Accenture, Avanade and Microsoft to Build Integrated Broadcast System for MediaCorp; Accenture and Avanade Team to Develop Multi-Tier Service Oriented Architecture System Featuring Microsoft Connected Services Framework.

SINGAPORE -- Accenture (NYSE: ACN), Avanade and Microsoft today announced that they have been selected to design and build an integrated broadcast system to support MediaCorp, Singapore's largest broadcaster and a leading media company in Asia.

Accenture, which is leading the project, is teaming with Avanade to design and deploy a scalable and open- standard-based solution featuring Microsoft Connected Services Framework, a software solution that enables broadcast companies and film studios to create, deploy, integrate and manage services. The work at MediaCorp will streamline many of the company's core business processes including program planning, scheduling, airtime sales and finance processes into one integrated system, which will support all of MediaCorp's television businesses. The system will support nine channels and be used by more than 1,200 employees.

The new system will include, among other things, a unified grid for programs and advertisement and automated workflow. Once the system is in place, MediaCorp users within different groups and departments will be able to share information, work together more effectively and react more quickly to the changing needs of the business, giving the company a competitive advantage in how they do business.

"As one of the region's most established broadcasters, we need to be prepared to take advantage of new opportunities," said Henry Lim, MediaCorp deputy group chief executive office (Group Services). "By working with Accenture, Avanade and Microsoft and our internal IT teams, we are building a solution that will leverage our capabilities to support the current and future needs of our television businesses."

"We have been working with MediaCorp to develop a solution that effectively migrates its core business processes onto one unified platform," said Robert Chew, a partner in Accenture's Media & Entertainment practice. "We evaluated multiple options to implement the system and development platforms. Based on that assessment we designed an application blueprint based on Microsoft .NET. The platform will be highly scalable, giving MediaCorp the flexibility and control to integrate other, future processes such as digital asset management, editing services, and new content delivery channels."

"We chose a service oriented architecture to manage MediaCorp's investment in technology," said Jack Chiam, MediaCorp chief information officer. "The media industry is transforming. Digitization is rapidly changing the business dynamics of yesterday's television. A strong and scalable information system becomes a requirement for MediaCorp to embrace digital media and benefit from its growth in the future."

To deliver the Integrated Broadcast System, Accenture will team with Avanade, combining its business and media industry experience with Avanade's technical expertise in Microsoft technologies. Accenture and Avanade will build the Integrated Broadcast System using Microsoft.

"MediaCorp's business lies in the successful management, distribution, and consumption of content," said Maria Martinez, corporate vice president of the Communications Sector at Microsoft Corp. "As the world's first terrestrial broadcaster to adopt Connected Services Framework, MediaCorp is helping to demonstrate Microsoft's knowledge of the key business drivers in the broadcast industry, and more importantly, how to translate that knowledge into solutions that enable broadcasters to work efficiently, increase revenues, and expand and retain audiences."

About MediaCorp

With 70 years of radio (1936) and 43 years of television (1963) experience, MediaCorp features prominently in the development of Singapore's broadcasting history. As Singapore's largest broadcaster, MediaCorp offers a complete range of media businesses: TV, Radio, Entertainment Productions, Movie Productions, Newspapers, Magazines, Electronic Media and other broadcasting services. It is committed to service excellence in the media industry and to remaining as The Choice in Singapore and the region. For more information, please visit www.mediacorp.com.sg.

About Accenture

Accenture is a global management consulting, technology services and outsourcing company. Committed to delivering innovation, Accenture collaborates with its clients to help them become high-performance businesses and governments. With deep industry and business process expertise, broad global resources and a proven track record, Accenture can mobilize the right people, skills and technologies to help clients improve their performance. With more than 129,000 people in 48 countries, the company generated net revenues of US$15.55 billion for the fiscal year ended Aug. 31, 2005. Its home page is www.accenture.com.

About Avanade

Avanade is the leading technology integrator specializing in the Microsoft enterprise platform. Our people help customers around the world maximize their IT investment and create comprehensive solutions that drive business results. Avanade Asia is a wholly-owned subsidiary of Avanade, Inc. based in Seattle, WA. Please visit www.avanade.com for additional information.

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.