Microsoft and Ford Join FiRe 2012 as Silver Partners

FRIDAY HARBOR, WA--(Marketwire - May 18, 2012) - Ford and Microsoft joined Strategic News Service as a Future in Review (FiRe) 2012 Silver Partner this week. The sponsorship reflects the companies' shared commitment to creating a better-connected car experience through the Ford SYNC software platform in select Ford and Lincoln vehicles. FiRe, an annual technology conference now in its 10th year, brings together a tight-knit community of global thought leaders to discuss emerging markets, global problems, and technology-based solutions.

"We are delighted to have the top global team in our 'Car Computing' category joining us for FiRe X. We consider Ford to be the hands-down leader in implementing advanced technology in the automotive world, and we are deeply aware of Microsoft's core position in providing a technology platform that enables drivers and passengers to easily and safely interact with the system. I have no doubt that, together, they will provide our group with the most advanced understanding of the future of technology in the automotive sector," said Mark Anderson, FiRe Chair and SNS CEO.

Recognizing the shift in consumer technology, Ford and Microsoft joined forces in 2007 to bring the vision for an affordable, easy to use in-car system to life, giving consumers the ability to combine their digital lifestyle with their life on the road. The Ford SYNC software platform is one of the first in-car technologies in the world that seamlessly blends the latest in consumer electronics with the functionality of a vehicle. Futurists from both companies will be speaking at the FiRe Conference.

Ford Motor Company, a global automotive industry leader based in Dearborn, Mich., manufactures or distributes automobiles across six continents. With about 166,000 employees and about 70 plants worldwide, the company's automotive brands include Ford and Lincoln. The company provides financial services through Ford Motor Credit Company. Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ: MSFT) is the worldwide leader in software services and solutions that help people and businesses realize their full potential.

The Strategic News Service provides a weekly online newsletter predicting global trends in technology and economics. It is the most accurate publicly-graded predictive newsletter covering the computer and telecom industries. Recent calls include the 2007 global economic meltdown, the emergence of "Currency Wars" and of "Economic Cyberwar," together with increasing global IP theft by China, among other major global trends. SNS is delivered each week to a subscriber base of C-level global technology and finance executives, and to thought leaders in technology, science and economics.

It is also the host of Future in Review (FiRe). FiRe attendees convene each year with the goal of solving major world problems; a goal that is consistently met through FiRe's collaboration across disparate industries and the intellectual and strategic guidance of FiRe Chair and SNS CEO, Mark Anderson. Future in Review 2012 will take place May 22-25^th at the beautiful Montage Resort in Laguna Beach, California. The Economist has called FiRe "The best technology conference in the world."

To register and learn more, visit www.futureinreview.com.

Strategic News Service was founded by Mark Anderson in 1995 as the first paid online news service. Since its inception, SNS has proven the most accurate predictive newsletter covering the computer and telecom industries. Its subscribers include top managers at technology companies across the globe, including Microsoft, Dell, HP, Cisco, Intel, Sun, Google, Telstra, Orange and others.

SNS has been operating the annual FiRe Conference for ten years. The Economist calls FiRe "the best technology conference in the world." FiRe exposes world experts and participants to new ideas, producing an accurate portrait of the future and focuses on creating technology solutions to current local and global problems. FiRe 2012 will take place May 22-25, 2012 at the Montage in Laguna Beach, CA. For more information go to www.futureinreview.com.

Future in Review™ is a Strategic News Service™ conference. Future in Review^TM, and Strategic News Service™ are registered international trademarks. The SNS newsletter is the most accurate publicly ranked predictive newsletter in computing and communications.

Websites: www.stratnews.com, www.futureinreview.com, www.futureinreview.com/global/wc