Celebrate Eid at Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai

A memorable Eid celebration awaits you at Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai with two fabulous promotions to choose from. Feast on a sumptuous Eid brunch buffet featuring a wide selection of international and Arabic delicacies including ouzi at the magnificent Loumi Restaurant from 12 noon to 4pm on the first two days of Eid.  Prices start from AED 199 per adult, AED 99 per child ages between 5 to 12 years old and children below 5 years dine for free. One person dines free on group bookings of minimum 10 people. Those craving Italian flavours can head to Da Vinci’s to indulge in Chef’s special menu featuring a variety of Eid specialties and a choice of Italian delights from 12noon to 11.30pm daily from 16th to 30th June 2018. Terms & Conditions:
  • Offers cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts
  • Prior reservation is required
  • For bookings, please call 04 702 8888 or email mahd@millenniumhotels.com
  • Prices are inclusive of 10% municipality fees & 10% service charge
  • Prices are subject to 5% Value Added Tax
Mr Simon Moore, General Manager of Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai, said, “Eid al Fitr is one of the most joyous and biggest celebrations in the Arab world. There is no better way to celebrate Eid than to gather with friends and family over a lavish spread of traditional Arabic delicacies along with the festive flavours from around the world. We have created fabulous offers to make your festivities extra special.” For media contact: Hina Bakht Managing Director EVOPS Marketing & PR Mob: 00971 50 6975146 Tel: 00971 4 566 7355 Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com www.evops-pr.com Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Middle East and Africa Millennium Hotels and Resorts is a dynamic, global hotel company, which owns, asset manages and operates over 130 hotels worldwide. With almost 40,000 rooms and a portfolio of brands; including The Biltmore, Grand Millennium, Millennium, Millennium Place, M Hotel, Copthorne, Agarwood, Kingsgate, Millennium Executive Apartments and Studio M, that serve different market segments, representing quality and value in every class. Currently operating 32 hotels in the Middle East and Africa, the Group has an extensive expansion strategy in place, with 40 hotels in the pipeline. Each property in the region is unique, catering to the varying tastes and needs of the international business and leisure traveller but with a consistent promise to provide a first class service and a rewarding experience for guests. Millennium Hotels and Resorts is committed to differentiating itself by embracing the true spirit of diverse traditions, with a sincere respect to historical heritage and local culture. With the motto “More than Meets the Eye”, Millennium Hotels and Resorts is committed to a customer-centric philosophy and complete guest satisfaction. For more information, please visit www.millenniumhotels.com

du Volunteers Join Their Suhoor is on Us Initiative in Support of UAE Labourers

0
Suhoor meals were delivered to several mosques throughout the UAE where WiFi UAE was available to enhance communication with loved ones here and abroad
du, from Emirates Integrated Telecommunications Company (EITC), joined the Community Development Authority (CDA) Their Suhoor is on Us initiative in line with its #KeepOnGiving campaign. Led by Abdulwahed Juma, Executive Vice President of Brand and Corporate Communications at du, volunteers from the telco helped pack suhoor meals, which were delivered to mosques across the Emirates for the UAE Labour community. WiFi UAE was also made available at these locations to enhance communications between labourers and their loved ones here and abroad. “This Holy Month, we have embraced a number of important initiatives around the emirate to help improve the lives of our fellow humans. At du, we have always viewed the labour community as vital to the development of our city, and joining the CDA enables us to extend them our sincere gratitude. We continue to encourage volunteerism both within our own ranks and throughout the country, not only during Ramadan, but also year-round. We would like to thank everyone who was involved in our latest iteration of the #KeepOnGiving campaign, and we hope to see more of the UAE’s residents and citizens pay it forward ahead of Eid, and beyond it,” said Juma, when asked about the initiative.

