REDMOND, Wash. — Sept. 24, 2013 — Microsoft Corp. will webcast a conference call to discuss the new reporting segments on Thursday, Sept. 26, 2013 on the Microsoft Investor Relations website at http://www.microsoft.com/investor/. A live webcast of the conference call will be made available at 9:00 a.m. Pacific Time on the Microsoft Investor Relations website at http://www.microsoft.com/investor/.

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

For more information, financial analysts and investors only:

Investor Relations, Microsoft, (425) 706-4400

Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/news/ on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. Shareholder and financial information is available at http://www.microsoft.com/investor/.

NEW YORK — Sept. 24, 2013 — AOL Inc., Microsoft Corp. and Yahoo on Tuesday announced that they have each committed to converge around a common set of API specifications for the premium programmatic digital advertising sales channel. The goal is to make it easier for advertisers and agencies to procure premium digital advertising by reducing the friction in discovering, ordering and paying for premium inventory.

The companies are committing to work together on a defined set of APIs that will better automate the process for buying premium digital advertising. The absence of this type of standardization and common specifications has historically inhibited the growth of the online media business. Although the programmatic buying model has helped address an industrywide need to buy inventory faster and more efficiently — through direct response and real-time bidded mechanisms — it has yet to address the challenges brand marketers and publishers face when seeking to predictably and seamlessly reach consumers across multiple devices via premium digital advertising offerings.

AOL, Microsoft and Yahoo will make the API specifications available in the coming months. The companies encourage other publishers and ad technology vendors in the industry to adopt or adhere to the API specifications, which should enable ecosystem growth.

“Microsoft, together with AOL and Yahoo, is committed to the growth of programmatic premium,” said Rik van der Kooi, corporate vice president, Microsoft Advertising. “We see this approach as being both ‘advertiser friendly’ and ‘publisher friendly’ – something that will address the challenges and inefficiencies that make it hard to scale big brand buys on the Internet. Ultimately, we believe this will serve as a catalyst to unlock pent-up demand for premium publisher offerings and help speed the migration of offline media spend to online.”

Previously, the buying and selling of premium ad offerings had been largely constrained by manual sales processes. The alignment around a set of API specifications will complement current direct sales channels and remove barriers for both advertisers wanting to buy and publishers wanting to sell programmatically.

“We’re working to programmatically enable the more than 50 percent of inventory that is currently sold via manual processes,” said Seth Demsey, senior vice president, global advertising products and strategy at AOL Networks. “This is digital’s next salvo in the efficiency war, bringing more premium inventory online. Agencies and brands have spoken. Automation of manual processes is a key priority. This is our collective response and the beginning of the journey to simplify the ecosystem and shift more TV budgets online.” “We are thrilled to work with Microsoft and AOL to collectively improve programmatic buying — simplifying the process for advertisers to buy premium digital ad inventory and making it easier for them to do business overall,” said Dennis Buchheim, vice president, product management for display advertising at Yahoo. “Aligning our APIs helps create a thriving digital ad environment where advertisers can feel confident that their programmatic efforts help maximize potential for high-quality premium ad placements and a higher return on their ad dollars.”

The announcement has been met with support from a number of companies in the ecosystem, including Yieldex, which runs the largest revenue and inventory analytics platform for digital publishers.

“We are thrilled to work with Microsoft, Yahoo and AOL to collectively improve programmatic buying — simplifying the process for agencies to buy premium digital ad inventory,” said Tom Shields, co-founder and chief strategy officer of Yieldex. “Our mission is to make it easier for premium publishers to increase efficiency and maximize revenue. Supporting these new standards helps our customers maintain their premium value while enabling them to realize the benefits of selling programmatically."

About AOL

AOL Inc. (NYSE: AOL) is a brand company, committed to continuously innovating, growing, and investing in brands and experiences that inform, entertain, and connect the world. The home of a world-class collection of premium brands, AOL creates original content that engages audiences on a local and global scale. We help marketers connect with these audiences through effective and engaging digital advertising solutions.

