Software giant underlines its commitment to growing retail segment

Kuala Lumpur, 11 May 2010 – Consumers rejoice! Visitors to Low Yat Plaza will now be able to gain information and updates on anything and everything Microsoft, as the software giant has launched a Microsoft Customer Experience Centre, the first of its kind in Malaysia.

The Microsoft Customer Experience Centre, spanning 464sq feet of retail space in the mall known as a popular haunt for those seeking gadgets and tech-related items signifies Microsoft’s reinforced commitment to the retail segment which is seeing rapid growth.

At the launch today, Ananth Lazarus, the Managing Director of Microsoft Malaysia, said, “This is a milestone for Microsoft in Malaysia, as we are reinforcing our commitment to the consumers and further strengthening our relationship with our retail partners here in Low Yat Plaza.”

“The retail segment is one that is experiencing tremendous growth and possessing potential to expand more. Clearly, the importance of retail has grown, and this made us realize that we have to further strengthen our commitment in this space.

“Microsoft Malaysia will also be utilizing the Microsoft Experience Centre as an avenue to create stronger awareness amongst consumers on the value of genuine software.  This centre marks Microsoft’s continuous efforts in educating consumers on Microsoft’s latest technologies and the rewards of buying genuine. This is in line with the Government’s efforts to make Malaysia piracy-free.”

Jennifer Chan, General Manager, GfK Retail and Technology Malaysia Sdn Bhd, said, “Our Retail Audit tracking projected that in 2010, out of an estimated 2.3 million units of PCs (Mobile & Desktop) sold in Malaysia, more than 70% of it will be from the retail segment. In the first quarter of 2010, we observed that the unit sales in PC retail segment recorded a 27% growth compared to the same period last year.

“Looking at the total PC sales by operating system (OS) platform, Microsoft’s OS attached rate has been on a steady increase since Q1 2009. In keeping with the growing trends, Microsoft’s decision to launch this experience centre is perfectly timed.”

On the choice of Low Yat Plaza as a venue for Microsoft Malaysia’s first Customer Experience Centre, Ananth commented, “Low Yat Plaza has been chosen as a location for the Microsoft Experience Centre as according to research by GfK Retail and Technology Malaysia Sdn Bhd, it is a substantial source from which 55% of Malaysia’s total PC shipments of 1.6 million come from

“Microsoft products are available at 211 outlets here and the majority of our partners have a presence here as well. In that respect, Low Yat Plaza being the venue for this centre is the sensible choice.”

The Microsoft Customer Experience Centre, apart from being a one-stop information centre for the general public to obtain any information pertaining to Microsoft’s products and updates, is also a platform for Microsoft to support its retail partners in Low Yat Plaza in terms of end-user promotions and product enquiries.

To further underscore Microsoft’s commitment to and support for its retail partners, Microsoft is building an eco-system of more proficient Retail Sales Person in Low Yat Plaza to introduce the value of Microsoft Desktop Solutions.

Ananth said, “We currently have four dedicated Microsoft Retail Representatives, responsible for advocating the value of genuine and sharing the features of Microsoft’s latest software to more than 600 retail sales persons in Low Yat’s retail community.”

Buy Genuine, Drive Home a BMW 320i car!

During the launch of the Microsoft Customer Experience Centre, Ananth also kicked-off the Microsoft Genuine Rewards End-User Contest. The contest, running from May 1 to July 20, will give visitors to Low Yat Plaza the chance to drive home a brand-new BMW 320i and bring back many other exciting prizes when they purchase genuine Microsoft software.

On this contest, Ananth said, “Through the contest, we hope to send across a strong message that genuine is rewarding, and it is even more rewarding now.”

The Microsoft Customer Experience Centre is located on the 4^th Floor of Low Yat Plaza.