Microsoft Expands Board of Directors

Microsoft Corp. is expanding its board of directors with outsiders and an international flavor -- the head of Germany’s BMW and a former AT&T; Corp. vice chairman -- to help highlight the board’s independence and experience with international affairs.

Helmut Panke, chairman of the board of management of BMW Bayerische Motoren Werke of Frankfurt, Germany, since May 2002, would be the first Microsoft board member from outside the United States.

The other nominee is Charles H. Noski, former vice chairman and chief financial officer of AT&T.;