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Fact Sheet

 

Our Vision

Microsoft's vision is to "empower people through great software anytime, anywhere, and on any device."

Through this vision, Microsoft aims to help Australia achieve an increasing presence in the world's digital economy. We aim to do this by driving technology related issues in Australia, making a valuable contribution to the Australian IT industry, community and overall economy, and making a real investment in the future for all Australians.

Microsoft Partner Network

The Microsoft Partner Network is a recently launched version of its Partner Program designed to make it easier for Australian partners to build the relationships and share skills and expertise needed to grow and win business in the years to come.

The Microsoft Partner Network provides opportunities to strengthen partner capabilities, expertise to help partners serve customers better, and communities that spark innovation and connection.

Through the Microsoft Partner Network, Microsoft is helping partners compete confidently and gain market share as trusted advisors who provide solutions that offer the flexibility and choice that customers want.

Grants and Community Services

  • In April 2009, Microsoft Australia and Vision Australia announced an expansion of their strategic relationship with the provision of Microsoft's biggest software donation grant in Australia to date, valued at over AUD$6.6 million.
  • Since 2004, Microsoft has trained 100,000 teachers through our Partners in Learning program and provided approximately $30 million in free downloads to students through our DreamSpark program.
  • Microsoft supports a network of over 300 Computer Technology Learning Centres across Australia with free digital literacy training programs.
  • Microsoft donated more than $25 million in software in the last 12 months to nearly 2,000 charities, NGOs and not-for-profit organisations.
  • Microsoft also donated more than $1m in cash in the last 12 months to leading charity partners such as The Smith Family, Work Ventures, Australian Senior Computing Clubs Association, and The Inspire Foundation.

Diversity at Microsoft Australia

Microsoft has also established a number of initiatives to promote diversity within the organisation, including education and training programs that provide employees with the awareness, skills, knowledge and ability to embrace differences.

  • Microsoft won two 2009 Diversity@Work Awards for 'Women in Leadership' and 'Work Life Balance.'
  • In 2008 Microsoft won Working Mother magazine's award for the top 100 companies for working mothers for the sixth consecutive year.
  • Microsoft was awarded second place on Diversity Edge Magazine's 2008 Best Companies for Diverse Graduates list.
  • Microsoft Australia's Managing Director, Tracey Fellows, has made a corporate commitment to the principle of diversity and since the beginning of her tenure, and has introduced a Diversity Council at Microsoft Australia

Major Products and Initiatives

  • 22 October 2009 - Microsoft Australia launches Windows 7.
  • 17 November 2009 - TAFE SA and Flinders University adopt Live@Edu email platform.
  • 8 - 11 September 2009 - Tech.Ed 2009 featured one of the largest wireless deployments in Australia.
  • 9 September 2009 - Curtin University adopts Live@Edu for student email.
  • 1 September 2009 - Microsoft and Telstra begin offering Microsoft Online Services through Telstra’s T-Suite.
  • 11 June 2009 - National rollout of ThinkUKnow with the AFP as part of National E-Security Awareness Week.
  • 21 May 2009 - University of Sydney moves student email to Microsoft’s Live@edu hosted email offering.
  • 1 April 2009 - NSW DET adopts the Microsoft Platform its rollout of netbooks for NSW students and teachers.
  • 22 April - Microsoft provides Vision Australia with AUD$6.6 million software donation grant.
  • 19 March 2009 - Microsoft Australia launched Internet Explorer 8.
  • 17 March 2009 - Queensland University of Technology adopts Live@Edu email platform.
  • 11 November 2008 - Microsoft provides BizSpark software support for Australian entrepreneurs
  • 5 November 2008 - Microsoft and Telstra announce strategic alliance to deliver comprehensive Business Services.
  • 15 October 2008 - The Pussycat Dolls join Microsoft to celebrate ‘Xbox Sounds’.
  • 29 August 2008 - Microsoft and Victorian Government launch education research lab.
  • 9 July 2008 - Australian students win first place in Microsoft’s world-wide Imagine Cup competition in Paris.
  • 12 July 2008 - Microsoft and La Trobe University launch new centre for ICT innovation.
  • 17 October 2007 - Microsoft Australia announced availability of Microsoft's unified communications software..
  • 24 May 2007 - Microsoft CEO Mr Steve Ballmer signs collaboration agreement with the Department of Defence.
  • 30 March 2007 - Microsoft provides Xbox 360 development kits to Victorian Game Developers Community.
  • 31 January 2007 - Microsoft Australia Launches Windows Vista and Office 2007.
  • 9 January 2007 - Microsoft Australia announces Tracey Fellows as Managing Director Australia & New Zealand.

Fast Facts

  • Microsoft established its Australian operations in 1983.
  • The company has branch offices in Melbourne, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide and Perth.
  • In Australia, Microsoft and PBL have a joint venture in ninemsn.
  • Microsoft Australia's Managing Director is Tracey Fellows.
  • Microsoft Australia's headquarters are located at 1 Epping Rd., North Ryde, NSW 2113