Win Xbox Kinect Prizes on Excel’s 25th Anniversary by Sharing Your Experiences

When Microsoft first introduced Excel 25 years ago, the solution was designed to offer customers data processing capabilities ahead of anything else.

Obviously, Excel has evolved consistent over the past quarter century, and although number crunching functionality is still at its core, the modern Office component is equipped to do much more.

Microsoft has put together a video of Excel’s evolution from the 80s until present day which users can watch embedded at the bottom of this article.

It’s a great quick look at just how far the software giant managed to take Excel, and in a sense it’s a preview of the component’s future, with additional work being poured constantly into pushing it to the next level.

But the Redmond company is doing a tad more when it comes down to celebrating Excel’s 25th birthday.

The Redmond company just told me about a new Excel contest it launched on Facebook. Essentially, Microsoft wants your Excel memories and is willing to offer Kinect for Xbox 360 and the actual console as prizes for the best stories that customers will decide to share.

Those interested in participating need only head over to the Microsoft Excel page on Facebook, select the contest tab and then Like Excel in order to enter the competition.

“Tell us your favorite Excel memory - Hint: Whether you've used Excel to weigh the pros/cons of the girl you were dating in the 90s or how Excel helped you become a millionaire, all memories are welcome. It's up to you,” Microsoft stated.

The software giant underlines that the contest is opened only to United States residents.

“Throughout the challenge Entry Period, entries will be posted in an online gallery on the application webpage for public voting. Fans of the Excel Facebook Community will have the opportunity to view and vote for their favorite entry.

“Voting will close at 11:59 PM PT on January 31, 2011. Limit: Each individual may vote one (1) time per entry throughout the challenge Entry Period. The top (2) entries that receive the highest number of votes will be the potential winners. Winners will be announced on the Excel Facebook page around February 4, 2011,” the company explained.

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