow's entrepreneurs, leaders and innovators and will build a better future for all of us if we give them the right opportunities."

During the World Economic Forum meeting, the captains from the winning teams joined Smith, as well as Bill Gates and other guests including Nancy Lublin, CEO of DoSomething.org, for a roundtable discussion on opportunity for youth. Participants discussed Microsoft's corporate citizenship focus on bridging the opportunity divide — an emergent gap between young people who have the access, skills and opportunities to be successful and those who do not. The group discussed the critical role young people will play in building the future and the challenges they will face without the right education, skills and support. The Imagine Cup Grants program is one way Microsoft is helping to create tangible connections between young people and job, career and life opportunities that will help them succeed.

Imagine Cup Grants Award Winners

Team Apptenders, Croatia. Team members: Ivan Antonic, Ivan Borko, Karmela Bresan and Dominik Tomicevic. Project description: KiDnect is a Kinect-based solution for on-premise and remote physical therapy for children. This software has the ability to monitor a child's exercises to ensure they are being completed correctly, and then it provides statistical analysis to the therapist. Team video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF4kQvUKwj4 Team Falcon Dev, Ecuador. Team members: Jose Vicente Anilema Guadalupe, Gerardo Francisco Perez Layedra, Henry Javier Paca Quinaluiza and Juan Jose Morales Ruiz. Project description: SkillBox is an affordable solution to help children who are hearing impaired by translating audio received from a teacher in a classroom into sign language. A wireless headset captures the sound and sends it to the computer, and then SkillBox shows the corresponding sign for the word or phrase. Team video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtuFEJ_esJo Team OaSys, Jordan. Team members: Hani AbuHuwaij, Monir Abu Hilal, Mohammad Azzam, Mohammad Saleh and Yousef Wadi. Project description: Horizon is a software and hardware system that allows people who do not have use of their hands or arms to use a computer. Specifically, it tracks head movements and translates these movements into mouse movements. Users are able to have full control of a computer and cellphone, browse the Internet, type, and connect with ease at a low cost. Team video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHP67hrhEWs Team Lifelens, United States. Team members: Tristan Gibeau, Cy Khormaee, Wilson To, Jason Wakizaka and Helena Xu. Project description: Lifelens is an innovative point-of-care tool to diagnose malaria using an augmented Windows Phone application. The project addresses the unacceptably high child-mortality rates caused by the lack of detection and availability of treatment of malarial diseases. Team video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoojwDhLVzE

The winning teams were selected from a pool of more than 50 applicants that competed in the Imagine Cup 2011 Worldwide Finals last year in New York. A judging panel of industry experts with knowledge spanning technology, venture capitalism, software development, startup culture and the nonprofit sector ranked each team based on specific criteria, including project impact and viability and team quality and motivation. The judges included the following:

Akhtar Badshah, senior director of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Microsoft Peter Cowhey, dean, Qualcomm Endowed Chair in Communications and Technology Policy, School of International Relations and Pacific Studies: University of California, San Diego Tim Draper, founder and managing director, Draper Fisher Jurvetson Debra Dunn, advisor to Social Ventures, Skoll Foundation Edward G. Happ, global chief information officer of International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, chairman of NetHope Zeev Klein, general partner, Landmark Ventures Dan'l Lewin, corporate vice president, Strategic and Emerging Business Development, Microsoft Jeff Raikes, CEO, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Ann Winblad, managing director, Hummer Winblad Venture Partners

Microsoft will work with the grant recipients to tailor their individual support depending on the progress each team has made so far with its project. The timing for each team to launch its solution will vary as they work toward starting up businesses and nonprofit organizations.

About Microsoft Imagine Cup 2012

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Imagine Cup, which will be celebrated at the worldwide finals in Sydney, Australia, July 6–10. Students ages 16 and older are eligible to register and compete in Imagine Cup 2012 by visiting the Imagine Cup website at http://www.imaginecup.com. In addition to the Software Design and Game Design: Xbox and Windows competitions, categories include Windows Phone Challenge, Windows Azure Challenge, IT Challenge, Windows Metro App Style Challenge and Kinect Fun Labs Challenge. Last year, more than 350,000 students from 183 countries registered to compete for cash and other prizes.