About Yahoo

Yahoo is focused on making the world's daily habits inspiring and entertaining. By creating highly personalized experiences for our users, we keep people connected to what matters most to them, across devices and around the world. In turn, we create value for advertisers by connecting them with the audiences that build their businesses. Yahoo is headquartered in Sunnyvale, Calif., and has offices located throughout the Americas, Asia Pacific (APAC) and the Europe, Middle East and Africa (EMEA) regions. For more information, visit the pressroom (pressroom.yahoo.net) or the company's blog (yahoo.tumblr.com).

About Microsoft

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

Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx.

REDMOND, Wash. — Sept. 23, 2013 — Microsoft Corp. on Monday announced the availability of new and expanded technology education and skills training programs for youth as the company marked the first year of progress and impact of its global Microsoft YouthSpark initiative. Building upon the opportunities created for 103 million youth during its first year, Microsoft is increasing access to computer science education through expansion of TEALS —Technology Education And Literacy in Schools — and providing an enhanced digital literacy and technology skills curriculum through its Microsoft YouthSpark Hub.

“Working with our nonprofit partners around the world, we see how technology education can be a great equalizer of opportunity and employment for youth,” said Lori Forte Harnick, general manager, Citizenship and Public Affairs at Microsoft. “Whether it is basic digital literacy or computer science engineering, there is a positive impact for young people of all ages and geographies when they have greater access to technology education. We are enhancing YouthSpark to provide that greater access.”

According to a new report released today by the International Youth Foundation (IYF), the global youth unemployment rate is expected to reach 12.8 percent by 2018. As the technology sector continues to drive economic growth, youth with ICT skills will find themselves better qualified for new employment and entrepreneurial activities. According to Code.org, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts that half of the STEM jobs in the U.S. will be in computing occupations, with more than 150,000 job openings annually, making it one of the fastest-growing fields in the country. In addition, these jobs pay 75 percent more than the national median annual salary and span a breadth of industries, with two-thirds of computing jobs in sectors other than information technology, including manufacturing, defense, heath care, finance and government. Globally, according to the study “Connecting to Work” from The World Bank, in India, for example, jobs in the ICT industry pay up to twice what service-sector jobs pay, whereas in the Philippines an entry-level tech job pays, on average, 38 percent more than minimum wage.

“A global approach to youth development is essential for long-term, worldwide economic growth, and providing access to advanced IT skills and education should be a critical element of that approach,” said Bill Reese, president and CEO of the International Youth Foundation. “At IYF, we believe we have a responsibility to young people around the world to answer and echo their call for a broad-based, international strategy to address issues that affect their present and future lives and to help them harness their own passion and innovation to build brighter futures.”

To give youth a head start in gaining critical technology skills that are required for today’s jobs, Microsoft launched on Monday a new game-based and interactive digital literacy curriculum for Microsoft Office 2013 on the YouthSpark Hub. Through this online curriculum, youth around the world have free access — anytime and anywhere — to learning the basics of word processing, spreadsheets, presentations and databases. The YouthSpark Hub also includes training materials and instructional resources from Microsoft partners, such as Khan Academy and the Sprout e-course from TakingITGlobal.

For young people who are ready to take the next step in their technology education, Microsoft is building and expanding computer science education in many countries. In the U.S., Microsoft’s TEALS expansion will nearly double the number of high schools where software engineers are voluntarily partnering with in-service faculty to teach basic and Advanced Placement computer science courses. The expansion of the TEALS program now includes 70 schools in 12 states with 280 volunteers that will teach 3,000 students during the 2013–2014 school year.

Since the launch of YouthSpark in September 2012, Microsoft has created new education, employment and entrepreneurship opportunities for 103 million young people around the world. In partnership with 186 youth-serving nonprofits and through its own programs and products, such as Office 365 for Education, Skype in the Classroom, Partners in Learning, Microsoft DreamSpark and DigiGirlz, Microsoft has expanded digital inclusion and access to technology and training for 78.6 million youth; inspired and empowered 14.9 million future innovators through tools, mentorships and events; and increased employability and entrepreneurial skills opportunities for 9.9 million young adults.

“As we have worked with young people on their most critical challenges throughout the year, we have been inspired by their leadership and passion to seize these opportunities to enhance not only their own lives, but also the world around them,” Harnick said. “For this reason, we see a strong correlation between youth development and global economic growth and believe there is great value in investing in youth as a critical path toward investing in the future.”

