Microsoft Is Playing on Both Sides of the American Electoral Front

In what is without a doubt a politically correct move from Microsoft, the Redmond giant has announced that it will attempt to marry its technology with politics for the upcoming Democratic and Republican national conventions in 2008. In the constant race for votes, both Democrats and Republicans have turned to Microsoft for on-location and web-based solutions designed to bring in as many voters as possible. In this context, the software giant promised the intimate integration of some of its products with both conventions, including Windows Server Active Directory, Exchange Server 2007, Office SharePoint Server, Office Communications Server and Office Live Meeting.

"As we've seen throughout the primary season, technology is playing an increasingly critical role in the electoral process. Microsoft will help ensure that both parties' delegates are able to take full advantage of the benefits that today's technologies offer," revealed Brad Smith, Microsoft's senior vice president and general counsel.

Microsoft is no stranger to playing on both sides of the American electoral front. In fact, back in 2004, the Redmond giant has helped build the technology infrastructure for the Democratic and Republican national conventions. And in this context, the company is simply stepping up its political game this year.

For example, Microsoft Surface will be the technological focus at the Republican National Convention in Minneapolis between September 1 - 4, where Microsoft is Official Technology Provider. Similarly, having the role of Official Software and HD Web Content Provider for the 2008 Democratic National Convention between Aug. 25 and 28 in Denver, Microsoft has cooked a customized web-based experience centered on Silverlight.

"This time around, we are supplying both parties with some very innovative technology, such as interactive displays, portable music players and high-definition video streaming," added Joel Cherkis, general manger of Government Solutions for Microsoft.