SpatialNews Press Release

Accenture and Microsoft Team to Deliver End-to-End Telematics Solutions For the Automotive Industry

www.accenture.com

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DETROIT, Jan. 10 -- Accenture (NYSE: ACN) and Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) today announced they are working together to accelerate the industry's ability to cost-effectively implement and maintain advanced automotive telematics solutions. This announcement, made at the North American International Auto Show, further advances the companies' existing relationship.

The companies are collaborating to offer automakers, suppliers and telematics service providers a seamless integration process for in-vehicle consumer services through the newly formed Accenture Services Bureau for Automotive Telematics and Microsoft(R) Car .NET architecture, services and products, including Windows(R) CE for Automotive.

"Automotive telematics offers manufacturers and suppliers opportunities to provide consumers with a wide range of new products and services," said Umar Riaz, partner with the Automotive Industry Group at Accenture. "More importantly, the industry will be able to recognize new revenue streams, cost efficiencies and unprecedented brand differentiation. Our solution will help automakers transform customer relationships, allowing more focus on their core production and business activities."

Accenture and Microsoft are offering a range of services aimed at helping the automotive industry integrate a complex set of business partnerships and technologies by tapping into their network of businesses. This network, which currently includes MSN(R) services and content, will expand over time to include additional products and services.

"We are very excited to deliver our rich mobile services to the automotive space via Microsoft's Car .NET architecture and Windows CE for Automotive technology," said Bryan Mistele, general manager of Mobile Consumer Services at Microsoft. "MSN services combined with Microsoft technology and Accenture's capabilities will enrich the driver experience while helping automakers build stronger relationships with their customers."

To minimize the complexities of building and maintaining a state-of-the-art automotive telematics solution, Accenture and Microsoft are providing a global business strategy and infrastructure that does the following:

-- Uses scalable, flexible information technology and Microsoft-based platforms to design, build and run applications via a mobile network

-- Creates a comprehensive infrastructure to link in-vehicle devices and software applications to the Internet and wireless communication networks (e.g., software for mobile services delivery and voice recognition)

-- Provides operations and support services such as billing, application hosting, customer care and technology support as well as consumer services, including Internet content, navigation, location-based services, and safety and security enabled by Microsoft Windows CE for Automotive

-- Delivers services, including consulting on business strategy, system design and integration, and solutions outsourcing

"We've combined our assets and expertise to produce a comprehensive offering," said Gonzalo Bustillos, director of business development and marketing for the Automotive Business Unit at Microsoft. "Our solution will enable the industry to deliver a cost-effective, manageable automotive telematics service that will help build and sustain customer loyalty."

By combining Accenture's industry knowledge and deep technology skills, Microsoft Windows CE for Automotive technology and a host of compelling services, Microsoft is making its mobility strategy with Car .NET a reality.

The automotive telematics market is expected to grow to about $30 billion within five years, according to UBS Warburg Ltd. The Telematics Research Group predicts that by 2006, nearly 33 percent of all automobiles sold will include a telematics system. This represents nearly a 37 percent compound annual growth rate from 2000 to 2006.

The Accenture Services Bureau for Automotive Telematics was formed to help automotive and industrial manufacturers, suppliers and telematics services providers implement and maintain leading-edge solutions. Led by industry professionals with deep expertise in mobile communications and commerce, the bureau plans to work with Accenture's network of businesses to deliver the solutions around a broad array of technology platforms. In addition, Accenture Technology Labs, which researches, invents and commercializes the next wave of business solutions using new and emerging technologies, has dedicated a portion of its facility in Chicago to the design and support of the Accenture Services Bureau for Automotive Telematics.

The Automotive Business Unit at Microsoft has invested half a decade to provide the automotive industry with great software that delivers information, entertainment, communication and services in vehicles. The company works very closely with automakers, automotive electronics manufacturers and consumers to develop its telematics solutions. Microsoft Car .NET architecture, products and services support the delivery of end-to-end telematics solutions for the automotive industry and its customers. Microsoft Windows CE for Automotive is a platform built on Windows CE, a robust, real-time embedded operating system, which enables new categories of in-car computers designed to safely provide drivers and passengers with hands-free communication, access to personalized information on the Internet and an array of convenience and entertainment applications.

About Accenture

Accenture is the world's leading management consulting and technology services organization. Through its network of businesses approach in which the company enhances its consulting and outsourcing expertise through alliances, affiliated companies and other capabilities, Accenture delivers innovations that help clients across all industries quickly realize their visions. With more than 75,000 people in 47 countries, the company generated net revenues of $11.44 billion for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2001. Its home page is http://www.accenture.com/ .

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft 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.

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Jan 11, 2002 Jun 26, 2002