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PORTO SALVO, Portugal, Oct. 3 /PRNewswire-FirstCall/ -- The government of Portugal and Microsoft Corp. today signed an agreement to help accelerate technology adoption in education with the international launch of the Microsoft Magellan Learning Suite. In support of the Portuguese government's "e-Escolinhas" program, Microsoft has developed a comprehensive suite of software, training, content, services and support for the Magellan, an affordable portable computer for primary and junior high school students made in Portugal.

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Portuguese Prime Minister Jose Socrates and Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer announced significant Microsoft investment in the Magellan Initiative through the Microsoft Unlimited Potential program, Microsoft's commitment to make technology more affordable, relevant and accessible for the 5 billion people around the world who do not yet enjoy its benefits. The launch of the Microsoft Magellan Learning Suite draws on the involvement and expertise of the Portuguese government and the technology industry, including Carlos Zorrinho, coordinator of the Technological Plan in Portugal, a far- reaching initiative by the government to provide Portuguese citizens with the latest technology to support their participation in a knowledge-based economy.

"With the Magellan computer and the massive introduction of ICTs in the Portuguese education system, for the first time a whole generation will grow up to have strong English and ICT skills," said Jose Socrates, prime minister of Portugal. "This new generation will be better prepared and able to contribute more to the modernization and development of Portugal. Furthermore, with the Magellan initiative, a PC will be introduced in many homes for the first time, thus also strongly contributing to overcoming info-exclusion in general."

"Providing students with access to technology and educational opportunities that will enable them to thrive in the knowledge economy is critical to the future success of every community," Ballmer said.