PRODUCT SEGMENTS

Our product segments provide management with a comprehensive financial view of our key businesses. The segments provide a framework for the alignment of strategies and objectives across the development, sales, marketing, and services organizations, and for the timely and rational allocation of development, sales, marketing, and services resources within businesses. The segments also help focus strategic planning efforts on key objectives and initiatives across our broad businesses.

Due to our integrated business structure, operating costs included in one segment may benefit other segments. Therefore, these segments are not designed to measure operating income or loss that is directly related to the products included in each segment. Inter-segment cost commissions are estimated by management and used to compensate or charge each segment for such shared costs and to motivate shared effort. Due to our integrated business structure, segments should not be viewed as discrete or easily separable businesses.

Our seven product segments are: Client; Server and Tools; Information Worker; Microsoft Business Solutions; MSN; Mobile and Embedded Devices; and Home and Entertainment. See Note 18 – Segment Information of the Notes to Financial Statements for financial information regarding segment reporting.

Client.     The Microsoft Windows operating system integrates a wide range of applications, services and hardware in a familiar way, enabling people and organizations to use technology with ease and confidence. The Client segment has overall responsibility for product delivery, engineering, and technical architecture for the Windows product family, and our relationships with personal computer manufacturers, including multinational and regional original equipment manufacturer (OEM) accounts. The segment includes sales and marketing expenses for the Windows Client operating system and product development efforts for the Windows platform. Client revenue growth is correlated with the growth of purchases of personal computers (PCs) from OEMs that pre-install versions of Windows operating systems because the OEM channel accounts for over 80% of total Client revenue.

The Client segment includes Windows XP and other standard Windows operating systems. Windows XP extends the personal computing experience by uniting PCs, devices, and services, while enhancing reliability, security, and performance. With emerging form factors such as the Tablet PC and Media Center, and with investments in technology such as Windows Media, the Windows PC continues to evolve with innovations that enable people to use computers in more ways and in more places.

Windows XP Home Edition is designed for individuals or families and includes capabilities for digital photos, music, and video, home networking, and communications. Windows XP Professional, designed for business users and people who demand the most from their computing experience, includes all the features of Home Edition, along with advanced security, performance, manageability, and multilingual features to help customers improve their productivity and connectivity. Windows XP 64-Bit Edition meets the demands of specialized technical workstation users. Retail sales and marketing of pre-packaged units of Client products occurs through the Home and Entertainment segment.

The next generation of the Windows operating system, Windows Vista, is currently under development. This development phase represents a significant investment for the Client business and we expect that this will result in the most manageable and powerful operating system product ever released by Microsoft for both our business and consumer markets. While features and functions have not been finalized, Windows Vista will include significant advances in security, digital media, user interfaces, and other areas that are expected to enhance the user and developer experience. We are targeting broad availability of this operating system for the first half of fiscal year 2007.

Server and Tools.     The Server and Tools segment develops and markets Windows Server System products, including Windows Server operating systems. Windows Server System is integrated server infrastructure software that is designed to support end-to-end software applications and tools built on the Windows Server 2003 operating system. In addition, the segment provides information to developers and information technology (IT) professionals about the extended Microsoft platform through a variety of content offerings, such as Web-based training. Through this segment, we offer a broad range of consulting services for advanced technology requirements, including custom solution services, enterprise application planning, architecture and design services, and proof-of-concept services. We also provide product support services to corporations and other large customers. The Server and Tools segment also includes: developer tools, training, and certification; Microsoft Press; the Enterprise and Partner Group, which is responsible for sales, partner management and partner programs for the enterprise business; and the Public Sector sales and marketing organization.

Products in Server and Tools provide a wide range of capabilities that include messaging and collaboration, database management, e-commerce, and mobile information access. These products are designed to work seamlessly with one another and with advances in applications and development tools. This architecture is designed to help simplify the design, development, deployment, and management of software applications and tools so that customers can focus less on integrating systems and training users, and more on adding strategic value to their businesses. Windows Server System also readily integrates with customers’ existing non-Microsoft systems, through support for open standards such as HTTP and XML, and through on-going support for XML-based Web services.

Windows Server delivers a platform for powering connected applications, networks, and Web services from the work group to the data center. SQL Server is a relational database management system for rapidly delivering the next generation of scalable e-commerce, line-of-business, and data-warehousing solutions. Exchange Server, a business tool for e-mail collaboration and messaging, enables information workers to gain access to critical business communications. Systems Management Server (SMS) provides a comprehensive solution for change and configuration management of information systems that enables organizations to provide relevant software and updates to users quickly and cost-effectively. Small Business Server helps small businesses do more with a business server solution that includes messaging and collaboration, security-enhanced Internet access, protected data storage, reliable printing, the ability to run line-of-business applications, and faxing. BizTalk Server is designed to help customers efficiently and effectively integrate systems, employees, and trading partners through manageable business processes, enabling them to automate and orchestrate interactions in a flexible and highly automated manner. Developer tools focus on coordinating the overall programming model for the client and server and creating tools for developing Microsoft .NET-connected applications and services. During fiscal year 2006, Server and Tools plans to release major updates of several products, including new versions of SQL Server, Visual Studio and BizTalk Server, and the beta version of the next generation of Windows Server.