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.

Imagine Cup Grants Program — Judges Quote Sheet

Akhtar Badshah, senior director of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Microsoft

"Microsoft's goal for the Imagine Cup Grants program is to find innovative ways to provide opportunities for youth and to empower them to become social entrepreneurs and technology innovators."

Peter Cowhey, dean, Qualcomm Endowed Chair in Communications and Technology Policy, School of International Relations and Pacific Studies: University of California, San Diego

"As we look into the heart of the 21st century, the role of international collaboration and relations is becoming more and more essential. And contributions from civil society to the challenges once tackled primarily by government programs are of growing importance. Imagine Cup and the Imagine Cup Grants program are a fantastic case study in these dynamics because, while each team represents their own country, they also are inspired by and collaborate with students and teams from across the world in a way that goes far beyond government programs."

Tim Draper, founder and managing director, Draper Fisher Jurvetson

"Succeeding in business is no longer about geography — it's about bringing together a great idea, a great product, a great business plan and a great pitch. The playing field for competing in the world today has been fundamentally leveled — and that new reality is reflected in the diversity of the Imagine Cup Grant recipients."

Debra Dunn, advisor to Social Ventures, Skoll Foundation

"One of the keys to a successful new business is mentorship. Getting to know the Imagine Cup, I have been excited to learn about the integral role that mentors play in the competition, and I look forward to collaborating with Microsoft to help with mentorship for these Imagine Cup Grants recipients as they start their journey in the world of business."

Edward G. Happ, global chief information officer of International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, chairman of NetHope

"As a judge for Imagine Cup for several years, I've been repeatedly moved by the passion and creativity of these students to change the world with technology. Within this grant process, it's been especially exciting to see how even the mashing together of existing technologies can yield something new and innovative."

Zeev Klein, general partner, Landmark Ventures

"In my work with social innovation, I'm constantly reminded of the balance between developing broad solutions for a targeted group and providing targeted solutions for a broad group. With the Imagine Cup Grants, I was impressed to see that the finalist projects really reflected both ends of the spectrum, and I believe that the transformation of the populations served by each project will be profound."

Dan'l Lewin, corporate vice president, Strategic and Emerging Business Development, Microsoft

"Students have incredible enthusiasm and see the world as a limitless place. I trust and believe that the broader implications of what these students are doing will make the world a better place."

Jeff Raikes, CEO, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

"Every day I have the opportunity to see extraordinary solutions to global problems — many from people with decades of experience in their respective fields.  I was genuinely impressed with the ideas, energy, enthusiasm and quality that the Imagine Cup teams delivered with their solutions and can't wait to see the eventual output of their projects."

Ann Winblad, managing director, Hummer Winblad Venture Partners

"Helping entrepreneurs harness their skills for good is an important part of social innovation. Whether it's diagnosing malaria with a phone, enabling new innovations in physical therapy or helping the disabled better engage with their world, it has been an honor to get to know these budding social entrepreneurs and contribute in some small way to a success that will help change the world."

SOURCE Microsoft Corp.

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Microsoft Imagine Cup Grants Awarded to Students to Help Create Businesses and Nonprofits Aimed at Global Change - TechWeb

DAVOS, Switzerland, Jan. 27, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- At the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting today in Davos, Switzerland, Microsoft Corp. announced the winners of the inaugural year of the Imagine Cup Grants program, a three-year, $3 million competitive grant program for student technology and social entrepreneurs. Grant recipients include Team Apptenders from Croatia, Team Falcon Dev from Ecuador, Team OaSys from Jordan and Team Lifelens from the United States. The teams invented solutions that address issues, such as accessibility, health and education, and use technologies that include Kinect for Xbox 360, Windows Phone, Bing Maps and more.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20120127/SF42988)
(Logo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO)

Winners of the grants were finalists at the Imagine Cup 2011 Worldwide Finals, a global competition now in its 10th year in which students use technology to solve the world's toughest problems. The Imagine Cup Grants program is focused on providing opportunities for young people by helping Imagine Cup competitors create a business or nonprofit to bring the benefits of their ideas to the world.

