Microsoft Named Official Technology Provider for the 2008 Republican National Convention

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Once again highlighting its commitment to holding the most technologically-savvy convention in Republican Party history, the 2008 Republican National Convention today named Microsoft Corporation as its Official Technology Provider.

"Microsoft stands as one of America's success stories, always at the leading edge of technology," convention President and CEO Maria Cino said. "Our goal has always been to make our convention the most exciting, energetic, and tech-savvy in GOP history, and Microsoft will play an important role in helping us achieve our objectives."

Under the agreement, Microsoft will provide the convention with support for various products, including Microsoft Windows Vista, Microsoft Forefront Security Suite, and its Office Communications Server. Microsoft will also provide knowledge to streamline collaboration using the Microsoft Office suite and Sharepoint technologies to manage convention infrastructure ranging from collaborative virtual workspaces to applications like Professional Volunteer Management System, Venue Scheduling System, and others created by SharePoint. The electronic collaboration will improve staff efficiency and reduce paper usage - a key provision of the convention's green commitment.

In addition, Microsoft is proud to be showcasing the next generation of computing, using Microsoft Surface and its natural user interface technology to provide a digital concierge for convention participants. Surface will enable attendees to interact with and consume the latest convention and local city information, including transportation routes, hotel locations, restaurant guides, and entertainment options. Convention participants will also be able to transmit and share photos taken at the convention using Surface technologies. Microsoft and the convention will continue to find ways to leverage Microsoft's technologies and experienced support teams to make the convention the most tech-savvy in history.

"Microsoft welcomes the opportunity to provide software and technology services to the Republican National Convention, and to work with convention staff to develop new ways to engage delegates and voters," said Brad Smith, Senior Vice President and General Counsel, Microsoft. "Technology plays an increasingly important role in America's political discourse and Microsoft is proud to be helping foster increased interactivity for voters during this election year."

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.

About the Republican National Convention: The 2008 Republican National Convention will be held at Saint Paul's Xcel Energy Center from Sept. 1-4, 2008. Approximately 45,000 delegates, alternate delegates, volunteers, members of the media and other guests are expected to attend the convention. Minneapolis-Saint Paul is expected to receive an estimated $150-$160 million positive economic boost from the four-day event. For more information about the 2008 Republican National Convention, please visit our website at www.GOPConvention2008.com and join our social network sites on Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and YouTube.

Statement on Decision to Keep Dorothy Day Center Open During 2008 Republican National Convention

SAINT PAUL, Minn. - Maria Cino, President and CEO of the 2008 Republican National Convention today issued the following statement of support for the decision by Catholic Charities of Saint Paul and Minneapolis to keep the Dorothy Day Center open during the 2008 Republican National Convention:

"Since arriving in Minneapolis-Saint Paul, the convention staff has committed itself to giving back and making a difference in our host communities through our American Neighbor Volunteer Program. As part of our efforts, we volunteer several days each month serving meals to homeless and impoverished people at the Dorothy Day Center. We applaud Catholic Charities’ decision to keep the Dorothy Day Center open during the 2008 Republican National Convention, and we call on all who can to join us in volunteering for this vital community program.”

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