Microsoft PressRelease Press Release

MICROSOFT CANADA PRESS RELEASE- JULY 25, 2002

News For Immediate Release
Microsoft Canada Co. Confirms Continued Use of the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer Designation in Full Use of the term 'engineer' best decision for the community of more than 25,000 Canadian MCSEs that have already earned or are working towards earning the designation

MISSISSAUGA, ON. - July 25, 2002 - Microsoft Canada Co. today announced that effective immediately, they will continue to use the term 'engineer' as part of the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) designation.

Over the past year, Microsoft consulted with a variety of industry groups and individuals including MCSEs, technology associations, and Microsoft certified training centers before coming to this determination. Microsoft also considered, in detail, the legal arguments in opposition to this position. This process confirmed the view that the term systems engineer is a well-recognized title that has been used for many years in the IT industry and it does not represent that one is a professional engineer.

"There are over 25,000 Microsoft Certified Systems Engineers in Canada," said Patricia Meta, training and certification manager at MicrosoftCanada Co. "Changing the term engineer would hinder the way they do business in Canada and globally, and we believe that MicrosoftCertified Professionals in this country should be able to carry the same designation that is used by their colleagues throughout the rest of the world."

Through inquiries with Certified Technical Education Centres (CTECs), IT Academies, and MCSEs it was revealed that there is overwhelming support from the community that it would be better served by having the freedom to use the full MCSE designation. To change the designation in Canada would discredit the international value and recognition of an earned specialization that is known globally as a premier IT certification.

Individuals who receive their Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer accreditation are IT professionals who have complied with specific certification requirements and passed requisite examinations. Once the designation is achieved, individuals agree to use the full name of the certification or the acronym in all communications.

"Microsoft Canada is confident this solution will best serve the needs of the IT industry in Canada without impeding how engineering associations have traditionally regulated the practice of professional engineering in Canada," said Meta.

About the Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer designation

The Microsoft Certified Systems Engineer (MCSE) credential is the premier certification for professionals who analyze the business requirements and design and implement the infrastructure for business solutions based on the Microsoft Windows® 2000 platform and Microsoft.NET Enterprise Servers. Implementation responsibilities include installing, configuring, and troubleshooting network systems.

The MCSE credential is one of the most widely recognized and longest standing technical certifications in the IT industry. By earning the premier MCSE credential, individuals are demonstrating that they have the skills necessary to lead organizations in the successful design, implementation, and administration of the most advanced Windows operating system and Microsoft .NET Enterprise Servers.

About Microsoft Canada Co.

Established in 1985, Microsoft Canada Co. is the Canadian subsidiary of Microsoft Corporation (Nasdaq "MSFT") the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing.

Microsoft Canada provides nationwide sales, marketing, consulting and local support services in both French and English. Headquartered in Mississauga, Microsoft Canada has 10 regional offices across the country dedicated to empowering people through great software - any time, any place and on any device. Visit Microsoft Canada's web site at www.microsoft.ca <http://www.microsoft.ca.

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