Visiting Four Soccer Meccas in Latin America

0
The power of soccer moves people. Not only does the world’s favorite sport move fans emotionally, it also moves them out of their chairs, out of their homes, and often out of their countries, to experience the one-of-a-kind sensation that only the world’s greatest stadiums can provide. And for true soccer fans — regardless of the team you cheer for — there are some you simply cannot miss. Maracanã Stadium in Río de Janeiro, Brazil Rio de Janeiro, lined with its iconic black and white mosaic sidewalks, is built on one of the most breathtaking coastlines in the world. From Ipanema to Copacabana, the unforgettable ambience offers idyllic views of the ocean lapping at the feet of mountains. Elements of the beautiful game, or the jogo bonito, live on the sands of these beaches in the form of Futevolei, a sport that combines the skillsets of volleyball and soccer. Brazilians have always had a love affair with soccer. A tribute to this passionate love is the Maracanã Stadium, which was built as a temple to the sport.   The famed statue of Cristo Redentor overlooks the stadium, where players like Ronaldinho and Ronaldo went from rookies to legends. Not only is it one of the largest structures of its kind in South America, but is also the home to Pelé’s legendary 1000th goal in 1969. If you are looking to spend time in Río de Janeiro to witness the next wave of future soccer legends, a great option is the JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro. The luxury hotel offers elegant accommodations and sweeping views of Copacabana beach.
JW Marriott Hotel Rio de Janeiro
The Bombonera in Buenos Aires, Argentina Buenos Aires, the glamorous Argentine metropolis, is a hub of vibrant architecture, bustling restaurants, and a passionate culture that brought tango to the world. La Boca, one of the city’s neighborhoods, represents Buenos Aires’ cultural richness particularly well. The colorful streets are alive with local music and an infectious energy that lead all the way to Diego Maradona’s old stomping grounds, La Bombonera. At the famed stadium soccer fans will discover the Pasión Boquense Museum, a magnet for true admirers of the sport.
La BomboneraGameday in “La Bombonera” is a unique experience, filled with colorfully painted faces shouting out emphatic chants. These fans also sing hinchas, which are wildly creative remixes of popular, contemporary songs that reflect the fans’ loyalty to their team.
The architecture of the stadium itself is a unique attribute as three sections are built almost vertically, putting fans as close as possible to the action. For those wishing to participate in this unforgettable energy, the Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel & Convention Center offers stunning views of Buenos Aires right in the heart of the city’s action and culture.
Sheraton Buenos Aires Hotel & Convention Center
Centenario Stadium in Montevideo, Uruguay Montevideo is recognized for its easy-going lifestyle, where quaint neighborhoods meet miles of beautiful, sandy beaches. To discover the city’s diverse environment, take a stroll along La Rambla, the longest continuous sidewalk in the world. Despite these moments of tranquility, the love for soccer that runs through Uruguayan veins is fervent and passionate in nearly all parts of Montevideo. This passion developed after the population experienced exponential growth in the early 20th century. Soccer gave many immigrants their own identity and further united them, serving as a common interest among the new citizens. This history is on display in the Centenario Stadium, the site of the first World Cup in 1930. Here, soccer fans can not only witness today’s highest echelons of soccer talent, but also delve into Uruguayan soccer’s rich past, at the adjoining Museo del Fútbol.
Ideal for world travelers, the Aloft Montevideo Hotel boasts modern facilities and is located only a few minutes away from La Rambla and Centenario Stadium.
Aloft Montevideo HotelCity, Mexico Mexico City is one of the most fascinating capital cities in the world, offering incredible diversity forged through a long history stretching back to ancient times. There is much to see, and many ways to see it. Visitors can experience the city on bicycle, for example, riding through beautiful streets like the Paseo de la Reforma. They can also visit spectacular museums like the Museo del Templo Mayor to appreciate the remains of the original Aztec city of Tenochtitlan. However, perhaps no aspect of Mexican culture is quite loved as much as soccer. Mexico City is home to three major professional teams and an iconic stadium, known as Estadio Azteca. A pilgrimage to Estadio Azteca is a required stop for soccer fans and curious travelers alike. With a capacity of 105,064 people, the stadium is one of the largest in the world.
Estadio Azteca is home to one of the greatest moments in soccer history, the Hand of God goal, infamously scored by Diego Maradona against England in the World Cup of 1986. Watching a match at the Azteca is a one-of-a-kind experience true soccer fans should not miss. A good option for soccer pilgrims is the St. Regis Hotel Mexico City, located at the center of the capital, a vibrant area ideal for exploring. Regardless of where the pilgrimage takes you, you are sure to discover an array of soccer experiences throughout Latin America. From the historic grounds of Maracanã to the bright lights of Estadio Azteca, each soccer mecca moves fans in a unique way, immersing them in the rich history of the game. Media Contact: Kerstin Sachl Marriott International, Caribbean & Latin America (954) 400-6421 Kerstin.Sachl@marriott.com

