DALLAS — Sept . 18 , 2013 — AT&T ** and Microsoft Corp. today announced they will deliver a security-enhanced and reliable cloud solution that will allow enterprise customers to connect to Microsoft’s cloud platform using a private network.

The new solution will use breakthrough cloud integration technology from AT&T to pair virtual private networking with Microsoft’s industry-leading Windows Azure cloud platform. Customers of the solution are expected to benefit from the enterprise-grade security of virtual private networking, with as much as 50 percent lower latency than the public Internet, and access to cloud resources from any site using almost any wired or wireless device.

“This is a game changer for businesses that have been seeking a more secure way to reap the benefits of cloud services,” said Andy Geisse, CEO, AT&T Business Solutions. “By bringing the security and performance of our virtual private network to Windows Azure, we expect to energize enterprise demand for cloud solutions.”

Enterprises continue to cite concerns about security and reliable performance in their decision to adopt cloud computing. Working together, Microsoft and AT&T will address these concerns by enabling enterprise customers to quickly and reliably connect applications and services from their own datacenters (private clouds) to the Windows Azure cloud service using the protective confines and high transmission speeds of a highly-secure virtual private network.

AT&T’s cloud integration technology, AT&T NetBond, bonds networking and computing resources together and automates functions that are often performed manually. It allows the network and compute resources to flex in tandem to support the fluctuating demands on systems that enterprise cloud users often experience throughout the year. AT&T customers are already able to take advantage of the technology with AT&T’s own cloud offers.

The new cloud solution takes advantage of the Multi-Protocol Label Switching (MPLS) technology underpinning AT&T’s virtual private network solution. According to independent research firm Forrester Research Inc., 70 percent of multinational enterprises have already adopted global MPLS services*, high-performance networks that make it easy to create secure, virtual links between multiple geographic locations.

“There’s no question that the time for cloud computing is now, and it’s critical we help enterprises embrace the cloud on their terms,” said Satya Nadella, executive vice president of Cloud and Enterprise for Microsoft. “Through this strategic alliance with AT&T, we can reduce the barriers to entry for cloud computing by providing a more secure and reliable connectivity option for enterprise customers, accelerating the growth of cloud computing and the rapid adoption of Windows Azure.”

AT&T serves 3.5 million business customers and is the leading provider of IP-based services to multinational corporations, providing MPLS-based IP services to 187 countries, which represent 99 percent of the world’s economy. According to independent research firm Forrester, AT&T is a global leader in managed global MPLS services.* Similarly, Microsoft is a leader in the enterprise cloud space, with more than 50 percent of the Fortune 500 using Windows Azure and an unparalleled adoption rate at nearly 1,000 customers per day.

The new integrated solution is expected to be available in first half of 2014.

* Forrester Research Inc., March 2013, “The Forrester Wave™: Managed Global MPLS Services,” Q1 2013

**AT&T products and services are provided or offered by subsidiaries and affiliates of AT&T Inc. under the AT&T brand and not by AT&T Inc.

About AT&T

AT&T Inc. (NYSE:T) is a premier communications holding company and one of the most honored companies in the world. Its subsidiaries and affiliates – AT&T operating companies – are the providers of AT&T services in the United States and internationally. With a powerful array of network resources that includes the nation’s fastest and most reliable 4G LTE network, AT&T is a leading provider of wireless, Wi-Fi, high speed Internet, voice and cloud-based services. A leader in mobile Internet, AT&T also offers the best wireless coverage worldwide of any U.S. carrier, offering the most wireless phones that work in the most countries.  It also offers advanced TV service with the AT&T U-verse® brand. The company’s suite of IP-based business communications services is one of the most advanced in the world.

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.

Additional information about AT&T Inc. and the products and services provided by AT&T subsidiaries and affiliates is available at http://www.att.com/aboutus or follow our news on Twitter at @ATT, on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/att and YouTube at http://www.youtube.com/att.

© 2013 AT&T Intellectual Property. All rights reserved. AT&T, the AT&T logo and all other marks contained herein are trademarks of AT&T Intellectual Property and/or AT&T affiliated companies. All other marks contained herein are the property of their respective owners.

4G LTE speed claim based on national carriers’ average 4G LTE download speeds. Reliability claim based on data transfer completion rates on nationwide 4G LTE networks. 4G LTE availability varies.

