Microsoft's Tech.Ed Australia to host the world's largest simultaneous Windows 7 test lab

2,300 delegates to trial Windows 7 on HP Mini Notebooks* at September event on Gold Coast

Sydney, Australia, 17 June, 2009 - Microsoft Australia will host the largest simultaneous hands-on Windows 7 evaluation in the world at Tech.Ed Australia 2009. To facilitate the unique working ‘test lab’ environment, Microsoft will provide 2,300 wirelessly networked HP Mini 2140 Notebooks to attending delegates, allowing them to put Windows 7* through its paces.

Every paying delegate will receive an HP Mini 2140 Notebook enabling them to experiment with Windows 7* and the ‘netbook’ form factor while staying connected throughout the conference. Delegates will have the opportunity to make a thorough evaluation of a large Windows 7 network deployment first-hand while gaining valuable knowledge about the new Windows OS.

Tracey Fellows, Managing Director, Microsoft Australia said the Windows 7 test lab at Tech.Ed Australia 2009 was a major investment for Microsoft Australia.

"We're very pleased to get Windows 7 into the hands of every delegate at Tech.Ed Australia. It will be a great opportunity for people to have a truly immersive learning experience with Windows 7 ahead of general availability in October. We plan to use the feedback from this experience to help develop our local deployment training practices," said Ms Fellows.

Delegates will be able to participate in real-time application development and deployment experiences with the mini-notebooks preloaded with Windows 7. Each HP Mini 2140 notebook PC will feature wireless internet connectivity and have an in-built camera to take full advantage of the unified communications software that will be pre-loaded on the machines including instant messaging and voice and video call functionality.

Delegates will be able to engage with digital conference materials such as presentations, white papers, code samples, trial applications and download virtual machines, technical demonstrations and similar materials via Tech.Ed’s wireless network onto their HP mini notebooks. This will provide an easier and integrated approach to conference hand-outs and online materials.

Paying delegates who receive and use the HP Mini 2140 Notebook during Tech.Ed 2009 will choose whether to take their ‘netbook’ as a gift or a loan at the start of the conference. Notebooks that are loaned and returned by delegates will be donated to the community sector through Microsoft’s On My Way [hyperlink to OMW website] program. A small proportion will also be retained and utilised by Microsoft for future technology events.

Through On My Way, Microsoft's aim is to help disadvantaged Australians develop skills for the 21st Century through digital literacy training programmes, access to technology and online resources, and software and technology donations.

About Tech Ed: Tech.Ed 2009 is a key Australian technology education event, combining an in-depth showcase of Microsoft technologies with a comprehensive learning experience. The technical education on offer can help ICT professionals drive cost efficiencies, which is especially important given the global downturn. This year Tech.Ed is being held at the Gold Coast Convention Centre, from 8 – 11 September.

About HP Mini 2140 notebook: Lightweight, cool and handy – the new HP mini 2140 notebook PC keeps users connected, entertained and productive on the go. Weighing in at just a mere 1.19kg, it features an Intel Atom N270 processor, 160GB of storage, and a 10.1 inch LED display with 16:9 aspect ratio. It also comes with HP3D Driveguard and 92% of full-sized QWERTY keyboard.

* Provision of this HP Mini 2140 Notebook is contingent on Tech•Ed attendees signing a waiver provided by Microsoft Pty Limited prior to collection of the HP Mini Notebook at Tech•Ed 2009. This offer is for paid ticket delegates only and is not available to sponsors, sponsor free tickets, exhibitors, volunteers, Microsoft staff (full-time and contingent), nor any delegate who has received a complimentary ticket (excluding non-Microsoft speakers). Windows 7 version will be the latest public version available prior to Tech.Ed 2009.

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.

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