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Microsoft visits MSCTC
Published 12:00pm Friday, September 5, 2008Microsoft Across America teamed up with Lakes Area Network Solutions to provide assistance for Fergus Falls residents Thursday at the Minnesota State Community and Technical College (MSCTC) campus.
A 42-foot Microsoft truck rolled into Fergus Falls Thursday on a country-wide tour aimed at providing residents with assistance and information regarding Microsoft products.
Business leaders, students and “averages Joes” from around the area flocked to the event to get a glimpse into the world of technology and how it may enhance aspects of their own lives.
MSCTC student Polina Gunderson’s time spent in the truck was purely to get her up to speed on Microsoft’s latest technology.
“I just wanted to see what they have,” Gunderson said.
Technology specialist Rex O’Neel, a self proclaimed “Microsoft geek,” travels around the country serving as the truck’s tour guide. He says most questions pointed in his direction are fairly general. He passes the technical problems onto the partner companies because they’re more involved with the detailed aspects with customers. In Fergus Falls, that’s Lakes Area Network Solutions.
“There aren’t too many questions I haven’t heard,” O’Neel said.
O’Neel also introduces new Microsoft gadgets, like the Microsoft Roundtable, a virtual conference call device with built in cameras which allows those involved to appear on screen as if they were sitting around a conference table.
Lakes Area Network Solutions co-owner Ginny Saul said her company wanted to provide customers, potential customers and all other residents with an opportunity to ask questions and explore new technology.
Customer and Century 21 real estate agent Scott Norton popped on over to the college site to check out the truck. As far as he’s concerned, any product that can help him stay better connected with his clients is a plus.
“It’s always good to learn something new,” Norton said.
Some 50 people toured the Microsoft mobile throughout the day. A large family-size tent raffle prize was also on hand and presented to winner, MSCTC student Aliyus Rudh of Rothsay.
