Deliver Your News to the World

Microsoft Announces Long-Term Technology and Service Agreement with Group O, a Hispanic-Owned Company


WEBWIRE

May 31, 2006

REDMOND, Wash. — Microsoft Corp. and Group O Companies are announcing a long-term technology and services agreement for Group O to provide marketing, consumer and managed services for Microsoft Worldwide Operations. Microsoft selected Group O based on its strong management team, record of outstanding customer service, and accomplishments in technology leadership.

“Group O is one of only two suppliers worldwide that have been selected to be part of Microsoft’s M2V2 program,” said Tim McBride, director of Global Procurement at Microsoft. “M2V2 is designed to accelerate the growth of world-class companies in alliance with Microsoft and is intended to build the next generation of billion-dollar enterprises.”

Group O is a privately held Hispanic-owned firm based in Milan, Ill., specializing in rebates, call center, application development, printing, mailing, packaging and business process outsourcing services, with 1,200 employees and annual revenues of $240 million.

“Group O has an exceptional focus on customer service with a proven, world-class ability to execute for the most demanding customers,” McBride said. “Group O is an outstanding partner by any measure.”

Minority- and women-owned businesses are an increasingly critical part of the economic health of the United States. Microsoft is committed to engaging them as suppliers, revenue partners and strategic partners. During the past several years, that commitment has become more pronounced and visible. Microsoft has established resources to invest in minority- and women-owned businesses with which Microsoft does business, with a goal of ensuring these vendors have the ability to sell to Microsoft while at the same time decreasing the cost of goods and services to Microsoft.

About Group O Companies

Group O Companies was started in 1974 by Robert Ontiveros and is now nationally recognized as a leading provider of packaging, printing, rebates and BPO services. With over 1,200 employees and 11 locations, Group O is truly an innovator in providing cost effective, technology driven solutions to Fortune 500 companies. More information about Group O’s products and services is available at http://www.groupo.com.

About Microsoft

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

Microsoft is a registered trademark 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.

Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft® Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. Web links, telephone numbers and titles were correct at time of publication, but may since have changed. For additional assistance, journalists and analysts may contact Microsoft’s Rapid Response Team or other appropriate contacts listed at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/contactpr.mspx.



WebWireID14704





This news content was configured by WebWire editorial staff. Linking is permitted.

News Release Distribution and Press Release Distribution Services Provided by WebWire.