Server and Tools uses multiple distribution channels including pre-installed OEM versions, licenses through partners, and licenses directly to end customers. The licenses are sold both as one-time licenses and as multi-year licenses depending upon the needs of different customer segments. Approximately 50% of Server revenue comes from multi-year licensing agreements, 40% is purchased through fully packaged product and transactional volume licensing programs, and 10% comes from licenses sold to OEMs.

Information Worker.     The Information Worker segment is responsible for developing and delivering software solutions that enable organizations to meet core objectives by empowering their people to transform information into impact. These solutions are an important part of an organization’s application architecture, enabling them to respond more effectively to new opportunities and challenges through more effective use of their people and information.

The Information Worker segment has expanded its focus beyond personal productivity to look at how people interact with the flow of information in an organization. Doing so has provided the opportunity to deliver more value to small, medium, and large organizations and in home, student, and teacher segments through software and software-based services.

The most recent wave of Microsoft Office offerings, released to market in the first half of fiscal year 2004, represents an evolution from a suite of personal productivity products to a more comprehensive and integrated system of programs, servers, and services designed to increase personal, team, and organization productivity. The Microsoft Office system includes the Microsoft Office 2003 Editions, which include (depending upon the edition): Microsoft Office Outlook 2003; Microsoft Office Excel 2003; Microsoft Office PowerPoint 2003; Microsoft Office Word 2003; Microsoft Office Access 2003; Microsoft Office InfoPath 2003; and Microsoft Office Publisher 2003. Other products in the Microsoft Office System include: Microsoft Office Visio 2003; Microsoft Office Project 2003; Microsoft Office Project Server 2003; Microsoft Office OneNote 2003; Microsoft Office FrontPage 2003; Microsoft Office Live Communications Server 2005; Microsoft Office Live Meeting 2005; Microsoft Office Communicator 2005; and Microsoft Office SharePoint Portal Server 2003. The Information Worker business also offers Virtual Office, an ad hoc, peer-to-peer collaboration solution.

Historically, approximately 40% of Information Worker billed revenue comes from multi-year license agreements with large enterprises. Revenues from these licenses generally depend upon the number of information workers in a licensed enterprise. Therefore, our revenue from this category of agreements is relatively independent of the number of PCs sold in a given year, but rather depends on the number of employees in a given enterprise. Consequently, general employment levels, particularly in North America and Europe, Middle East, and Africa, significantly affect Information Worker revenue. Approximately 40% of Information Worker revenue comes from new licenses acquired through fully packaged product and transactional volume licensing programs to individual consumers and enterprises of all sizes. Most of this revenue is sensitive to information technology budgets, which often depend on general economic conditions. The remaining approximately 20% of Information Worker revenue is from licenses to OEMs for new PCs and through sales of retail packaged products and is affected by the relative level of PC shipments.

The Information Worker segment releases most products in a “wave” approach, with a major release every 24-36 months. New products and investment areas will occasionally fall outside of the wave cycle. In fiscal year 2006, the Information Worker segment will release solutions outside of the next wave of products in business intelligence, small business accounting, and real time communications, while also preparing the sales team, partners, and customers for the next full wave of products, code named Office 12, due for release during the first half of fiscal year 2007.

Microsoft Business Solutions.     The Microsoft Business Solutions segment is responsible for developing and marketing offerings to manage financial, customer relationship and supply chain management functions for small and midsize businesses, large organizations and divisions of global enterprises. Delivered through a global network of channel partners providing vertical solutions and specialized services, these integrated, adaptable business solutions work like and with familiar Microsoft software to streamline processes across an entire business. Microsoft Business Solutions now includes the Small and Mid-Market Solutions & Partners (SMS&P) organization, which previously had been included in Information Worker. SMS&P supports small and mid-market customers for all Microsoft products and services.

Microsoft Business Solutions focuses on providing continuous innovation that integrates with solutions across Microsoft Office, Windows Server System and other Microsoft tools and technologies, and that provides rich functionality with high adaptability at lower costs. The solutions are designed to be easy to use and empower people to be more productive. As a result of our platform approach, the business solutions category enables a broad ecosystem of vertical partners and independent software vendors that offer tailored functionality to our target customers.

The segment consists of Line of Business Solutions to manage financial management and supply chain management functions (Microsoft Great Plains, Microsoft Navision, Microsoft Solomon and Microsoft Axapta); solutions to manage customer relationships (Microsoft CRM); vertical solutions for small and midsized retailers (Microsoft Point of Sale and Microsoft Retail Management System); and other business applications and services including the Microsoft Partner Program. The Business Solutions R&D team also develops Office Small Business Accounting and Business Contact Manager for Outlook, which are marketed by Information Worker.

In fiscal year 2006, Microsoft Business Solutions will release upgrades and/or updates to its core line of business solutions including releases for Microsoft CRM, Microsoft Axapta, Microsoft Great Plains, Microsoft Navision and Microsoft Solomon. These releases will focus on user experience, web services, contextual business intelligence, and portals that interoperate with other Microsoft technologies.

