REDMOND, Wash., Jan. 10 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- Microsoft Corp. today announced that Target Corp., the nation's second-largest discount general merchandise retailer, will adopt Microsoft(R) .NET Framework- based technologies within its 1,400 stores in 47 U.S. states. Target will migrate its systems within each store to the Microsoft .NET Framework 2.0, Windows Server(TM) 2003 and Microsoft SQL Server(TM) 2005, core technologies that deliver on the Microsoft Smarter Retailing strategy for connecting people, information, systems and devices.

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"Microsoft technologies can help us drive down costs through a simplified architecture and easier-to-use development tools," said Janet Schalk, chief information officer at Target. "These cost savings will enable us to invest in additional innovations that will enhance the store experience for our guests."

"We selected Microsoft .NET Framework-based technologies to allow us the ease of integration, flexibility, reliability and manageability required for our existing systems, with the scalability to meet our future plans for growth, innovation and use of consumer technologies," said Steven Stephan, director of store development at Target.

Target's decision to build solutions on the .NET Framework 2.0, Windows Server 2003 and SQL Server 2005 is a great example of Microsoft Smarter Retailing, an initiative designed to help retailers improve how they sell and operate. At the core of Smarter Retailing is a technology architecture that consists of the interoperability and integration advantages of the .NET Framework combined with standards-based software products that have been designed and built to tightly integrate with each other, eliminating the need for a complex services model and allowing retailers to focus on the issues that drive value.

"Target has shown great thought leadership in how it approaches technology to better meet its business needs, while at the same time building the foundation that will allow for future changes and enhancements," said Brian Scott, vice president for the Retail & Hospitality Industry Unit at Microsoft. "Through integrated .NET Framework-based applications and a flexible technology platform, Target will be well-equipped to get the full use out of its current technology investments and continue to maximize their potential as it grows."

Microsoft provides technologies to Target in other key operational and customer-facing areas as well.

About Microsoft Smarter Retailing

Microsoft Smarter Retailing helps retailers win today by leveraging current investments, and win tomorrow by easing delivery of new retail experiences. Consisting of Smarter Shopping, Smarter Selling and Smarter Operations, Microsoft Smarter Retailing is designed to close the loop between the retailer's strategy, the in-store execution and familiar technologies already in the consumer's hands. More information can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/smartretail .

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

NOTE: Microsoft and Windows Server are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.

CONTACT: Laurie Woichik, +1-425-201-2037, or lwoichik@ssk.com, or Gannon
Weeks, +1-425-201-2062, or gweeks@ssk.com, both of SS+K, for Microsoft

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