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Microsoft Acquires Mobile Search Technology Provider MotionBridge

Posted on: Monday, 13 February 2006, 12:00 CST

BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 13 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Today, at the 3GSM World Congress 2006, Microsoft Corp. announced the acquisition of MotionBridge, a leading provider of search technology designed specifically for mobile operators and the mobile Internet. MotionBridge, based in Paris, is a worldwide leader in mobile search technology that is currently available to customers through contacts with major mobile communications companies in Europe and North America.

(Logo: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO )

"The emerging field of mobile search is strategically important and crucial to delivering on our vision for Windows Live(TM) of providing a seamless and rich information experience for individuals and businesses across devices," said Christopher Payne, corporate vice president of MSN Search at Microsoft. "With MotionBridge, we are excited to continue to offer mobile operators the tools to maximize the value of their content and data networks, and provide a powerful search engine for mobile users. By combining the mobile search solutions of MotionBridge with Microsoft mobile search instruments such as local and Web search, we will provide mobile operators and consumers with an even richer search experience."

The MotionBridge technology brings superior simplicity for users, delivering clustered results and deep links to downloadable content from multiple providers with device filtering. Mobile operators are able to achieve precise control through flexible resolution rules, and manage their service with Web-based back-office tools and detailed usage statistics. Microsoft and MotionBridge will continue to support MotionBridge's current operator partners such as Orange, Sprint and O2 Ltd. as part of the acquisition. Key assets obtained in Microsoft's acquisition of MotionBridge include its technology and mobile operator relationships. In addition, Microsoft will benefit from the expertise of the MotionBridge team.

Besides the continued support of existing services and customers, the MotionBridge and Microsoft search teams plan to move forward on mobile search solutions for Windows Live(TM) to provide rich and seamless information experiences to individuals and small businesses, enabling mobile users to quickly find relevant search results on the Internet. Financial details of the acquisition were not disclosed.

About MSN and Windows Live

MSN attracts more than 440 million unique users worldwide per month. With localized versions available globally in 42 markets and 21 languages, MSN is a world leader in delivering compelling programmed content experiences to consumers and online advertising opportunities to businesses worldwide. Windows Live(TM), a new set of personal Internet services and software, is designed to bring together in one place all the relationships, information and interests people care about most, with enhanced safety and security features across their PC, devices and the Web. MSN and Windows Live will be offered alongside each other as complementary services. Some Windows Live services entered an early beta phase on Nov. 1, 2005; these and future beta updates can be found at http://ideas.live.com/ . MSN is located on the Web at http://www.msn.com/. MSN worldwide sites are located at http://www.msn.com/worldwide.ashx .

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

NOTE: Microsoft and Windows Live are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

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Microsoft Corp.

CONTACT: Anna Tachouet, +1-503-443-7000, or annat@waggeneredstrom.com,or Rapid Response Team, +1-503-443-7070, or rrt@waggeneredstrom.com, both ofWaggener Edstrom Worldwide, for Microsoft

Web site: http://www.microsoft.com/

Source: PRNewswire-FirstCall

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