About Microsoft YouthSpark

Microsoft YouthSpark is a global initiative that aims to create opportunities for 300 million youth in more than 100 countries by 2015. This companywide initiative includes Citizenship and other company programs that empower youth to imagine and realize their full potential by connecting them with greater opportunities for education, employment and entrepreneurship. Explore the YouthSpark Impact Map and meet the YouthSpark Stars to read more about how young people are reaching new heights through YouthSpark programs.

About Microsoft

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

Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx.

SQL Maestro Group announces the release of PostgreSQL Code Factory 13.9, a premier GUI tool for querying PostgreSQL database and managing the data.

The new version is immediately available for download.

Top 10 new features:

1. Improved SQL Editor.
2. Updated SQL Dump wizard.
3. Keyboard-interactive SSH authentication.
4. New Start Page with quick access to recently connected databases.
5. Data import from several files to a single table.
6. Data export to the JSON format.
7. Enhanced data grids.
8. The Script Runner tool.
9. Colored profiles in Database Explorer.
10. New modern progress windows.

Full press release is available at the SQL Maestro Group website. There are also versions for MySQL, MS SQL Server, Oracle, SQLite, Firebird, DB2, SQL Anywhere and MaxDB.

NEW YORK — Sept. 23, 2013 — Microsoft Corp. on Monday announced that the Microsoft Surface family of tablets is growing. Two new Surface models — Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 — along with an expanded portfolio of new Surface accessories, will be available at Microsoft retail stores, http://www.MicrosoftStore.com and select third-party retailers in 22 initial markets, including Australia, Austria, Belgium, Canada, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, the Netherlands, New Zealand, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, the United Kingdom and the United States on Oct. 22 and China in early November. Additional markets will be announced in the coming months.

Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 each benefit from significant updates, including improvements to processing power and battery life, to display and camera resolution, and to the Kickstand, now with dual angles, so it’s more comfortable for you to use your Surface on your lap or at your desk. Enhancements in Windows RT 8.1 and Windows 8.1 Pro make Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 even more powerful and customizable.

Pre-order Surface

Customers can pre-order Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 starting at 8 a.m. EDT on Sept. 24, 2013, at http://www.MicrosoftStore.com, Microsoft Stores, and Best Buy in the U.S. and Canada, as well as select retailers in most Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2 launch markets.

Value-added services

To help people get the most out of Surface 2 and Surface Pro 2, customers purchasing either device will receive free Skype calling to landlines in more than 60 countries for one year, unlimited Skype WiFi on their Surface 2 or Surface Pro 2 at more than 2 million hot spots worldwide for one year, and 200 GB of free SkyDrive storage for two years.

Surface 2

Surface 2 is the most productive tablet for personal use. It offers all the entertainment and gaming capabilities you expect from a tablet, along with the ability to get work done. Surface 2 is powered by an NVIDIA Tegra 4 processor, making apps run faster and smoother and increasing battery life to up to 10 hours for video playback. The 10.6-inch ClearType Full HD display now renders 1080p video for enjoying shows and movies, and its full-size USB port has been upgraded to USB 3.0 for up to four times faster file transfers. Camera resolution has also increased, with a 3.5-megapixel front camera and 5-megapixel rear camera, both capable of capturing 1080p video and featuring improved low-light performance, making face-to-face conversations with your favorite people crisp and clear. Even with these and other upgrades, Surface 2 is slightly thinner and lighter than its predecessor.

Surface 2 will ship with Windows RT 8.1, bringing improvements in key areas such as personalization, search, multitasking, built-in apps, the Windows Store experience and cloud connectivity. The new Xbox Music allows you to stream millions of songs for free, and an updated Video app and great games from the Windows Store such as “Halo: Spartan Assault” will ensure that you never run out of ways to play. When it’s time to get serious, Surface 2 is pre-loaded with Office Home & Student 2013 RT and Outlook RT; simply click in a Touch or Type Cover and get to work.

Surface 2 is available in 32GB and 64GB configurations[1]; it will start at $449.

Surface Pro 2

Surface Pro 2 is the successor to Surface Pro and, like its predecessor, is a true laptop replacement, capable of running virtually all your Windows software including the full Microsoft Office suite,[2] as well as apps from the Windows Store. Surface Pro 2 offers the portability and simplicity of a tablet when you want it and the power and flexibility of a laptop when you need it. It is powered by a fourth-generation Intel Core i5 processor which, combined with other improvements, delivers increased performance and up to 60 percent longer battery life than Surface Pro.