Emirates boosts flights for busy Umrah season

0

Emirates will be boosting its flights to Jeddah during the busy Umrah season. The airline will operate 24 extra flights, adding more than 10,000 additional seats between Dubai and Jeddah from 12 June to 24 June. The additional flights will be serviced by the Boeing 777-300ER.

Emirates’ additional flights will help accommodate more convenient travel through Dubai during the Umrah season, which starts in Ramadan and concludes in July. These services will run in parallel with Emirates’ regularly scheduled services to Jeddah, which includes three daily flights. The additional services can be accessed by travellers holding a valid Umrah visa. Adil Al Ghaith, Senior Vice President, Commercial Operations for Gulf, Middle East and Iran said: “Performing Umrah during the month of Ramadan is a significant experience for Muslims and Emirates is helping to make the journey more seamless through convenient connections for the thousands of pilgrims looking to travel during this time. We thank the Saudi Arabian government and authorities for their support to introduce these extra frequencies during Umrah season.” Onboard, Emirates’ award-winning ice system features special religious programming as well as popular regional entertainment options including new drama series. The airline’s diverse content available on board with up to 3,500 channels of entertainment includes 238 Arabic channels featuring movies, TV, music and audio. This year, top destinations where Emirates is expecting Umrah travellers to come from are Pakistan, North Africa, the United States, the UK and South Africa.

Football fans can get the latest on World Cup across Apple devices and services

As the countdown to the tournament begins, football fans around the world can stay up to speed on stats, scores and their favorite teams across all Apple devices.
Siri adds support for football in Brazil, Russia, Denmark, Finland, Malaysia, Turkey, Thailand, Saudi Arabia and Israel — this is in addition to 26 other countries that already support Siri sports. Siri users can ask for scores, schedules, standings and team rosters.
Ask Siri questions like:
  • When does France play Australia?
  • What teams are in group A?
  • Who is on the England squad?
  • Who won the Argentina-Iceland match?
Throughout the month, the App Store editors will highlight their favorite apps and games from football stars, offer tips on taking a perfect football photo and how to best get your football fix on social media. The App Store will also feature key football-related apps and games to help fans dive deeper into the experience, with broadcaster apps like FOX NOW or BBC Sport, and games like FIFA Mobile and PES 2018.
The Apple TV App on iPhone, iPad and Apple TV is the single destination to find and watch the TV shows and movies you love. In the US and Canada, where the Sports feature is available, Apple TV App users will be able to keep track of all the action on FOX NOW in the US; and TSN and RDS, Bell Media’s English and French-language apps in Canada. Fans can favorite teams and follow their matches in Up Next, and receive notifications on their Apple devices when their team is playing or a game is close.
The News app makes it easy to follow the drama of the tournament with up-to-date scores and schedules, a knockout bracket and profiles of the event’s key players from Eight by Eight magazine. News users can keep up with all of the action from trusted sources, all in one place.
Apple Music will feature playlists for each of the 32 participating nations with the most exciting artists in each country as chosen by local teams.
Apple Podcasts will feature an editorial collection entitled “The Beautiful Game,” where users can check out shows like Jetty’s “Game of our Lives” and Gimlet’s “We Came to Win” that talk about the drama off the football field, as well as traditional, established sports podcasts like “Men in Blazers.”
The editorial collection on iBooks will also be called “The Beautiful Game” and highlight the rich culture behind football’s biggest spectacle — celebrating legendary underdogs, national heroes and nail-biting finishes all captured in memoirs, bios and nonfiction.
Fans can show their spirit by creating Clips videos with new football-themed graphics including an animated sticker, label and poster with customizable text.

