Microsoft Corp. today announced the release of Microsoft� Outlook� 2001 for Mac to the Web for download. As the premier messaging and collaboration client for Macintosh computers accessing Microsoft Exchange Server-based e-mail and collaboration services, Outlook 2001 for Mac helps organizations be more productive. Outlook 2001 enables users of Microsoft Outlook to easily communicate and share information across the Macintosh and Microsoft Windows� operating systems.

"Macintosh users can now interact seamlessly with millions of Outlook users worldwide," said Kevin Browne, general manager of the Macintosh Business Unit at Microsoft. "By enabling both Mac and Windows-based users to communicate, share contacts, schedule meetings and more, we've broken down yet another barrier to help our customers perform better and get faster results."

Outlook 2001 for Mac uses the same data format as Outlook for Windows. Mac users can now access shared contacts and files in public folders and view the calendars of other users. Outlook 2001 takes advantage of key Apple technologies and the unique capabilities of the Mac operating system. Outlook 2001 has a user interface that is visually appealing and easy to use for Macintosh users, with a familiar Finder interface, menus, toolbars and preferences. Outlook 2001 for Mac is available in English, French, German and Japanese versions, and can be downloaded beginning today.