HP and Microsoft Plan Windows NT Server-Based Products For the Telecommunications Industry

CHICAGO, Oct. 21, 1997 — Hewlett-Packard Company and Microsoft Corp. today announced at the National Communications Forum/InfoVision ’97 that HP plans to deliver robust computing platforms for network-based telecommunications applications using the Microsoft® Windows NT® Server operating system. HP plans to develop and launch telecommunications platforms for the development and operation of Signaling System 7 (SS7) and voice applications on Windows NT Server. These platforms, which will also include central office configurations, are expected to be available in 1998. HP intends to provide worldwide 24-by-seven support and a comprehensive set of services to assist in application development through network implementation.

The introduction of the Windows NT Server-based platforms increases customers’ operating-system choices and extends the HP OpenCall SS7 family of proven UNIX-system platforms, which can reduce the cost and time of developing, deploying and maintaining network-based applications.

“Given its market and technical leadership positions in the intelligent network segment, HP’s commitment should give Windows NT a real boost, and also drive the integration of UNIX-system and Windows NT Server-based platforms in the network,”
said Robert Rich, vice president of telecommunications research and consulting for The Yankee Group.
“This is good news for carrier customers, who will benefit from the broader range of choice in applications and price/performance that will come from this relationship over time.”

UNIX System and Windows NT Integration in HP’s SS7 and Voice Platforms

By integrating UNIX and Windows NT Server-based systems, HP expects to enhance telecommunications-platform scalability and flexibility to help its partners gain a competitive advantage in delivering total solutions in what HP calls the
“extended network.”
This includes the telecommunications infrastructure, the Internet and customers’ on-site telecommunications equipment. Increasing competition and the need to differentiate in the telecommunications market are fueling the growth of personalized services delivered via fixed and mobile telephone networks and the Internet.

“HP’s telecom platforms based on Windows NT Server will allow our network-equipment partners and service providers to achieve new levels of price/performance for personalized services using voice and data, such as service node,”
said Christian Van Ghelder, general manager of Telecom Products Unit at HP.
“We see the Windows NT Server-based telecommunications platforms as initially helping to distribute user services and network intelligence over the multiple cooperating domains of the extended network. HP OpenCall products running on UNIX systems will achieve new levels of performance, capacity and cost-effectiveness to meet the stringent demands for intelligent network (IN) applications, including number portability.”

The collaboration with HP is a key component of Microsoft’s strategy, announced in June, to market Windows NT Server-based platforms, products and independent software vendor applications for delivering and managing telecommunications services. The joint effort expands industry support for Windows NT Server-based SS7 solutions, a key area for Microsoft in the telecommunications industry.

“Microsoft and HP’s cooperation in the telecommunications space is an important part of our ongoing strategic relationship,”
said Cameron Myhrvold, vice president of the Internet customer unit at Microsoft.
“HP’s telecommunications platforms based on Windows NT Server will enable telecommunications equipment vendors and service providers to offer computer telephony, service node, and enhanced services faster and more cost-effectively to their customers. This ability will help vendors and service providers better compete and prosper in the evolving global telecommunications marketplace.”

SS7: A Critical Component of the Public Switched Telecommunications Network

The SS7 network is one of the most critical components of today’s telecommunications infrastructure. It provides two major advantages: fast call setup via high-speed, circuit-switched connections, and transaction capabilities that harness remote database interaction. In addition to providing basic call control, the SS7 network has allowed carriers to provide a large and growing number of new services, such as mobile communications, 800-number service, long-distance caller ID and credit-card/transactional services.

About HP

Hewlett-Packard Co. is a leading global provider of computing, Internet and intranet solutions, services, communications products and measurement solutions, all of which are recognized for excellence in quality and support. It is the second-largest computer supplier in the United States, with computer-related revenue in excess of $31.4 billion in its 1996 fiscal year. HP has 120,500 employees and had revenue of $38.4 billion in its 1996 fiscal year.

About Microsoft

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 and Windows NT are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.

Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft’s corporate information pages. Additional information about HP and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at (http://www.hp.com/) .

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