NZ Govt and Microsoft Sign Schools Agreement

New Zealand Government and Microsoft Sign Schools Licensing Agreement

New Zealand's Minister of Education has Signed an Agreement with Microsoft's Worldwide General Manager for Education, which Secures the Latest Software for New Zealand Schools

AUCKLAND, New Zealand- Tuesday, 5 February 2002- New Zealand's Minister of Education, Hon Trevor Mallard, and Microsoft's Worldwide General Manager, Education Solutions Group, Mark East, today signed an agreement which provides all New Zealand state and integrated schools with the latest Microsoft software.

This means New Zealand schools will receive Microsoft software valued at NZ$10 million over two years, including:
Microsoft® Office XP Professional and Office:Mac 2001
Microsoft Works
Microsoft Windows® Operating System Upgrades (all versions to Windows XP)
Microsoft FrontPage®
Microsoft BackOffice® Client Access Licenses
Microsoft Encarta® Reference Suite
Microsoft Visual Studio® Professional

Mr East said it had been a privilege to work with the New Zealand Government on the agreement, which he believed demonstrated Microsoft's worldwide commitment, and New Zealand's own commitment to the education of future leaders.

"As the new economy develops it is important that Governments and organizations such as Microsoft can work together to provide schools with the necessary modern learning infrastructures," said Mr East.

"This agreement integrates technology into classroom instruction and school administration, and helps to provide students, educators, administrators and parents with anytime, anyplace access to learning." Trevor Mallard said the deal would contribute to the general efficiency of school administration as well as the teaching and learning of New Zealand school children.

"We are proud of the progress New Zealand schools have made in using information and communication technology to deliver a high standard of education. The agreement with Microsoft is another positive step forward," said Mr Mallard.

Accompanying the Minister to Redmond, was Microsoft New Zealand's Director, Sales and Marketing, Ross Peat.

"Today is very important for New Zealand children and teachers. This agreement gives approximately 70,000 workstations in schools the latest software, at no additional cost to the schools," said Mr Peat.

He added that this agreement goes beyond state and integrated schools. "Microsoft and the Government wanted to ensure that all schools in New Zealand had the opportunity to acquire the latest technology. Independent schools can also purchase licenses at the same price as the Ministry, and take advantage of this offer through EdCom, a division of the Multi Serve Education Trust," said Mr Peat.

About the Volume Licensing Agreement

The two-year agreement offers the Ministry of Education significant cost savings on its standard licensing programs. The agreement also provides schools with a centralized procurement process, making it easier for them to obtain and manage their software.

Mr Peat explained that the core component of the software package is also available to primary and secondary teachers to use for school related purposes on their home computers.

"This agreement will contribute to greater efficiency of the administration of schools and offer significant financial savings," he said.

The Ministry has given the responsibility for distribution of the licenses and related software media to Edcom, a division of the Multi Serve Education Trust.

About Microsoft in Education

Microsoft is committed to imbuing the next generation of leaders and their educators with the skills and knowledge to contribute to our country and succeed.

Microsoft's vision is the creation of a Connected Learning Community to facilitate the effective integration of technology in education - an exciting opportunity that requires thoughtful blending of infrastructure, access, knowledge, and empowerment of students, educators, schools, and communities.

To learn more about Microsoft's commitment to education, please visit the Microsoft New Zealand Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/nz/education.

About Microsoft Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software - any time, any place and on any device. #########

Microsoft and Windows 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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