Microsoft ousts rivals from CES marquee as show moves online

Behind the scenes on the set of the all-digital CES 2021. The Consumer Technology Association, the trade group that runs CES, said it made a final decision in July that its premier event would be virtual, then put out a request for bids and evaluated more than 40 digital platforms before announcing its choice of Microsoft in October. — AFP/Consumer Technology Association (CES)/Handout

This week, Microsoft had a big test on its hands – how to help transform the world’s biggest gadget show into an online-only event.

The choice of Microsoft to power this year’s CES and create a virtual showcase for its 1,800 exhibitors gave the tech giant a big promotional boost over its best-known cloud computing rivals, Amazon and Google.