For Immediate Release
Media Inquiries: Sarah Malpeli
SMITH
(941) 315-1226
smalpeli@smithadv.com

SMITH NAMED PREFERRED VENDOR FOR MICROSOFT CORPORATION EXECUTES PRODUCT BRAND POSITIONING FOR SOFTWARE LEADER

FAYETTEVILLE, N.C. (Oct. 09, 2007)—SMITH, a fully-integrated advertising and marketing agency with offices in Raleigh and Fayetteville, North Carolina, and Sarasota, Florida, has been contracted as a preferred vendor by Microsoft to serve as a consumer brand strategy agency. Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

SMITH was hired to assist Microsoft in the interpretation of consumer research results, refine target audiences for product roll outs and promotions and identify the most effective brand and marketing positions for several of Microsoft’s online consumer products. As a result of being named a preferred vendor with the corporation, SMITH can be contracted on an on-going basis to assist on projects as needed.

SMITH began strategy work on the first project at the end of 2006 and continued through summer 2007. The work included consultation on consumer research conducted in New York and Chicago. Results of the SMITH brand positioning work will be reflected in new Microsoft campaigns scheduled to launch in the 3rd and 4th quarters of 2007.

ABOUT SMITH
SMITH is an advertising and marketing agency driven by discovering what makes people who they are and what motivates their decisions, and then planning strategic communications accordingly. Headquartered in Fayetteville, N.C., the 33-year-old firm has offices in Raleigh, N.C. and Sarasota, Fla., offering fully-integrated services that include brand development, account planning, marketing research, interactive services and public relations. SMITH’s clients include regional, national and global companies in travel and tourism, healthcare, consumer products, real estate and financial services. The SMITH team has honed its planning and creative skills on blue-chip and Fortune 500 brands including Hershey, BMW, Coca-Cola, ESPN, WebMD, Bank of America, Deutsche Bank and American Express, as well as leading travel destinations such as Hilton Head Island, Pinehurst, Augusta, Sarasota, and Asheville. SMITH is also a corporate partner and the agency of record for the Southeast Tourism Society. For more information on SMITH, call (800) 421-1973 ext. 3107 or visit www.smithadv.com.