Microsoft Corp. today announced expansion of its end-user intellectual property (IP) protection policy to cover customers using a wide range of current and earlier versions of its software, such as the Windows Server System (TM) (including Microsoft SQL Server (TM) and Exchange Server), Microsoft� Office System and the Windows� client software. This change expands the company's already strong commitment to volume licensing customers by extending the same level of protection to other end users.

"Customers have repeatedly told us that protection from IP claims is a fundamental issue of risk management and is essential for their IT solutions," said Kevin Johnson, group vice president of the Worldwide Sales, Marketing and Services Group at Microsoft. "Our message to customers is clear: We stand behind you, and we stand behind our software."

To address customer questions and communicate the benefits of Microsoft's IP protection, Microsoft will begin an advertising campaign supported by independent third-party analysis. Additional information on Microsoft's expanded IP protection offering can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/getthefacts, or a direct link to the terms of the corporate policy can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/indemnification.