Concerned by its overly negative portrayal in the local media, Microsoft Hong Kong has launched a campaign to improve its image.
General manager Mark Phibbs said he was taken aback by the coverage Microsoft received in Hong Kong, saying it was more negative than in any other market.
'I don't think we get our fair share of good press,' Mr Phibbs said.
He said the company needed to do a better job of getting information out to reporters. He cited examples of negative press, where he said Microsoft rivals were given a platform to criticise the software company in what amounted to 'advertising'.
To get its message out, Microsoft used its local public relations firm to offer interviews with people who were ready to complain about Microsoft's competitors.
Mr Phibbs said clients had told him they were frustrated by the treatment the company received in the press and were willing to speak out on Microsoft's behalf.
Patrick Lee, a senior project manager with BSME Holborn Computer Resources in Hong Kong, said he agreed to be interviewed at Microsoft's request after having a bad experience using Red Hat Linux as a development tool. He said Linux was too complicated for his junior staff, so he switched back to Microsoft.