On the eve of Microsoft Corp.'s annual Tech•Ed 2004 conference, Microsoft announced the top contenders in two competitions that recognize technological innovations created by the student developer and IT professional community. At a judging exhibition held today at the University of California at San Diego, three U.S. finalists for the Imagine Cup 2004 software design invitational were chosen, including the first-place team from the University of California at Los Angeles, which will head to the worldwide finals in São Paolo, Brazil, in July. In addition, Microsoft recognized winners of the Windows Server (TM) 2003 Challenge, a worldwide contest designed to recognize customers that cut costs and improved efficiencies in their business by building innovative solutions with Windows Server 2003 and Windows Server System (TM) .

"The Imagine Cup is an opportunity for students worldwide to showcase their creativity, knowledge and technical expertise to the world," said Morris Sim, senior director of the Academic and Developer Community Group in the Servers and Tools Division at Microsoft. "These students' achievements are truly inspiring, and the caliber of competition is high this year. We wish Team USA well at the worldwide finals next month."