Press Contacts

Sally Hamandi Apple hamandi@apple.com 8000 444 19291

First Central Hotel Suites Recognised for Sustainability & CSR Initiatives at The Middle East Cleaning, Hygiene and Facilities Awards 2018

0
First Central Hotel Suites bagged top accolades for sustainability and corporate social responsibility at The Middle East Cleaning, Hygiene and Facilities Awards 2018. The first of its kind ceremony in Dubai brought together over 300 of the industry’s biggest players from the cleaning, hospitality and soft FM sector under one roof to celebrate their achievements. The team at First Central Hotel Suites led by Mr. Mustafa Hassan, Director of HR won Gold in the Commitment to Sustainability while Mr. Venkatesh Parthasarathy took home Silver in CSR Company of the Year category. Wael El Behi, General Manager of First Central Hotel Suites, said, “We are delighted to be recognised for our commitment to sustainable practices and CSR initiatives. Environmental protection and conservation of natural resources is an integral part of our efforts to support Dubai in being a smart, integrated, connected and sustainable city with clean, healthy and sustainable environment. We are proud of our team members, especially Mustafa and Venkatesh who are setting an example for the rest of the community and are confident we will continue to build on our progress.” Featuring 524 apartments, equipped with top-notch facilities, First Central Hotel Suites is superbly located in Barsha Heights (TECOM) near Sheikh Zayed Road in close proximity to Dubai Marina, Montgomerie, Emirates Golf Club, and Mall of the Emirates. Included in its facilities are fabulous dining, leisure and business amenities designed to meet the needs of modern travelers. For hotel inquiries & reservations: Call: +971 4 454 4900  About Central Hotels Central Hotels has very quickly established itself as a reputed hotel management group in the UAE with its flagship property First Central Hotel Suites located in Barsha Heights (TECOM) near Sheikh Zayed Road. Building up on this amazing success, the brand is now poised to expand its footprint targeting Turkey and the UAE as the primary markets for growth in addition to other lucrative markets in the Middle East. Opening soon are spectacular new 5-star hotels such as Canal Central Business Bay and Royal Central The Palm followed by Central House Citywalk focused on millennials, Novotel The Palm, Diamond Central – Business Bay, and Island Central in Dubai, as well as Valley Central Bursa, and Valley Central Trabzon in Turkey For more information about First Central Hotel Suites and Central Hotels visit: www.firstcentraldubai.com  |  www.central-hotels.com For media contact: Hina Bakht Managing Director EVOPS Marketing & PR Mob: 00971 50 6975146 Tel: 00971 4 566 7355 Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com www.evops-pr.com

Dubai Holds Strong Potential to Boost Cultural Tourism During Ramadan Highlights Alpha Destination Management

