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Microsoft partners with Vancity

Microsoft Canada announces relationship with Vancity to provide cutting-edge security information to help fight fraud

Canada’s largest credit union leverages Microsoft-based security tools to post important security information to its credit union members

Mississauga, ON, October 25, 2005 – Microsoft Canada Co. today announced a relationship with Vancouver City Savings Credit Union (Vancity) to provide Vancity members with cutting-edge security information on their website, in what is the first time a Canadian company has coupled with Microsoft’s security technology unit to offer this type of information.

Founded in 1945, Vancity is Canada’s largest credit union with more than 312,000 members and 43 branches throughout Greater Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and Victoria. Vancity is helping its members reap the benefits of Microsoft-based security tools by giving them access to information on how to help protect themselves, their personal information and their families.

By linking to Microsoft’s site, Vancity will now be able to provide members with advice on updating and maintaining PC security, defending themselves against viruses and worms and helping to protect personal information online.

“We take our members’ personal information and the security of that information extremely seriously,” says Geordie Cree, Vancity Security. “Our goal is to offer information that can make a positive difference in their lives by helping them protect themselves and we believe that Microsoft is the perfect company to provide the most relevant information out there.”

With more than $10.5 billion in assets, Vancity has branches in Greater Vancouver and Vancouver Island and owns Citizens Bank of Canada which serves members across the country by telephone, ATM, and the Internet. Overall, one of the organization’s primary goals is to ensure the security and privacy of its members’ information. Working with Microsoft, Vancity can now provide members with leading edge security and fraud prevention tools.

“We are thrilled to work with Vancity to help offer its members an up-to-date security arsenal,” said Derick Wong, Senior Security Product Manager, Microsoft Canada. “Security is a top priority for Microsoft and we are committed to working with organizations such as Vancity to help PC users remain safe and protected.”

About Microsoft Canada

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. Microsoft Canada is headquartered in Mississauga, Ontario with MSN.CA offices located in Toronto and eight 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.

About Vancouver City Savings Credit Union (Vancity)

Vancity is Canada’s largest credit union, with $10.5 billion in assets, more than 312,000 members, and 43 branches throughout Greater Vancouver, the Fraser Valley and Victoria. Vancity was chosen as the best place to work in Canada for 2005 by Maclean’s Magazine as part of its annual Canada’s Top 100 Employers issue. Vancity owns Citizens Bank of Canada, serving members across the country by telephone, ATM, and the Internet. Both Vancity and Citizens Bank are guided by a commitment to corporate social responsibility, and to helping members and communities thrive and prosper. www.vancity.com


For more information, please contact:

Sharon Lassman
High Road Communications
416.368.8348 ext. 261
slassman@highroad.com

©2005 Microsoft Corporation. Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.