WebSite Malaysia.Net

The year-end holiday season has always been about spending some quality time with the family. It is also the only period in the year where everything work-related slows down to a grinding halt as everyone prepares for Christmas and the grand celebrations of the New Year.

In conjunction with these festivities, Microsoft launched its first-ever, multi-pronged global consumer campaign themed "It´s a Great Time To Be A Family".

Taking place in 35 markets worldwide, it focuses on how the power of technology can help families get together for some holiday cheer.

For Malaysia, Microsoft has created a local campaign that consist of TV commercials, viral videos and its first-ever custom TV programme, all of which are designed to remind Malaysians that the holiday season is all about family.

"Technology, through countless ways, has shaped and changed our lives. We at Microsoft develop such technologies that enable people to push the boundaries of possibility, inspire them to pursue great things, help connect to people and things that matter most, and, most importantly, create joy for all," said Ananth Lazarus, Managing Director of Microsoft Malaysia. To achieve all this, Microsoft Malaysia´s year-end campaign kicks off with a custom TV programme called ´Windows to My Family´ featuring NTV7´s Naz who, with the help of Fly FM´s very own techie, Ben, learns how he could ue Microsoft´s innovation to be better connected with his family.

The show has been airing on TV since the beginning of December.

Complementing the programme is Microsoft Malaysia´s viral video campaign that it has embarked on with acclaimed film producer Pete Teo. The theme of this video series is similar to the show on NTV7.

"I commend Microsoft´s enthusiasm in communicating the importance of keeping families together. Amid talks of technology being dehumanising, people often forget that it is a tool - and like any other tool, we make of it what we will. It´s great to see this sort of initiative on how IT can help users connect with their loved ones in a meaningful manner," added Teo.

Spicing things up further, Microsoft Malaysia is currently running its ´Great Family Time Contest´ where participants simply have to count the number of family members in a picture and send in an entry with any purchase of Windows 7 or Office 2010. Prizes include a Grand Livina and family trips among others. The contest runs from October 15 2011 until January 15 2012.