0
Ramadan presents Dubai a unique opportunity to attract greater number of international and regional travellers seeking to experience the Emirati heritage and culture. Highlighting the enormous potential Dubai holds to grow cultural tourism during the Holy month, Mr. Samir Hamadeh, General Manager of Alpha Destination Management, said, “Over the years, we have seen some remarkable progress in this direction. Flexible approach to food and beverage outlets is part of this strategy. Steps such as these are being welcomed by tourists as is evident from the reaction of some of our well-travelled customers such as Mr. Lee Haslett, Vice President Product & Distribution at Virgin Holidays, whose comment after his family holiday in Dubai during Ramadan is: ‘This holiday is one of the best, if not the best ever holiday I’ve ever had with my family’.” However, Mr. Hamadeh, stressed, “More needs to be done in this aspect especially in terms of developing an all-round cultural experience in the city whereby Ramadan could become a must-visit period for discovering the unique Arabic traditions and heritage along with the Emirate’s other attractions.” In the coming years Ramadan would fall in the prime tourist season. Mr. Hamadeh said, “Majority of visitors from Central and Western Europe tend to believe that Ramadan is not the ideal time to visit Dubai as they may face some restrictions in terms of dos and don’ts. But we all know it is not the case and this perception needs to change with the right product and marketing messages. Developing local attractions and packages such as more affordable and authentic Ramadan tents, dining with local families in local homes for Iftar, creating traditional entertainment programmes while maintaining cultural sensitivity are some of the options to consider. The global campaigns should communicate that Ramadan in Dubai is absolutely magical and unique.” Mr. Hamadeh added, “Dubai is a year-round destination offering a diverse mix of experiences and Ramadan should be among the key attractions. Therefore, Dubai needs to position as the best place to be to celebrate Ramadan and soak up the local culture. A city that comes alive with the spirit of the Holy month.” About Alpha Destination Management Founded in 1996, by Mr. Ghassan Aridi and his partners, Alpha Destination Management is the leading destination management company and a pioneer in the tourism sector in the Arabian Gulf. Over the last two decades, the company has established itself as one of the most credible and reputed brands not only in the Gulf region but also in the international tourism industry. Controlling a significant market share of the lucrative tourism sector in the GCC, Alpha Destination Management is a market leader in the region with the largest annual turnover and wide network of international partners offering the highest levels of service and innovative and exciting experiences. Our extensive global and local knowledge and network, outstanding expertise and sound reputation is the key to success for us and all our partners. For more information about Alpha Destination Management visit http://www.alphatoursdubai.com For media contact: Hina Bakht Managing Director EVOPS Marketing & PR Mob: 00971 50 6975146 Tel: 00971 4 566 7355 Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com www.evops-pr.com

Local leaders champion a ‘region of inclusion’ heading into July Special Olympics USA Games

0

On Wednesday at a forum hosted by Microsoft Corp. focused on inclusive hiring and economic opportunity in Puget Sound, 2018 Special Olympics USA Games is announcing more than $9 million in cash and in-kind donations from regional businesses in support of the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games, to be held in Seattle July 1–6, 2018. Earlier this year state and local lawmakers contributed an additional $3.4 million in support, further demonstrating our region’s commitment to showcasing the power of inclusion.