The grant packages include $75,000 (U.S.) for each team, as well as software, cloud computing services, solution provider support, premium Microsoft BizSpark account benefits and access to local resources such as the Microsoft Innovation Centers. Microsoft will also connect grant recipients with its network of investors, nongovernmental organization partners and business partners.

"The Imagine Cup Grants program showcases young people's ingenuity, entrepreneurial passion and real potential to solve tough real-world problems," said Brad Smith, executive vice president, Legal and Corporate Affairs, Microsoft. "Today's young people will become tomorrow's entrepreneurs, leaders and innovators and will build a better future for all of us if we give them the right opportunities."

During the World Economic Forum meeting, the captains from the winning teams joined Smith, as well as Bill Gates and other guests including Nancy Lublin, CEO of DoSomething.org, for a roundtable discussion on opportunity for youth. Participants discussed Microsoft's corporate citizenship focus on bridging the opportunity divide — an emergent gap between young people who have the access, skills and opportunities to be successful and those who do not. The group discussed the critical role young people will play in building the future and the challenges they will face without the right education, skills and support. The Imagine Cup Grants program is one way Microsoft is helping to create tangible connections between young people and job, career and life opportunities that will help them succeed.

Imagine Cup Grants Award Winners

Team Apptenders, Croatia. Team members: Ivan Antonic, Ivan Borko, Karmela Bresan and Dominik Tomicevic. Project description: KiDnect is a Kinect-based solution for on-premise and remote physical therapy for children. This software has the ability to monitor a child's exercises to ensure they are being completed correctly, and then it provides statistical analysis to the therapist. Team video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EF4kQvUKwj4 Team Falcon Dev, Ecuador. Team members: Jose Vicente Anilema Guadalupe, Gerardo Francisco Perez Layedra, Henry Javier Paca Quinaluiza and Juan Jose Morales Ruiz. Project description: SkillBox is an affordable solution to help children who are hearing impaired by translating audio received from a teacher in a classroom into sign language. A wireless headset captures the sound and sends it to the computer, and then SkillBox shows the corresponding sign for the word or phrase. Team video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BtuFEJ_esJo Team OaSys, Jordan. Team members: Hani AbuHuwaij, Monir Abu Hilal, Mohammad Azzam, Mohammad Saleh and Yousef Wadi. Project description: Horizon is a software and hardware system that allows people who do not have use of their hands or arms to use a computer. Specifically, it tracks head movements and translates these movements into mouse movements. Users are able to have full control of a computer and cellphone, browse the Internet, type, and connect with ease at a low cost. Team video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gHP67hrhEWs Team Lifelens, United States. Team members: Tristan Gibeau, Cy Khormaee, Wilson To, Jason Wakizaka and Helena Xu. Project description: Lifelens is an innovative point-of-care tool to diagnose malaria using an augmented Windows Phone application. The project addresses the unacceptably high child-mortality rates caused by the lack of detection and availability of treatment of malarial diseases. Team video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eoojwDhLVzE

The winning teams were selected from a pool of more than 50 applicants that competed in the Imagine Cup 2011 Worldwide Finals last year in New York. A judging panel of industry experts with knowledge spanning technology, venture capitalism, software development, startup culture and the nonprofit sector ranked each team based on specific criteria, including project impact and viability and team quality and motivation. The judges included the following:

Akhtar Badshah, senior director of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Microsoft Peter Cowhey, dean, Qualcomm Endowed Chair in Communications and Technology Policy, School of International Relations and Pacific Studies: University of California, San Diego Tim Draper, founder and managing director, Draper Fisher Jurvetson Debra Dunn, advisor to Social Ventures, Skoll Foundation Edward G. Happ, global chief information officer of International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, chairman of NetHope Zeev Klein, general partner, Landmark Ventures Dan'l Lewin, corporate vice president, Strategic and Emerging Business Development, Microsoft Jeff Raikes, CEO, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation Ann Winblad, managing director, Hummer Winblad Venture Partners

Microsoft will work with the grant recipients to tailor their individual support depending on the progress each team has made so far with its project. The timing for each team to launch its solution will vary as they work toward starting up businesses and nonprofit organizations.

