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By Ina Fried
Posted on ZDNet News: Jan 30, 2004 12:55:00 AM

MOUNTAIN VIEW, Calif.--Microsoft plans to launch a multifaceted advertising campaign this year that touts the advantages of its software over rivals, including the Linux operating system.

Earlier this year, the company kicked off a series of ads based on its "Get the Facts" campaign, which uses third-party studies to tout the cost savings and other benefits of Microsoft products over its competitors. In the next part of the campaign, set to kick off early next month, Microsoft will tout its various server software products as part of a "Windows Server System."


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The $20 million-plus print and online campaign features case studies of four well-known companies that have used Microsoft software--Toyota, Motorola, Reuters and Siemens. The ads feature an individual from one of the companies and what Microsoft's software allows them to do. For example, a Reuters information technology manager touts how Microsoft's software allowed her to update 3,000 Web servers in three hours.

The ads are part of an effort by Microsoft to pitch disparate parts of its software lineup, ranging from well-known products like Exchange and SQL Server to newer products like SharePoint Services and Live Communications Server.

The software maker has tried a similar approach with its desktop software, pitching newer products along with its mainstay Office program as part of an "Office System."

"Our key message is manageability," said Valerie Olague, director of Windows Server System marketing. "The second thing is to say, 'Hey, it's more than just the OS.'"

A third advertising push will highlight Microsoft's security efforts, touting recommendations from the software giant as well as a series of local seminars the company plans to conduct.

"It's about trying to be proactive in the security space," Olague said.

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  • Talkback
  • Most Recent of 34 Talkback(s)
What is this? Econ 101?
For crying out loud, Carl. Take a night class or something,
would you? Your inability to comprehend what a monopoly
is is only an indication of your lack of knowledge. It's
embarrassing, really.... (Read the rest)
Posted by: Immanuel Tranz-Mischen Posted on: 01/30/04 You are currently: a Guest | | Terms of Use
what it's not about.....  Ployd_Farker | 01/29/04
what's with the m$ "get the crack" campaign?  stephen732@... | 01/29/04
Woo Hoo. Let the FUD be spread far, wide and thick!!!  jonnormand | 01/29/04
How much does it cost to update 3,000 Web servers with patches?  jonnormand | 01/29/04
I've heard this one  Spoon Jabber | 01/29/04
Haha!  Yen_z | 01/29/04
Microsoft and its advocates urinating directly into a heavy wind  David Mohring | 01/29/04
This should set new lows  nite_w0lf | 01/29/04
Don't fix your busted product  Chad_z | 01/30/04
This should set new lows  T25 | 01/30/04
or how about....  DarbyOhara | 01/30/04
Security?  IT_User | 01/29/04
This is great news . . .  K B | 01/29/04
TOP-SECRET INSIDE INFO  Yen_z | 01/29/04
Do they want good advertisement  michael-t | 01/29/04
Did I jump into an alternate reality?  Xunil_Sierutuf | 01/29/04
90% of users - use windows  JWatson77 | 01/29/04
90% of users didn't choose it, it was stuffed at them  mbratch | 01/30/04
90% of users didn't choose it, it was stuffed at them  T25 | 01/30/04
90%...really?  Arm A. Geddon | 01/30/04
Shouldn't that read  chuckleberry | 01/29/04
Wow, advertising, now that's something the others  FilledOut | 01/30/04
It's there  mbratch | 01/30/04
Every MS ad against Linux is an ad for Linux  km4hr@... | 01/30/04
Monopoly?  chrichton99 | 01/30/04
Monopoly lost.  Chris Moller | 01/30/04
Please explain  rapson | 01/30/04
It's about Control  el1jones | 01/30/04
What is this? Econ 101?  Immanuel Tranz-Mischen | 01/30/04
It has been a monopoly...  mbratch | 01/30/04
"Great Moments with Office" - What A Joke!  brenthawkinsmd | 01/30/04
Speaking of ads...  rapson | 01/30/04
Hadn't made that connection  IT_User | 01/30/04
Great News!!!  Immanuel Tranz-Mischen | 01/30/04

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