MSN.     MSN is responsible for delivering online services that seek to empower users by bringing them closer to the people and information that matter most to them. MSN provides personal communications services, such as e-mail and instant messaging, and information services such as MSN Search and the MSN portals and channels around the world. MSN manages many of its own properties, including health, autos, and shopping. MSN also creates alliances with leading third parties for many channels, including top partners like MSNBC.com, a joint venture between NBC Universal and Microsoft; Foxsports.com, a property of Fox Entertainment Group; Expedia.com; Match.com, an operating unit of InterActiveCorp; and CareerBuilder.com. MSN provides a variety of paid solutions including MSN Internet Access, Premium Web Services (consisting of MSN Internet Software Subscription, MSN Hotmail Plus, MSN Bill Pay, and MSN Radio Plus), and MSN Mobile services.

The segment generates revenue primarily from advertisers on MSN, from consumers and partners, through subscriptions and transactions, and from subscribers to MSN narrowband Internet access. According to studies performed by Nielsen Net Ratings and comScore Media Metrix, MSN Web sites are among the most popular on the Internet, visited by more than 420 million unique users every month. MSN Hotmail is one of the world’s largest e-mail services with more than 205 million accounts, and MSN Messenger is one of the world’s largest instant-messaging services with more than 175 million accounts. MSN also provides a variety of paid solutions including MSN Internet Access and MSN Premium Web Services.

Mobile and Embedded Devices.     The Mobile and Embedded Devices segment is responsible for the development and marketing of products that extend the advantages of the Windows platform to many types of devices, including mobile devices that incorporate voice, personal information management, and media capabilities, and a wide variety of other devices designed to improve people’s personal and work lives. Microsoft’s vision for mobile devices is rooted in the convergence of the computing and wireless industries, which brings new opportunities to improve communication and information access for customers. We see software as a key differentiator in making smart devices and wireless data services valuable to customers through rich experiences such as mobile messaging, location-based services, media, and speech recognition. We are working closely with mobile operators, and hardware and software partners to accelerate the development and availability of smart devices and services, and to provide a broad range of choices for customers. The segment is also responsible for managing our company-wide sales and customer relations with mobile device manufacturers, and with host and network equipment and service providers, including telecommunications and cable and wireless companies.

The segment consists of the Windows Mobile software platform, the Windows Embedded device operating system family, MapPoint, and Windows Automotive. The Windows Mobile software platform provides a familiar and integrated customer experience that is the basis for specific devices like the Pocket PC, Pocket PC Phone Edition, Smartphone, and Portable Media Center. Windows Embedded, including Windows CE, Windows XP Embedded, and Windows XP Embedded for Point of Service, is a family of embedded device software platforms used in non-PC computing devices. Windows Embedded software is used widely in advanced consumer electronics devices, including digital televisions, Internet Protocol (IP)-based set top boxes, network gateways, and portable media players, and in enterprise devices such as industrial controllers, retail point-of-sale systems, and voice-over-IP phones. The MapPoint family of location-enabled products and services includes the MapPoint Web Service, a hosted programmable XML Web service that allows developers to integrate location intelligence in applications, business processes and Web sites, and business and consumer oriented mapping CD-ROM products. Windows Automotive is an automotive-grade software platform that provides developers with the building blocks to quickly and reliably create a broad range of advanced telematics solutions for vehicles. In fiscal year 2006, Mobile and Embedded Devices expects to release added functionality to the Windows Mobile 5.0 platform through the Microsoft Enterprise Feature Pack and the Exchange Service Pack 2.

Effective July 1, 2005, functions related to MapPoint in Mobile and Embedded Devices have been moved to MSN. This reorganization will result in a corresponding change to the Mobile and Embedded Devices and MSN reported results.

Home and Entertainment.     The Home and Entertainment segment is responsible for development, production, and marketing for the Xbox video game system, including hardware, third-party games, games published under the Microsoft label, Xbox and Xbox Live operations, marketing, research, and sales and support. The segment also leads the development efforts of our Home Products Division (HPD) product lines. In addition, it carries out all retail sales and marketing for Microsoft Office (for which it receives an inter-segment commission), the Windows operating systems, Xbox, PC games, and HPD products. It is also responsible for the development, sales, and deployment of Microsoft’s TV platform products for the interactive television industry.

Microsoft Xbox, released in fiscal year 2002, is a video game console system that delivers high-quality graphics and audio experiences. Xbox 360, unveiled in May 2005, is our next-generation video game and entertainment system that we expect to be available in the first half of fiscal year 2006 in Europe, Japan and North America. In addition to Xbox, we offer several types of entertainment products, including PC software games, online games, and console games. HPD includes Microsoft’s line of consumer software and hardware products, such as the Encarta line of learning products and services, application software for Macintosh computers, the Works productivity suite, and Microsoft PC hardware products such as mice, keyboards, and game controllers. The MSTV group develops the MSTV Foundation Edition and Internet Protocol TV (IPTV) products.