Cautionary Language Concerning Forward-Looking Statements
Information set forth in this news release contains financial estimates and other forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially. A discussion of factors that may affect future results is contained in AT&T's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. AT&T disclaims any obligation to update or revise statements contained in this news release based on new information or otherwise.

For more information, press only:

Rapid Response Team, Waggener Edstrom Worldwide for Microsoft, (503) 443-7070, rrt@waggeneredstrom.com

Kally Masino, AT&T Corporate Communications, (214) 782-7195, km3929@att.com

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 . 1 7 , 20 1 3 — Microsoft Corp. announced on Tuesday that its board of directors declared a quarterly dividend of $0.28 per share, reflecting a 5 cent or 22 percent increase over the previous quarter’s dividend. The dividend is payable Dec. 12, 2013, to shareholders of record on Nov. 21, 2013. The ex-dividend date will be Nov. 19, 2013.

The board of directors also approved a new share repurchase program authorizing up to $40 billion in share repurchases. The new share repurchase program, which has no expiration date, replaces the previous $40 billion share repurchase program that was set to expire Sept. 30, 2013.

“These actions reflect a continued commitment to returning cash to our shareholders,” said Amy Hood, chief financial officer of 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.

For more information, financial analysts and investors only:
Investor Relations, Microsoft, (425) 706-4400

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 since have changed. Shareholder and financial information is available at http://www.microsoft.com/investor.

SAO PAULO — Sept. 17, 2013 — Microsoft Brazil and Shell on Tuesday announced that Shell will deploy approximately 200 Windows Phone 8 devices to company distributors, which will increase its number of Windows Phone devices from 100 to 300 during 2013. These devices will support the entire sales force of the company’s distribution network in Brazil, which is made up of company resellers tasked with visiting individual gas stations to collect client requests. The newly deployed Nokia Lumia devices, including models such as the Lumia 520 and the Lumia 920, were chosen based on cost benefits and security.

The adoption of these Windows Phone 8 devices has enabled the company to significantly lower costs, which would not have been possible with the iOS devices Shell also considered. The phones have also helped improve the productivity of its commercial team, which previously required software installation and updates to be made on each individual device. Now Shell is able to make these changes directly on the server, and the program is updated automatically on all fixed and mobile networks.

To increase the data analysis resources available to the team, Shell invested in Blink Mobile, a sales force automation solution developed by Microsoft solutions partner Blink Systems. The investment in this application is a reflection of Shell’s strategy to increase productivity throughout its distributor network with the use of better-equipped devices. Automatic updating is another important advantage of the Blink Systems application. Now Shell distributors have a tool that streamlines searches, accelerates the ordering process and is easy to use for the sales force. Thanks to the incorporation of the Windows Phone-based app, the network is now easier to use and more practical in terms of information gathering.

In addition to the cost benefit and reliability of the platform, Windows Phone integrates seamlessly with the rest of the Microsoft servers used at Shell. Windows Phone supports advanced security and administration solutions, which can be synced with other devices running the same platform. “This effortless integration has been a determining factor in the decision-making process for companies such as Shell,” said Celso Winik, managing director of Windows Phone at Microsoft.

About Microsoft Braz il

Founded in 1989, Microsoft Brazil has 14 offices throughout the country and generates locally direct opportunities in technology for over 18,000 companies and 424,000 professionals. In the last 10 years, the company has invested more than R$167 million in social projects, bringing technology to schools, universities, NGOs and communities in need. Microsoft Brazil is one of the 112 subsidiaries of Microsoft Corp., founded in 1975, the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help companies and individuals realize their full potential.

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.

More information is available at :

Press Relations Center: Microsoft Notícias
Microsoft Brazil on Twitter: @MicrosoftBR
Microsoft Brazil on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/MSFTBrasil
Microsoft Brazil Blog: http://www.blogmicrosoftbrasil.com.br
Microsoft Brazil Interoperability Blog: Porta 25

For more information, press only :

Bruna Cortez, FSB Comunicações, (11) 3165-9655, bruna.cortez@fsb.com.br

Ana Cristina, FSB Comunicações, (11) 3165-9655, ana.cristina@fsb.com.br

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.

