Microsoft Corp. today announced that the newest version of its popular team collaboration and next-generation file management technology, Microsoft� Windows� SharePoint� Services, is helping companies such as Children�s Hospital and Regional Medical Center of Seattle and TALX Corp. in St. Louis see dramatic increases in their information worker productivity, customer retention and sales � all while enabling IT managers to gain better control over the complexities and costs involved with managing intranet sites. Delivered as part of the Windows Server� 2003 set of technologies and available today to customers of Windows Server 2003, Windows SharePoint Services provides collaborative workspaces for intranet and extranet communities, enabling teams of workers to more easily access and share information than with traditional file servers.

TALX provides data-centric services that automate traditional paper-based human resource and payroll functions for more than 65 percent of the Fortune 500. The company recognized that the right collaboration solution would be critical in helping to fully capitalize on and transfer knowledge throughout the entire organization. Following recent acquisitions, TALX deployed Windows SharePoint Services beta 2 to every employee and saw a significant productivity increase � as much as 20 percent on some teams. Windows SharePoint Services has been integral in enabling TALX to expand its suite of services, number of employees and client base while increasing customer service.