About Microsoft Imagine Cup 2012

This year marks the 10th anniversary of Imagine Cup, which will be celebrated at the worldwide finals in Sydney, Australia, July 6–10. Students ages 16 and older are eligible to register and compete in Imagine Cup 2012 by visiting the Imagine Cup website at http://www.imaginecup.com. In addition to the Software Design and Game Design: Xbox and Windows competitions, categories include Windows Phone Challenge, Windows Azure Challenge, IT Challenge, Windows Metro App Style Challenge and Kinect Fun Labs Challenge. Last year, more than 350,000 students from 183 countries registered to compete for cash and other prizes.

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.

Imagine Cup Grants Program — Judges Quote Sheet

Akhtar Badshah, senior director of Citizenship and Public Affairs, Microsoft

"Microsoft's goal for the Imagine Cup Grants program is to find innovative ways to provide opportunities for youth and to empower them to become social entrepreneurs and technology innovators."

Peter Cowhey, dean, Qualcomm Endowed Chair in Communications and Technology Policy, School of International Relations and Pacific Studies: University of California, San Diego

"As we look into the heart of the 21st century, the role of international collaboration and relations is becoming more and more essential. And contributions from civil society to the challenges once tackled primarily by government programs are of growing importance. Imagine Cup and the Imagine Cup Grants program are a fantastic case study in these dynamics because, while each team represents their own country, they also are inspired by and collaborate with students and teams from across the world in a way that goes far beyond government programs."

Tim Draper, founder and managing director, Draper Fisher Jurvetson

"Succeeding in business is no longer about geography — it's about bringing together a great idea, a great product, a great business plan and a great pitch. The playing field for competing in the world today has been fundamentally leveled — and that new reality is reflected in the diversity of the Imagine Cup Grant recipients."

Debra Dunn, advisor to Social Ventures, Skoll Foundation

"One of the keys to a successful new business is mentorship. Getting to know the Imagine Cup, I have been excited to learn about the integral role that mentors play in the competition, and I look forward to collaborating with Microsoft to help with mentorship for these Imagine Cup Grants recipients as they start their journey in the world of business."

Edward G. Happ, global chief information officer of International Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, chairman of NetHope

"As a judge for Imagine Cup for several years, I've been repeatedly moved by the passion and creativity of these students to change the world with technology. Within this grant process, it's been especially exciting to see how even the mashing together of existing technologies can yield something new and innovative."

Zeev Klein, general partner, Landmark Ventures

"In my work with social innovation, I'm constantly reminded of the balance between developing broad solutions for a targeted group and providing targeted solutions for a broad group. With the Imagine Cup Grants, I was impressed to see that the finalist projects really reflected both ends of the spectrum, and I believe that the transformation of the populations served by each project will be profound."

Dan'l Lewin, corporate vice president, Strategic and Emerging Business Development, Microsoft

"Students have incredible enthusiasm and see the world as a limitless place. I trust and believe that the broader implications of what these students are doing will make the world a better place."

Jeff Raikes, CEO, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation

"Every day I have the opportunity to see extraordinary solutions to global problems — many from people with decades of experience in their respective fields.  I was genuinely impressed with the ideas, energy, enthusiasm and quality that the Imagine Cup teams delivered with their solutions and can't wait to see the eventual output of their projects."

Ann Winblad, managing director, Hummer Winblad Venture Partners

"Helping entrepreneurs harness their skills for good is an important part of social innovation. Whether it's diagnosing malaria with a phone, enabling new innovations in physical therapy or helping the disabled better engage with their world, it has been an honor to get to know these budding social entrepreneurs and contribute in some small way to a success that will help change the world."

SOURCE Microsoft Corp.

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