Futuremark Develops Performance Analysis Tools for
Microsoft Windows Vista
Futuremark, creators of world's most widely used benchmarks for PCs and
handhelds, today announced they have signed a deal with Microsoft Corp (NASDAQ
"MSFT"). The contract covers online services and performance analysis tools in
support of Microsoft Windows XP and the upcoming Windows Vista operating
systems. Financial details related to the venture have not been disclosed.
Futuremark currently provides online services for Microsoft, including the
highly successful Windows Game Advisor. The new contract continues provision of
the current online services and will expand the offering with a new web
application that has yet to be announced. Futuremark will also independently be
developing comparative performance tools for use on Windows Vista.
Futuremark has been providing benchmarking tools for the PC market since
1997, leveraging that experience and IP in their web based performance analysis
services. Game Advisor, first launched in 2003, utilizes Futuremark's core
competency in system comparisons and their database of system performance
profiles. The service has furnished millions of consumers with free, real time
system compatibility for hundreds of 3D game titles, and makes hardware upgrade
recommendations based on individual title requirements. Microsoft has worked
with game publishers, and PC manufacturers to populate the Futuremark managed
service.
The deal announced today ensures further development of Game Advisor, along
with expanding services to new application areas within the Windows Marketplace
"As a leader in benchmarking and professional performance analysis tools, and a
well-known brand among 3D gaming enthusiasts - especially the 3DMark suite of
tools --, Futuremark was a natural choice for Microsoft to partner with on the
Game Advisor." Mike Wehrs, director of business development, at Microsoft
said.
"We are proud of our growing relationship with Microsoft, and extremely
pleased to expand it through this mutually beneficial deal" said Tero Sarkkinen,
Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing for Futuremark. "Our current
services are a great value for Microsoft and the global community of active and
casual gamers alike. We're excited to furnish those services in new markets and
participate in the much anticipated release of Windows Vista."
About Futuremark(r) Corporation
Futuremark (r) Corporation is the leading
provider of performance analysis software and services for PCs and smartphones.
Futuremark(r) is known around the world for its benchmark products, including
the 3DMark(r) and PCMark(r) Series and SPMark(tm) (with more than 30 million
copies distributed worldwide) and value-added services powered by a database of
over 13 million real life benchmarking results from over 3 million registered
users. Futuremark(r) maintains offices in Saratoga, California and Helsinki,
Finland. For more information, please visit http://www.futuremark.com.
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