Microsoft (MSFT) and the Beijing Organizing Committee for the Games of the XXIX Olympiad have jointly announced in Beijing that Microsoft China will be a software supplier for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.

As the 58th sponsor on the never-ending list of companies paying government officials for the honor to place a 2008 Beijing Olympic Games logo on their products, Microsoft will provide various software, consulting service and technical support to the Games.

Chen Yongzheng, chief executive officer of Microsoft China, has told local media that Microsoft would provide management systems for some events of the Olympic Games. Microsoft woill also also set up a special technical team to provide 24-hour consulting and supporting service for BOCOG.

Microsoft's Exchange Server has already been used by BOCOG in its office email system and its Windows Vista and Microsoft Office 2007 will soon also be offered.