The “Creating a Region of Inclusion” forum speakers include Gov. Jay Inslee, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan, retired U.S. Sen. Tom Harkin, Challenge Seattle CEO and former Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire, University of Washington President Ana Mari Cauce, Microsoft President Brad Smith, and 2018 Special Olympics USA Games President and CEO Beth Knox. The focus of the discussion centers on ways to make significant new progress in developing job and career opportunities to create a diverse workforce and an inclusive culture. The 2018 Special Olympics USA Games will feature more than 4,000 athletes and coaches who will compete in 14 Olympic-type team and individual sports, cheered on by tens of thousands of volunteers and spectators. Microsoft is the Premier Partner of the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games. Since 2014 Microsoft has partnered with Special Olympics, using cloud-based data management to empower the organization and its athletes through technology on and off the field, while supporting the organization’s efforts to build a more inclusive global community. The Greater Seattle business community collectively contributed over $7 million in cash support, plus an additional $2 million in value of in-kind product and services to help run the USA Games. In addition to financial contributions, USA Games partners have engaged their employees to take on more than 10,000 shifts, including Microsoft which has filled nearly 2,000 volunteer shifts. Volunteers are still welcome in support positions or as Fans in the Stands to cheer on athletes at competitions. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the unemployment rate for people with disabilities is more than double that of people without disabilities. To address the employment gap locally, Microsoft will host an Inclusive Hiring Job Fair with 16 local employers on May 31, 1:45–4 p.m. PDT. The job fair is open to the public, and candidates can meet with recruiters, get help creating resumes, and gain insight into employment opportunities in technology, retail, transportation, consulting, telecommunications and customer service. In addition, LinkedIn staff will be onsite to help attendees create and enhance LinkedIn profiles, provide tips for successful job searches and offer free professional headshot photos. Employers participating in the summit include Accenture, Alaska Airlines, Amazon, AT&T, Department of Services for the Blind, EY, Facebook, The Lighthouse for the Blind Inc., LinkedIn, Microsoft, Starbucks, T-Mobile, VR-Net and the Washington State Department of Corrections. More information about the Inclusive Job Fair, hosted at the Microsoft Conference Center, can be found here. Special Olympics USA Games CEO Beth Knox also announced a job fair for Special Olympics athletes and their families, to be held in July during the Games. The Special Olympics hiring fair will provide a venue for athletes and their families to discuss career opportunities and options with businesses including Bank of America, Microsoft and Starbucks. Tickets are available for the opening ceremonies July 1 at Husky Stadium in Seattle, where spectators and volunteers from local businesses will cheer on the athletes in a citywide celebration of inclusion. Quotes Jay Inslee, Governor, Washington “The state of Washington has a proud history of inclusivity, tolerance and compassion for all residents. Our diversity of people and cultures is a critical part of who we are, both as a state and as a nation. The pride, joy and determination of Special Olympics athletes embody that spirit,” said Washington Gov. Inslee. “I am proud to welcome athletes, their coaches and families to the 2018 Games.” Brad Smith, President, Microsoft “For more than five decades, the Special Olympics USA Games has made a huge difference in the lives of people with intellectual disabilities,” said Microsoft President Brad Smith. “As employers, one important issue that we can help address, in the spirit of these Games, is to create and encourage inclusive hiring practices that will help reduce the unemployment rate in this community.” Beth Knox, CEO, Special Olympics USA Games “There are still opportunities for more businesses to show their support through contributions, Opening Ceremony ticket sales or providing in-kind support,” said Beth Knox, Special Olympics USA Games CEO. “Our athletes and families are thrilled to be a part of it.” Tom Harkin, U.S. Senator (Retired), Iowa “I commend Microsoft for its leadership in creating a ‘region of inclusion’ for the Special Olympics USA Games this summer in Seattle,” said Sen. Tom Harkin. “This sets the stage for a ‘global inclusion,’ especially in employment. Lead On!” Christine Gregoire, Challenge Seattle CEO and Former Governor, Washington “We’re thrilled to support the 2018 Special Olympics USA Games and welcome athletes from around the nation to the Seattle region,” said Challenge Seattle CEO and former Washington Gov. Christine Gregoire. “Here, we embrace diversity, innovation and creativity — fueling dreams and changing the world.” Ana Mari Cauce, President, University of Washington “It’s truly exciting to see our region have real conversations about empowerment,” said Ana Mari Cauce, president, University of Washington. “From groundbreaking research to internships for people on the autism spectrum, the UW is committed to inclusive education and career pathways for people with disabilities, and we are honored to host the Special Olympics hiring fair in July.” Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. For more information, press only: Microsoft Media Relations, WE Communications, (425) 638-7777, rrt@we-worldwide.com  Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://news.microsoft.com. 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://news.microsoft.com/microsoft-public-relations-contacts.

Microsoft to acquire GitHub for $7.5 billion

Microsoft Corp. on Monday announced it has reached an agreement to acquire GitHub, the world’s leading software development platform where more than 28 million developers learn, share and collaborate to create the future. Together, the two companies will empower developers to achieve more at every stage of the development lifecycle, accelerate enterprise use of GitHub, and bring Microsoft’s developer tools and services to new audiences.

