Get informed at Microsoft Zone
0 Comments | New Straits Times, Mar 29, 2010 | by Rozana Sani
CHOOSING a computer, be it a desktop or notebook, is never easy.
Most people simply don’t understand the technical jargon thrown at them by the salespeople and so they can’t decide whether that particular model is right for them, or whether they actually need all the components on the specifications list.
Well, Microsoft intends to make it all clear, at least where its products and product updates are concerned.
At the Microsoft Zone kiosk in Low Yat Plaza in Kuala Lumpur, visitors not only get to learn about the company’s latest technologies and the value of genuine software, but also experience them firsthand.
The zone is also a platform supporting Microsoft retail partners in Low Yat Plaza for end-user promotions or product enquiries.
“Consumers and the retail market took some 70 per cent of the notebooks shipped last year. Being in the forefront of the boxed software market, we want to expose our users and would-be users to new Microsoft technologies and drive the Windows operating system experience,” said Microsoft Malaysia’s original equipment manufacturer director Low Sin Yip.
“There is the innovative aspects of our products, like that within Windows Live and Microsoft Security Essentials, that many are not aware of.”
The kiosk is only the start of Microsoft’s latest initiative. Come mid-next month, the company will take up 800 square feet of the fourth floor of Low Yat Plaza to give a more extensive experiential zone for consumers.
“This venue will not be about selling. It is targeted to showcase and share with consumers the latest from Microsoft,” said Low.
“For our partners, it will be a place to train their salespeople and build an ecosystem that will facilitate better ICT adoption.”
Thunder Match Technologyis one of Microsoft’s retail partners that lauds the move.
“We fully commend Microsoft for initiating the Microsoft Zone. Being a one-stop information centre, it gives end users and consumers better access to information on Microsoft products and updates,” said managing director Adrian Yu.
“It’s good that Microsoft is engaging with consumers on a more personal level through the Microsoft Zone. This initiative also supports retailers like us in terms of end-user promotions or product enquiries, and we hope this will be a continuous programme.”
Microsoft will review the effectiveness of the centre and probably replicate the concept in another part of the country in a year.
“It’s about building up the consumer brand mind-share and carry out community development in line with the country’s drive towards innovation. If all goes well, there will be another Microsoft Zone in Penang next year,” said Low.
Security essentials
AS online security threats continue to evolve, Microsoft is actively working to make sure that PC users enjoy a safe Windows experience.
Enter Microsoft Security Essentials. Available at no additional cost, this anti-malware solution provides real-time protection to Windows-based PCs.
It runs quietly in the background, so users can continue using their PC without interruptions
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