Mondadori Chooses Microsoft Reader for Debut of eBooks for the Italian Language Market / Mondadori to Offer CD-Based Product and Titles on the New Mondadori eBo

FRANKFURT, Germany (PROTEXT) - Today at the Frankfurt BookFair, Arnoldo Mondadori Editore SpA and Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq:MSFT) announced that Mondadori will create and distribute eBooksfor the launch of the Microsoft(R) Reader Italian languageversion. Mondadori will create an eBook CD with an initialcollection of eBook titles, together with the Italian version ofMicrosoft Reader for distribution with its most popularmagazines. These and other titles will also be downloadable fromthe Web via a new "eBookstore" that will be created as part ofMondadori's overall Internet offering athttp://www.mondadori.com/ . Mondadori believes that its cooperation with Microsoft tojointly create and deploy an Italian language market for eBooksrepresents an important step for its global strategy in the newInternet business. This technology, in fact, will enableMondadori to take advantage of a new way to provide content,creating a business model that uses the Internet not only as anefficient and dispersed distribution channel, but also as a wayto substantially expand its core publishing business. Microsoft Reader is a new PC software application designed todeliver an on-screen computer reading experience that, for thefirst time, approaches the quality of reading on paper. MicrosoftReader is the first product to include ClearType(TM) displaytechnology, a Microsoft innovation that greatly improves fontresolution on LCD screens for users of Microsoft Windows(R)operating system-based desktop or laptop PCs as well as dedicatedreading devices. In addition to incorporating the latestClearType technology, Microsoft Reader incorporates thetraditions and benefits of fine typography and design. Itprovides a clean, uncluttered display; ample margins; fulljustification; proper spacing, leading and kerning; and powerfultools for book marking, highlighting and annotation. It alsoincludes a built-in dictionary as well as a library that canstore and manage a large collection of books and other documents. "Microsoft Reader provides a powerful platform foraccelerating the growth of eBooks in our target markets," saidGualtiero Rudella, director of Business Development at Mondadori."We are excited about extending our expertise in both traditionalpublishing and Internet-based publishing and distribution to theworld of eBooks." "Mondadori's participation in our eBook product launch helpsensure that a broad range of eBooks will be available whenMicrosoft Reader is released for the Italian language market,"said Dick Brass, vice president of Technology Development atMicrosoft. "eBooks are a worldwide phenomenon and havingMondadori titles available both on CD and via the Web will opennew opportunities to sell Italian language eBooks on a worldwidebasis." Microsoft Reader is scheduled to be available early next yearin English, with support for other languages soon thereafter.Pricing for the Mondadori CD and online eBooks has not yet beenannounced. Additional information on the Mondadori eBookstore Website will be announced soon. About Mondadori Arnoldo Mondadori Editore SpA (traded at the Milan StockMarket) is Italy's leading publisher and one of Europe's leadingpublishing groups. Established in 1907, the company has played acrucial role in the cultural development of Italy, from itsfoundation to the present day. The business areas of the companyfall into five categories: books, magazines and advertising,printing, direct marketing computer publishing, and new media. Inrecent years, the company has also been active in reinforcing itsstrength in all publishing sectors through acquisitions. About Microsoft Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in softwarefor personal computers. The company offers a wide range ofproducts and services for business and personal use, eachdesigned with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyablefor people to take advantage of the full power of personalcomputing every day. NOTE: Microsoft, ClearType and Windows are either registeredtrademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United Statesand/or other countries. Other product and company names hereinmay be trademarks of their respective owners. ots Original TextService: Microsoft Corp. Internet: http://www.newsaktuell.deContact: Ann Junod Burkart, 408-986-1140, or annjb@wagged.com, orRapid Response Team, 503-443-7000, rrt@wagged.com, both ofWaggener Edstrom, for Microsoft Corp. Web site:http://www.mondadori.com Web site: http://www.microsoft.com

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