“Microsoft is a developer-first company, and by joining forces with GitHub we strengthen our commitment to developer freedom, openness and innovation,” said Satya Nadella, CEO, Microsoft. “We recognize the community responsibility we take on with this agreement and will do our best work to empower every developer to build, innovate and solve the world’s most pressing challenges.” Under the terms of the agreement, Microsoft will acquire GitHub for $7.5 billion in Microsoft stock. Subject to customary closing conditions and completion of regulatory review, the acquisition is expected to close by the end of the calendar year. GitHub will retain its developer-first ethos and will operate independently to provide an open platform for all developers in all industries. Developers will continue to be able to use the programming languages, tools and operating systems of their choice for their projects — and will still be able to deploy their code to any operating system, any cloud and any device. Microsoft Corporate Vice President Nat Friedman, founder of Xamarin and an open source veteran, will assume the role of GitHub CEO. GitHub’s current CEO, Chris Wanstrath, will become a Microsoft technical fellow, reporting to Executive Vice President Scott Guthrie, to work on strategic software initiatives. “I’m extremely proud of what GitHub and our community have accomplished over the past decade, and I can’t wait to see what lies ahead. The future of software development is bright, and I’m thrilled to be joining forces with Microsoft to help make it a reality,” Wanstrath said. “Their focus on developers lines up perfectly with our own, and their scale, tools and global cloud will play a huge role in making GitHub even more valuable for developers everywhere.” Today, every company is becoming a software company and developers are at the center of digital transformation; they drive business processes and functions across organizations from customer service and HR to marketing and IT. And the choices these developers make will increasingly determine value creation and growth across every industry. GitHub is home for modern developers and the world’s most popular destination for open source projects and software innovation. The platform hosts a growing network of developers in nearly every country representing more than 1.5 million companies across healthcare, manufacturing, technology, financial services, retail and more. Upon closing, Microsoft expects GitHub’s financials to be reported as part of the Intelligent Cloud segment. Microsoft expects the acquisition will be accretive to operating income in fiscal year 2020 on a non-GAAP basis, and to have minimal dilution of less than 1 percent to earnings per share in fiscal years 2019 and 2020 on a non-GAAP basis, based on the expected close time frame. Non-GAAP excludes expected impact of purchase accounting adjustments, as well as integration and transaction-related expenses. An incremental share buyback, beyond Microsoft’s recent historical quarterly pace, is expected to offset stock consideration paid within six months after closing. Microsoft will use a portion of the remaining ~$30 billion of its current share repurchase authorization for the purchase. Simpson Thacher & Bartlett LLP is acting as legal advisor to Microsoft. Morgan Stanley is acting as exclusive financial advisor to GitHub, while Fenwick & West LLP is acting as its legal advisor. Media & Analyst Conference Call Nadella, Friedman, Wanstrath and Microsoft Chief Financial Officer Amy Hood will host a joint conference call for media today, June 4, 2018, at 7 a.m. Pacific/10 a.m. Eastern to discuss this transaction. The call will be available to international callers at +1 (201) 689-8023 (no password required), to U.S. callers at (877) 407-0666 (no password required), or via webcast at https://edge.media-server.com/m6/p/eudfciq3 at that time. More information is available on http://news.microsoft.com. Additional details will be available when the acquisition closes. About GitHub GitHub is the developer company. We make it easier for developers to be developers: to work together, to solve challenging problems, to create the world’s most important technologies. We foster a collaborative community that can come together — as individuals and in teams — to create the future of software and make a difference in the world. About Microsoft Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. For more information, press only: Microsoft Media Relations, WE Communications, (425) 638-7777, rrt@we-worldwide.com  Forward looking statements This press release contains forward-looking statements, which are any predictions, projections or other statements about future events based on current expectations and assumptions that are subject to risks and uncertainties. The potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, that the expected financial and other benefits from the GitHub transaction may not be realized, including because of: the risk that the transaction may not be completed in a timely manner or at all; any restrictions or limitations imposed by regulatory authorities; the impact of the acquisition on GitHub’s developer community and enterprise customers; the extent to which we achieve anticipated financial and buyback targets; the impact of management and organizational changes on GitHub’s business; the impact on GitHub employees and our ability to retain key personnel; our effectiveness in integrating the GitHub platform and operations with Microsoft’s business; and our ability to realize our broader strategic and operating objectives. Actual results may differ materially from the forward-looking statements because of these and other risks and uncertainties of our business, which are described in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission (“SEC”), including our Forms 10-K and 10-Q. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made. Readers are cautioned not to put undue reliance on forward-looking statements, and Microsoft undertakes no duty to update any forward-looking statement to conform the statement to actual results or changes in the company’s expectations. Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://news.microsoft.com. 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://news.microsoft.com/microsoft-public-relations-contacts.

