HPC in the Cloud: Dow Chemical, Hyatt Hotels and University of Georgia Board Microsoft's Cloud

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July 29, 2010

Dow Chemical, Hyatt Hotels and University of Georgia Board Microsoft's Cloud

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REDMOND, Wash., July 29, 2010 -- The Dow Chemical Co., Hyatt Hotels & Resorts, and the University of Georgia have each selected Microsoft cloud solutions, Microsoft announced today at the start of the company's annual Financial Analyst Meeting.

"The Microsoft cloud services ecosystem creates new opportunities for our customers," Microsoft Chief Operating Officer Kevin Turner said. "It opens up new markets for businesses, improves operational efficiency and productivity, and transforms what IT can deliver to advance business goals."

With this announcement, Dow Chemical, Hyatt and the University of Georgia join the thousands of businesses and government entities representing millions of people that have purchased Microsoft's online productivity services. Customers include 13 of the top 20 global telecom firms, 15 of the top 20 global banks, and 16 of the top 20 global pharmaceutical companies. In addition, more than 10,000 customers in more than 40 countries have chosen the Windows Azure platform in just nine months. More than 10,000 schools in more than 130 countries have enrolled in Microsoft's Live@edu cloud-based service, serving 11 million students, staffers and educators worldwide.

Dow Chemical

Dow Chemical is moving enterprise users to Microsoft's cloud-based collaboration offering (Microsoft Business Productivity Online Suite), including Microsoft Exchange Online, Microsoft Office Communications Online and SharePoint Online. Dow selected Microsoft for its flexibility, enterprise security and reliability.

"Microsoft's experience and expertise in the cloud were key factors in our decision to adopt Microsoft Online Services," said Mack Murrell, vice president of Information Systems at Dow. "Our implementation requirements and business model were unique, and we are confident that Microsoft will deliver a solution to fit our specific needs."

Hyatt Hotels & Resorts

Hyatt Hotels & Resorts also purchased Microsoft's cloud-based Business Productivity Online Suite for approximately 17,000 individuals working at Hyatt's corporate office and Hyatt properties in traditional information-worker roles. In addition, Hyatt purchased licenses for 40,000 "deskless" associates who work in the hotel chain's U.S., Canada and Caribbean locations without access to a PC full time.

"Many people working in our hotels aren't available full time at their desks, but still need access to the same e-mail, instant messaging and other collaboration tools as the rest of our employees," said Mike Blake, CIO at Hyatt Hotels & Resorts. "The flexibility of Microsoft's cloud services allows us to maximize our productivity, helping us focus on those activities that are most critical, such as strengthening guest relationships, generating new revenue streams and improving operations."

University of Georgia

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