SANTA CLARA, CA - NVIDIA (NASDAQ: NVDA) today announced that it has named Colette Kress, a 24-year veteran of the tech industry, as executive vice president and chief financial officer.

DUBAI, United Arab Emirates — Sept. 17, 2013 — At the Sibos global financial services event in Dubai, Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq “MSFT”) on Tuesday announced that a number of leading global financial institutions are modernizing their business operations and choosing Microsoft Dynamics CRM as the platform to shift from transaction-based businesses to customer-centric businesses.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM has been designed from the ground up to help businesses engage and delight their customers by delivering exceptional customer experiences and interactions. Financial institutions are drawn to the customer-first design philosophy and the fact that Microsoft Dynamics CRM works seamlessly with other productivity applications such as Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft SharePoint and Yammer. Microsoft Dynamics CRM gives financial institutions a powerful solution to drive proactive interactions with end customers, provide deep client insight, and deliver intelligent offers and custom-built experiences, enabling banks to improve customer retention, add new customers and improve advisor productivity. In essence, Microsoft Dynamics CRM helps financial institutions become a true trusted advisor for their clients.

Prioritizing customer service is the key competitive differentiator for Metro Bank, Great Britain’s first new bank in more than a century. Microsoft Dynamics CRM, combined with Microsoft devices and services, is the foundation of Metro Bank’s customer-first strategy.

“As the first new high street bank in the U.K. for over 100 years, our unique, customer-focused model is reinventing the rules of retail banking,” said Paul Marriott-Clarke, commercial director at Metro Bank. “Microsoft Dynamics CRM helps us enhance our customers’ experiences, combining traditional face-to-face service in our stores with amazing technology to ensure our customers receive the very best in service and convenience.”

MKB Bank, the second-largest bank by equity in Hungary, chose Microsoft Dynamics CRM to steer all customer-related processes in the bank and keep up with growth. With Microsoft Dynamics CRM, MKB improved customer service times by 25 percent, decreased customer churn by 5 percent and increased profit earned on the primary banking customer segment by 20 percent in the same period.

“Customer service is our top priority, and Microsoft Dynamics CRM gave us a comprehensive view of customers and integrated access to all channels,” said Laszlo Kiraly, head of CRM and E-Channels at MKB. “Our CRM-driven front-end system has become the core application for our business. It is now our primary platform for collaboration, better efficiency and a superior multichannel experience.”

Volkskreditbank AG (VKB) tapped Microsoft Dynamics CRM to help it become one of the most customer-oriented banks in Austria. The results have been undeniable: a 32 percent boost in sales productivity, an 18 percent increase in customer service quality and a 95 percent decrease in the time needed to provide analyses and reports, giving managers and executives a near-real-time view into the health of the business.

“We needed a CRM solution to power our entire bank, not just a single division or set of products,” said Michael Reifetshamer, IT manager at VKB. “Our experience with Microsoft Dynamics CRM shows that we made the right choice.”

ABN AMRO Bank NV improved customer service by implementing Microsoft Dynamics CRM and connecting it to its asset management system to provide a single view of each customer account.

“Dynamics CRM is a robust solution tool,” said Su Kia Tan, head of Process & Project Management for ABN AMRO Bank. “We use it to support our end users in managing business growth and productivity improvement with necessary controls built on customized and streamlined workflows.”

And at the end of the day, to become a customer-centric organization banks must first start thinking from their customers’ perspectives. They need tools, technologies and processes that allow them to address customer inquiries anywhere, anytime. Banks need tools that provide complete and holistic views of their customers and enable them to reach out with intelligent and timely offers. Microsoft Dynamics CRM is the tool that ultimately allows them to become trusted advisors to their customers.

Microsoft Dynamics CRM customers and prospects can learn more about Microsoft Dynamics CRM in the financial services space at http://www.microsoft.com/en-us/dynamics/crm-financial-services.aspx. In addition, they can follow and engage with the Microsoft Dynamics CRM community @MSDynamicsCRM, at http://www.twitter.com/msdynamicscrm.

About Microsoft Dynamics

At the heart of every successful business are the people who make things happen. Microsoft Dynamics designs modern business solutions that empower individuals with intuitive tools that allow them to do their best work. Our proactive, easy-to-use business applications adapt to the way people and systems work, enabling businesses to rapidly deploy and be forward-looking in an ever-changing world.

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.