Customer Spotlight: Microsoft Enterprise Software Supports NEC's VUKUNET Advertising Platform

REDMOND, Wash., Oct. 21 /PRNewswire/ -- NEC Display Solutions of America Inc., a leading provider of commercial LCD display and projector solutions, is using Microsoft Corp.'s enterprise-ready software platform to support its VUKUNET digital signage ad-serving engine. VUKUNET is a scalable, Web-based platform that allows advertisers to connect with customers through digital place-based advertising, increasing the effectiveness of ad campaigns and revenues of the networks hosting the ads.

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Microsoft is supporting NEC's VUKUNET through its mission-critical enterprise software platform, including Windows Server, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft.NET, Microsoft Silverlight, security and mapping software, and user interface tools. Project Leadership Associates, a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, provided development services for the rollout of the platform.

"Microsoft offered a great end-to-end solution with trusted resources at every stage, from development to rollout to post-implementation support," said Pierre Richer, president and chief operating officer of NEC Display. "Now, with VUKUNET, advertisers can realize more value for their efforts on a reliable Web-based platform. It will change the landscape of the advertising industry."

NEC's VUKUNET platform automates the manual processes that make up the traditional ad campaign, including identifying potential ad networks, delivery of ad content and reporting impressions. Digital out-of-home advertising is considered difficult to plan and buy by the agency community because of the lack of audience measurement, compliance and campaign metrics. Now with VUKUNET, both digital signage network operators and advertisers have an automated ad-serving platform. The platform is a universal ad scheduling, playback and reporting engine. Microsoft was the ideal choice for VUKUNET's software platform of choice, particularly related to Microsoft's performance, scalability and support.

"By using Microsoft's mission-critical enterprise solutions, NEC was able to see reduced effort, time and expense in the development of its VUKUNET platform," said Eugene Saburi, general manager of Application Platform Marketing team, Microsoft. "We were very excited to partner with NEC on this innovative industry solution."

Those who want to learn more about how VUKUNET is using Microsoft enterprise solutions can view a video case study, titled "NEC Digital Advertising Powered by Microsoft," at http://www.microsoft.com/casestudies/Case_Study_Detail.aspx?CaseStudyID=4000006543.

About VUKUNET

VUKUNET, powered by NEC Display Solutions of America, is the universal advertising engine that connects digital out-of-home networks with ad revenue. VUKUNET is a web-based platform that provides a centralized, automated place for network owners to connect their screens to advertisers looking to place their digital ads. For additional information about VUKUNET, visit www.vukunet.com or call 877-805-VUKU. For VUKUNET logos and digital images, please visit http://www.vukunet.com/PressResources.aspx.

About NEC Display Solutions of America, Inc.

Headquartered in Itasca, Ill., NEC Display Solutions of America, Inc., is a leading designer and provider of innovative desktop LCD monitors, commercial- and professional-grade large-screen LCD displays, a diverse line of multimedia and digital cinema projectors, and integrated display solutions. NEC Display Solutions develops leading-edge visual technology and customer-focused solutions for a wide variety of markets, including enterprise, healthcare, education and digital signage. For additional information about NEC Display Solutions of America monitors, consumers can call (866) NEC-MORE, or visit the website at www.necdisplay.com. For digital images, please visit http://www.necdisplay.com/products/digitalmedialibrary/.

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.

SOURCE Microsoft Corp.