Hate them or love them, those who make up the Microsoft Corporation seem to constantly be in the media. Although the company is usually receiving criticism for what many consider having a death hold on the technology market, Microsoft has a softer side.
The company sells product upon product to consumers, but it also offers free
tools as well. The newest addition to these tools is the updated Windows Live. This version provides consumers with online tools to communicate worldwide via PC or mobile device. The set of services consists of free PC applications connected to services offered over the Internet. One download allows consumers to choose which Windows Live applications they want, while keeping these applications up to date.
“Today we take a significant step forward in helping consumers simplify their digital lives,” Chris Jones, corporate vice president of Windows Live Experience Program Management at Microsoft, said. “With over 400 million customers using the service today, we have a real opportunity to help consumers connect their online experiences, devices and networks in new and powerful ways.”
This is an example of some good PR for the corporation, yet it gets better. While building strong relationships with its customers, Microsoft also partnered with Operation Smile for the launch.
Operation Smile is a non-profit organization that provides services to young children who have facial deformities. Medical procedures and supplies are donated to those in less fortunate and poor countries. The organization has numerous celebrity supporters including Jessica Simpson, Billy Bush and Donald Trump Jr.
The corporation wants people to share smiles throughout the world using the Windows Live services. Consumers can upload smiling pictures using the online tools and for every picture uploaded using the software, Microsoft will donate a portion of its advertising revenue for November and December to the organization.
People can go to the Windows Live Web site to upload and share their smiles, and potentially have them featured on the Web site. People in New York and Los Angeles had the opportunity to participate in person by attending two events on Nov. 6 and 7 at the South Street Seaport in New York and the Hollywood & Highland Center in Los Angeles.
Philanthropy always equals good public relations for any corporation and Microsoft is getting in on the action. It is managing to build and maintain relationships with its consumers, while gaining the positive media coverage any company desires.
Photos courtesy of Microsoft and Operation Smile.
Effective PR 101 