Customer Spotlight: Windows 7 Platform to Push the Boundaries of Innovation for 3M

REDMOND, Wash., Nov. 1, 2010 /PRNewswire/ -- Microsoft Corp. today reported that 3M has deployed Windows 7 to nearly 7,000 of its 75,000 employees and plans a complete rollout over the next three years to help employees be more productive and IT resources be more efficient.

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As a leading innovative company that produces products across diverse markets, 3M needed an operating system that allowed its employees to be productive, while at the same time tightening network security and reducing costs of PC management. Since deployment, 3M management has reported a sizeable decrease in computer startup time, greater ease in navigating on the company's computers at work, advanced data protection and a lower cost of compliance. In addition, the new operating system deployment has enabled a shift in how 3M employees view the company's IT efforts.

"Before we even started our system upgrade, a growing number of our employees already had Windows 7 on their home computers," said 3M Director of Global IT Infrastructure John Turner. "Once they saw how much easier Windows 7 is to use in their personal lives, they wanted to see those same improvements on the job as well. With Windows 7, we have seen increases in performance and improved user experience. PC startup time has decreased by 10 percent versus our legacy Windows platform."

"3M and Microsoft share a history of responding to customer needs through outstanding products," said Rich Reynolds, general manager for the Windows Commercial Group at Microsoft. "We know we've succeeded when a world-class company like 3M tells us they're saving money, improving security and improving employee satisfaction with Windows 7."

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SOURCE Microsoft Corp.