Microsoft brings intelligent cloud, intelligent edge vision to life at Computex Taipei

0

Wednesday at Computex Taipei, Microsoft Corp. underscored its commitment to the partner ecosystem and announced new programs and a new category of intelligent devices, designed to take advantage of a digitally connected world and drive new growth and opportunity for the industry. At the event, Microsoft shared how the era of the intelligent cloud and intelligent edge will usher in the next phase of innovation and create a broad portfolio of devices that will blend more naturally into people’s lives.

Nick Parker, corporate vice president, Consumer and Device Sales, showcased how Microsoft is bringing the industry together to build the intelligent cloud and intelligent edge, delivering new experiences and solutions not previously possible. “For Microsoft, it’s more than just screens and devices; it’s about creating services and experiences with technology that support ambitions and aspirations,” Parker said. Imagine the devices and experiences we can create with ubiquitous computing, infused with AI and connected to the cloud. This is such an incredible time for the industry.” Parker was joined on stage by Roanne Sones, corporate vice president, Platforms, who announced a new partner community for the intelligent edge, a new category of Windows 10 devices called Windows Collaboration Displays and a new offering with Windows 10 IoT Core Services. New programs to help build the intelligent edge The intelligent cloud and intelligent edge will offer a new world of possibilities for the industry to deliver more flexible and custom experiences for everyone, whether a thermostat in a smart home or an interactive display in a smart office. In addition to modern devices from leading partners, Sones shared news and momentum in areas including these:
  • New intelligent edge partner community: To accelerate innovation in this new era we invite all our partners to join our intelligent edge partner community. The community will help partners connect with one another to identify opportunities to collaborate on technology innovation and achieve shared business goals. In addition, community members will be able to participate in trainings and community events, and can participate in early adopter programs that provide access to documentation, specs, OS builds and certification details. Those wanting to sign up should visit http://microsoft.com/intelligentedge.
  • Windows IoT core services: Microsoft revealed a new service offering that will enable partners to commercialize a secure IoT device, backed by industry-leading support. The service offering helps make it easier to manage updates for the OS, apps, settings and OEM-specific files; includes Device Health Attestation (DHA); and is backed with 10 years of support. More about the service offering can be found on the Windows blog.
A new category of devices: Windows Collaboration Displays Microsoft 365 brings together Office 365, Windows 10 and Enterprise Mobility + Security that delivers a complete, intelligent and secure solution to empower employees. It’s a global productivity platform that enables multisense, multidevice experiences that put people at the center for both work and life. People around the world already use the power of Microsoft 365 across PCs, tablets, phones and other devices from our partners to work how, when and where they want. Along with its partner ecosystem, Microsoft announced new opportunities to bring Microsoft 365 experiences to life through a new category of devices called Windows Collaboration Displays. These new devices allow users to experience Microsoft 365 collaboration tools, Office, Teams and Whiteboard, at room scale. A variety of Collaboration Displays from Sharp and Avocor will be available later this year. Microsoft at Computex Visitors to Computex Taipei can view the new Windows 10 devices and IoT solutions at the Microsoft Booth, on the 4th floor of the NanGang Exhibition Hall, L Area #0110. The show is open June 5–9. Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT” @microsoft) enables digital transformation for the era of an intelligent cloud and an intelligent edge. Its mission is to empower every person and every organization on the planet to achieve more. For more information, press only: Rapid Response Team, WE Communications, (425) 638-7777, rrt@we-worldwide.com Note to editors: For more information, news and perspectives from Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft News Center at http://news.microsoft.com. 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://news.microsoft.com/microsoft-public-relations-contacts.