FOUNTAIN VALLEY, Calif., and REDMOND, Wash., Feb. 24, 1997 — Recognizing the key role that memory plays in enabling PCs to support today’s computing demands, Kingston Technology Co. and Microsoft Corp. today announced a program to accelerate users’ efficiency and productivity by offering 32 MB of Kingston memory to users of Microsoft® software for an estimated retail price of only $199 (U.S.). This offer of memory represents a significant cost savings over the current market price of PC memory.
The proliferation of network communications, more intensive PC multimedia, graphics and audio capabilities, and the Internet revolution are ushering in a new era of business productivity – an era enabled by a new generation of sophisticated microprocessors, operating systems and application tools. Memory plays an important role in enhancing and optimizing PC performance to meet the productivity expectations of today’s business computing environment.
This program, offered from Feb. 24 through May 31, 1997, is open to all users of Microsoft software. The $199 offer of 32 MB of memory is for most desktop systems. Prices on parity memory, error-correcting code (ECC) memory, server memory, workstation memory, dual in-line memory modules (DIMMs) and other specialty memory may vary. Memory for portable systems is excluded from the offer. The offer is valid for customers in the United States and Canada only.
“This program is a clear demonstration of both companies’ desire to deliver optimal system performance to our users,” explained Gary MacDonald, vice president of marketing at Kingston Technology. “With more than two-thirds of the current installed base of corporate PCs based on a 486 or earlier microprocessor with 8 MB or less, today’s business users are not effectively positioned to take advantage of the tools at their disposal. The additional 32 MB, boosting the performance of newer PCs and offering an extremely cost-effective upgrade to older systems, will not only enable users to meet performance demands today, but will pave the way for advanced capabilities in the future.”
“We’ve invested heavily in understanding the needs of our customers and continuing to innovate in order to deliver on our vision of Information at Your Fingertips,” said Steve Ballmer, executive vice president, sales and support at Microsoft. “The intelligence, collaboration, Internet and intranet capabilities are some of the exciting enhancements we are building into Microsoft products today. Given the system-enhancing qualities of memory, customers taking advantage of this offer will be able to affordably breathe new life into existing hardware and take advantage of the latest innovations in PC software.”
Customers interested in this offer may order memory modules from their local reseller or call Kingston at (888) 435-5451 for more information. Customers can obtain more information from the Kingston Web site. (http://www.kingston.com/)
Kingston Technology manufactures and distributes more than 1,200 memory modules that support the individual requirements of more than 3,000 computers. Kingston’s product line supports over 30 major brands of personal computers, workstations, servers, printers, scanners and other electronic devices.
All of Kingston’s high-quality memory solutions are backed by Kingston’s leading design and delivery capabilities. Kingston custom designs all of its products to the needs of the individual machine and manufacturer, testing and qualifying each product before shipping, to ensure customers of fully compatible memory products, optimized to provide the highest level of performance for their particular systems.
About Kingston Technology Co.
With sales over $1 billion in 1996, Kingston Technology is the recognized world leader in memory products in addition to providing quality processor, networking and storage upgrades for PCs, workstations, notebooks, servers and printers. Kingston markets its products through a worldwide network of distributors, major reseller chains and independent dealers. Kingston is ISO 9001 certified as part of a continuing global effort to assure customers of the highest levels of both quality products and service. In August of 1996, Kingston became the latest acquisition to the Softbank Corp. family of companies. Softbank Corp. is the world’s largest publisher of computer-related magazines and books and is the world’s largest producer of technology-related trade shows and expositions. Additional information is available on Kingston’s home page on the Internet: (http://www.kingston.com/)
About Microsoft Corp.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
Microsoft is either a registered trademark or trademark of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
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