Updates for New Daylight Savings Hours

Microsoft Provides Updates for New Daylight Savings Hours
Users with older computers and businesses encouraged to check their IT systems

AUCKLAND, New Zealand — September 11, 2007 — Microsoft New Zealand has made available a number of updates to allow Microsoft software to handle the upcoming changes to New Zealand Daylight Savings. From 30 September 2007, clocks will go forward by an hour one week earlier than previously, on the last Sunday in September, and go back an hour on the first Sunday in April, instead of the third Sunday in March.

Unless certain updates are applied, the time zone settings for a computer's system clock and any calendar and scheduling applications may be incorrect during the three-week transition period. In addition to calendar appointments, the changeover could affect supply chain deliveries, customer billing periods or scheduled data backups.

For the majority of home Windows users, such as those using Microsoft Windows XP (with Service Pack 2) and Windows Vista with automatic updates enabled, updates were included as part of a Windows Update download in late August and should require no additional action by the user.

For older versions of Windows, users will be able to download Microsoft’s free Windows Time Zone Editor to change their settings or change the time manually each year themselves from www.microsoft.co.nz/timezone. Windows 2000, Windows NT, Windows 98 and Windows 95 are no longer actively supported by Microsoft. However, business users of Windows 2000 and Windows NT will be able to purchase Custom Support and Extended Hotfix Support Agreements if desired.

Microsoft recommends that businesses contact their IT support team for advice on any updates to Microsoft and non-Microsoft software. Microsoft Windows is not the only software affected by this change, as many other software products keep their own clocks and schedules.

Microsoft is providing a combination of downloadable upgrades and guidance for all currently supported versions of Microsoft products that are likely to be affected and have timekeeping or scheduling functions. This includes Windows, Exchange Server, Sharepoint, Dynamics Customer Relationship Management software, Windows Mobile and more. For details of the particular versions supported, users should visit www.microsoft.co.nz/timezone.

About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq “MSFT”) is the worldwide leader in software, services and solutions that help people and businesses realise their full potential.

ENDS

© Scoop Media