Starting at $899, Surface Pro 2 will be offered in 64GB and 128GB configurations with 4 GB of RAM and 256GB and 512GB configurations with 8 GB of RAM.[1]

Full specs are available at http://www.Surface.com/pre-order.

New Accessories

Today’s announcement also includes seven new accessories that will make Surface even more flexible, more portable and more productive:

• Touch Cover 2. Thinner and lighter than the original Touch Cover, measuring only 2.75 mm thin, Touch Cover 2 features backlit keys for even better readability. Touch Cover 2 is more rigid, registers keystrokes with greater accuracy and features updated sensors that support a variety of gestures across the entire keyboard. Touch Cover 2 has an estimated retail price of $119.99. It will be available for pre-order on Sept. 24 in all markets where Surface devices are available for pre-order.

• Type Cover 2. Type Cover 2 features the same super-thin, lightweight design of the original Type Cover, but it’s now backlit and will be available in Cyan, Magenta, Purple and Black in the coming months. It’s also more rigid, providing a better lap-typing experience, and is designed to be noticeably quieter when striking keys. Type Cover 2 will have an estimated retail price of $129.99. It will be available for pre-order on Sept. 24 in all markets where Surface devices are available for pre-order.[3]

• Power Cover. Power Cover delivers the same great typing experience you get with Type Cover while extending the battery life of your Surface 2, Surface Pro and Surface Pro 2 by up to 50 percent to help you make it through that late-night meeting or the entire flight. Power Cover will have an estimated retail price of $199.99 and has a projected release date of early 2014.

• Docking Station for Surface Pro. The Docking Station for Surface Pro lets you quickly connect Surface Pro and Surface Pro 2 to desktop PC peripherals in a single step, taking you from laptop to desktop in an instant. While Surface Pro or Surface Pro 2 is docked, it can connect with an external monitor, Ethernet, speakers and power supply. PC peripherals connect via its one USB 3.0 port and three USB 2.0 ports. The Docking Station for Surface Pro will have an estimated retail price of $199.99 and has a projected release date of early 2014.

• Wireless Adapter for Typing Covers. The Wireless Adapter for Typing Covers connects magnetically to any Touch or Type Cover, letting you type from anywhere in the room using Bluetooth technology, so it is even easier to connect Surface to a TV or monitor[4] and type from another location, such as the couch. Wireless Adapter for Typing Covers will have an estimated retail price of $59.99. It will be available for pre-order in the U.S. and Canada beginning Sept. 24.

• Car Charger with USB. Car Charger plugs into most cars’ power or lighter ports and charges Surface without the need for an additional adapter. It also features a USB port to allow simultaneous charging of a phone or other device. Car Charger will have an estimated retail price of $49.99 and has a projected release date of early 2014.

• Arc Touch Mouse Surface Edition. This special-edition Arc Touch Mouse has been updated to match the look of Surface. Like other Arc Touch mice, it is designed for comfort and flattens for portability. It connects via Bluetooth 3.0, freeing Surface’s USB port for use by other devices. Arc Touch Mouse Surface Edition will have an estimated retail price of $69.99 and will be available for pre-order in the U.S. and Canada on Sept. 24. Distribution in additional markets is projected to begin in the coming months.

More information on Surface is available at http://www.Surface.com.

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

The information contained in this press release relates to pre-release software products that may be substantially modified before their first commercial release. Accordingly, the information may not accurately describe or reflect the software products when first commercially released. The press release is provided for informational purposes only, and Microsoft makes no warranties, express or implied, with respect to the press release or the information contained in it.

[1] System software uses significant storage space. Available storage is subject to change based on system software updates and apps usage. 1 GB = 1 billion bytes. See Surface.com/storage for more details. Initial quantities of Surface Pro 2 with 512 GB will be limited.

[2] Office sold separately.

[3] The Black and Purple Type Cover 2 will be available for pre-order. Other colors will be available in the coming months.

[4] Adapter required; sold separately.

For broadcast download: Visit http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/news/presskits/surface for b-roll clips.

Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://www.microsoft.com/news. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/news/contactpr.mspx.