SALT helps Microsoft brand multiple new security initiatives

July 2006 – Microsoft® announces multiple new security initiatives to protect consumers, businesses, and enterprise customers from the aggressive attacks, viruses, and hacks that have become a reality of today’s technological world. SALT® Branding has developed the branding for some of these key security solutions including Windows Live™ OneCare™, Windows® Defender, and Microsoft Forefront™.

Since 2001, SALT has partnered with Microsoft in the development of its branding strategy – completing over 175 projects including brand positioning, architecture, naming, messaging, design, and communications for a wide range of offerings. Windows Vista™, Windows Mobile®, Office InfoPath® and Office One Note®, Windows Server System™, the Microsoft Executive Circle program and new initiatives in emerging markets like Windows Starter Edition and Microsoft FlexGo technology powering pay-as-you-go and subscription PC models. However, none of these offerings are meaningful unless users’ PCs are healthy and properly maintained.

“Microsoft is the #1 target for many of the worst hackers out there,” said David Neugebauer, Principal at SALT Branding. “Microsoft is continually upgrading its systems and software to provide its customers with effective ways to defend their computers against these malicious attacks. It’s not just Microsoft they are hurting, it’s their users. At the end of the day, it’s my photos, my music and my e-mail that are affected,” said Neugebauer. “SALT is glad to be helping them clearly brand these solutions so that both consumers and business customers can take better protection of their valuable information.”

Microsoft Forefront is a comprehensive line of enterprise-strength business security products that provides greater protection and control through integration with existing I.T. infrastructure and simplified deployment, management, and analysis. Visit http://www.microsoft.com/Forefront/default.mspx for more information.

Windows Defender is a free anti-spyware program that delivers real-time protection to your computer against pop-ups, slow performance, and security threats to minimize interruptions and helps you stay productive. Visit http://www.microsoft.com/athome/security/spyware/software/default.mspx for more information.

Windows Live OneCare is an all-in-one, always-on PC care service for consumers. It also goes beyond security, with regular backups helping it run at top speed. Visit http://www.windowsonecare.com/

Microsoft is helping its customers to understand the value of security as productively as possible. SALT is helping them to streamline their brand in a way that is easy to understand and simple to remember.

About SALT
SALT is a full-service branding, design, and communications company that helps build leading brands. With its distinctively practical mindset, SALT provides a full range of integrated branding services including brand strategy, naming, design, communications, advertising, and corporate culture. SALT has developed leading brands and programs for a diverse set of companies ranging from Fortune 500s to VC-funded start-ups, including Avaya, Bank of Hawaii, Coca-Cola, Disney, EMBARQ, Fatbrain, Genentech, Glu Mobile, Microsoft, Mobile365, Nissan, Palm, Sprint, Wellpoint, Wi-Fi, and Xerox. SALT – the essential ingredient for branding leaders.

For more information on SALT, please contact:

Paul Parkin
SALT Branding
415.616.1506
paul@saltbranding.com