PORTOROZ, Slovenia, May 14 /PRNewswire/ --

- Microsoft is helping the EEA to inform Europeans on changes to environmental conditions in real time - and empowering citizens to play their part in data gathering.

Today, the European Environment Agency (EEA) and Microsoft Corp announced a new five-year alliance to develop a world-leading online portal, bringing environmental information to more than 500 million citizens across Europe. The alliance with Microsoft is among the first steps in the EEA's broader vision and strategy to build a Global Observatory for Environmental Change. The Observatory will be a readily available resource for experts, policy-makers and individuals -- and will allow citizens to submit local data -- delivering an ever-more detailed, accurate and up-to-date picture of environmental conditions throughout Europe.

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Reliable and timely information is vital for making informed personal and policy decisions relating to the fight against climate change and adverse environmental conditions. By improving the availability of information, the EEA aims to better enable policy-makers and citizens to make decisions about the environment and their impact on it. As well as enhancing the availability and presentation of data, the observatory will augment data collection, allowing citizens and non-governmental organisations to play a greater role in gathering environmental information from across the continent. It could also evolve to include real-time satellite information for emergency relief services, as well as for other environmental operations. Microsoft is providing development services to help the EEA extend the focus on important environmental factors that include air, ozone and water quality information.

"To sustain the improvements in the environment made over the past few decades, everyone needs to be involved and understand the consequences and impact of their actions," said Professor Jacqueline McGlade, executive director of the EEA. "The only way to do this is by reaching out to the widest audience. This collaboration with Microsoft is a groundbreaking approach to bring environmental information to as many people as possible."

Environmental sustainability is a longstanding commitment at Microsoft and involves working with groups that have a global perspective and reach, including the EEA. The Observatory project will help further that commitment to improve social and environmental conditions across Europe and promote responsible environmental practices across a range of industries and regions.

"Global partnerships with organisations, such as the EEA, to address environmental issues worldwide represent one key area of Microsoft's overall environmental sustainability strategy," said Jan Muehlfeit, chairman, Microsoft Europe. "Combating climate change is a critical challenge facing all governments, and Microsoft is honoured to be working with the EEA to find ways where the power of software can be part of the solution."

The EEA and Microsoft are developing an internet portal offering access to information by location and allowing for search criteria based on local environmental monitoring agencies. The data will be updated in real time in a comprehensive manner. Users will also be able to access the information through Windows Live and MSN.

"Microsoft continues to explore ways to help solve environmental issues through technology leadership and innovation, and global partnerships. Our collaboration with the EEA is one example of this commitment," said Rob Bernard, chief environmental strategist for Microsoft. "We believe that the combination of real-time information coming from the network of sensors coupled with the analytical and visualization power of software will provide the EEA with a better understanding of our environment. We are excited and honoured to be partnering with the EEA in helping drive global change for the environment."

The alliance between the EEA and Microsoft is part of a broader effort to empower all European citizens by giving them up-to-date information, allowing them to take appropriate action when necessary.

About the European Environment Agency

The European Environment Agency is the EU body dedicated to providing sound, independent information on the environment. The agency aims to achieve significant and measurable improvements in Europe's environment through the provision of timely, targeted, relevant and reliable information to policy-makers and the public.

To find out more about the EEA, visit: http://www.eea.europa.eu.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.

About Microsoft EMEA (Europe, Middle East and Africa)

Microsoft has operated in EMEA since 1982. In the region Microsoft employs more than 16,000 people in over 64 subsidiaries, delivering products and services in more than 139 countries and territories.

This material is for informational purposes only. Microsoft Corp disclaims all warranties and conditions with regard to use of the material for other purposes. Microsoft Corp shall not, at any time, be liable for any special, direct, indirect or consequential damages, whether in an action of contract, negligence or other action arising out of or in connection with the use or performance of the material. Nothing herein should be construed as constituting any kind of warranty.

Web site: http://www.microsoft.com

Gulcin Karadeniz of EEA, +45-23-68-36-53, gulcin.karadeniz@eea.europa.edu; or Jeff Sharpe, +44-207-632-3800, jeffs@waggeneredstrom.com, or Microsoft EMEA Response Centre, emearesponse@waggeneredstrom.com, both of Waggener Edstrom Worldwide for Microsoft Corp ; NOTE TO EDITORS: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft in EMEA, please visit http://www.microsoft.com/emea or the EMEA Press Centre at http://www.microsoft.com/emea/presscentre. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at the time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact the appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/emea/presscentre/contactus.mspx. If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft Corp, please visit the Microsoft web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft's corporate information pages. ; Photo: NewsCom: http://www.newscom.com/cgi-bin/prnh/20000822/MSFTLOGO, AP Archive: http://photoarchive.ap.org, PRN Photo Desk, photodesk@prnewswire.com