Under the terms of the deal, Microsoft’s software and cloud product services, such as Windows 7, Microsoft Office 2010, Windows Server, SQL Server, SharePoint Server and SharePoint Online, will be available to the tournament’s key stakeholders. Microsoft Silverlight technology will also offer a content distribution system for fans watching online.
Other official sponsors of the tournament include Brancott Estate, Toshiba and Land Rover while Emirates Airline, MasterCard, Heineken, ANZ, DHL and Société Générale are worldwide partners. The competition will run from September 9 to October 23 in New Zealand.
“The appointment of a world leader in the software and technology field further underlines the enormous attraction and prestige of the tournament in the global sporting calendar,” said Bernard Lapasset, chairman of Rugby World Cup Limited and president of the International Rugby Board.
Paul Muckleston, managing director of Microsoft New Zealand, added: “Rugby World Cup 2011 is set to be the biggest international sporting event in New Zealand’s history, from both an economic and tourism point of view. The number of international visitors anticipated to attend the tournament means as Kiwis this is our chance to showcase our country. Microsoft is very proud and excited to be involved.”
