Microsoft Corp. announced it has begun the global rollout of the new Microsoft� Small Business Center, a Web site that will focus on serving the needs of small-business customers as part of its mission to deliver unparalleled support to this segment. The Microsoft Small Business Center reflects a unified, global strategy to help small-business customers easily access the resources and support they need to improve their business operations and enhance communication with their partners and suppliers. The global rollout began earlier this month with Australia, Japan, Canada, Spain and the United Kingdom and will be extended to France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands and the United States. Each country will make its own launch announcement in the second half of 2004.

The Microsoft Small Business Center will provide a single site online, based on the customer's location, where customers can get tailored business information and advice on how to run their business more effectively, receive information on customer support options, and learn about the right Microsoft products and solutions for their needs.