Microsoft NZ teams up with The Apprentice NZ

Microsoft NZ teams up with The Apprentice NZ

Microsoft New Zealand to implement winning campaign from today.

AUCKLAND, New Zealand — 10 Mar., 2010 — Microsoft New Zealand acting Managing Director, Paul Muckleston, today expanded on the company’s involvement in last night’s episode of reality television show, The Apprentice New Zealand, by confirming that a large portion of the winning team’s ideas have been implemented in an advertising campaign launched today.

The show — in which two teams of contestants from around New Zealand must complete a number of business oriented challenges in an elimination-style competition — saw the teams charged with creating a marketing campaign to raise awareness of Microsoft® Security Essentials, a free antivirus application designed to protect PC users running Windows® from online security threats, such as viruses and spyware, that works silently in the background for peace of mind.

“When we first got involved with The Apprentice New Zealand, we weren’t quite sure what to expect,” says Muckleston. “We knew it would be a great way to reach New Zealanders and let them know about our great Security Essentials product, but what we didn’t realise was the amazing job the teams would do in preparing the marketing campaign.”

Muckleston adds, “We were impressed with the quality of the work we saw, so we’re putting our money where our mouth is and have gone ahead and implemented a large portion of the winning team’s ideas – turning them into an actual advertising campaign. From today, Kiwis will be able to see material created on the TV show appearing on some of New Zealand’s highest profile websites, including Trade Me, MSN, The New Zealand Herald, TVNZ, Stuff and more.”

Ben Green, Windows Business Group Lead for Microsoft New Zealand explains that Security Essentials was chosen as the product at the centre of The Apprentice New Zealand campaign because of its importance and relevance to all PC users running Windows.

“We take our customers’ security seriously at Microsoft. This is why we’ve made Security Essentials a free download, and why we’re investing money in letting New Zealanders know it’s out there.”

He adds, “We know there are thousands of Kiwis out there surfing the web with no security software installed, so if we can convince a portion of these to protect themselves, their families and their computers through the use of free software such as Security Essentials and Internet Explorer 8, then our involvement in The Apprentice New Zealand will be all the more worthy.”

Kiwis interested in protecting themselves for free online should visit www.protectmypc.co.nz. Since last night’s show there has been a significant jump in traffic to the website overnight – with more than 670 visits and 380 downloads of Security Essentials.

The Apprentice New Zealand episode featuring Microsoft New Zealand can be viewed again on the TVNZ website, www.tvnz.co.nz.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.

Microsoft Security Essentials is a free download for PC users with genuine Windows XP, Windows Vista® or Windows 7 operating system software installed. Download charges may apply as set by your internet service provider.

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