Leading PC Manufacturers and Global Systems Integrators Get Ready for Microsoft Windows 2000

REDMOND, Wash., April 19, 1999 — Microsoft Corp. today announced support from major top PC and server manufacturers and leading global systems integrators planning to deliver a wide array of integration, support and deployment services, as well as software and hardware solutions for the upcoming beta 3 version of the Microsoft® Windows® 2000 operating system.

PC and server manufacturers are working closely with Microsoft throughout the development process to help ensure that the infrastructure is in place and assist a broad number of customers as they evaluate and deploy the upcoming beta 3 version of Windows 2000. Building on the broad support announced last week from the software development community ( http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/1999/Apr99/IreadyPR.asp ), customers will now have available the hardware, software and services support they need during their evaluations of the beta 3 versions of Windows 2000 Server and Windows 2000 Professional.

“Microsoft is delighted with the unprecedented magnitude of support the industry is showing for Windows 2000 beta 3,”
said Jim Allchin, senior vice president, Business and Enterprise Division and Consumer Windows Division at Microsoft.
“We are excited that the industry has mobilized quickly and has put forth a strong foundation for customers seeking to evaluate and test Windows 2000 beta 3.”

PC and Server Manufacturers Prepare for Beta 3

Major PC and server manufacturers have worked closely with Microsoft to ensure that Windows 2000 beta 3 will run optimally on PCs and servers. As part of their own preparations for Windows 2000 beta 3, manufacturers including Compaq Computer Corp., Data General Corp., Dell Computer Corp., EMC Corp., Gateway 2000 Inc., Hewlett-Packard Co., IBM Corp., Intergraph Corp., Micron Electronics Inc., Siemens AG, Toshiba America Inc. and Unisys Corp. have launched unique information and service programs demonstrating their experienced product, service and technical support organizations.

In addition, many PC manufacturers are offering Windows 2000 Corporate Preview Program kits to their customers, which will include Windows 2000-Ready PC offers. These PCs meet the Windows 2000-Ready PC recommendations and will facilitate migration to Windows 2000 for business customers planning to evaluate beta 3. Other PC manufacturer programs for Windows 2000 beta 3 for qualified business customer evaluation include availability of PCs with Windows 2000 beta 3 preinstalled. For more information about the Windows 2000-Ready PC program and other PC manufacturer plans, interested customers can visit http://www.microsoft.com/windows2000/ready/default.asp .

Global Systems Integrators Provide Support to Customers Evaluating Beta 3

Leading systems integrators including Amdahl Corp. and DMR Consulting Group Inc., Banyan Systems Inc., Cambridge Technology Partners, Compaq, Ernst & Young LLP, Hewlett-Packard, IBM, ICL, International Network Services, NCR Corp., Unisys Corp. and Wang Global are providing new consulting and evaluation services focused on Windows 2000 beta 3. To help customers evaluate and implement Windows 2000, systems integrators will deliver the following:

  • Systems architecture planning for utilizing new features of Windows 2000 such as the Active Directory
    ™
    directory service and IntelliMirror
    ™
    management technologies

  • Evaluation, upgrade and deployment planning services enabling smooth migrations and rollouts of Windows 2000

  • Integration services such as applications testing, mainframe integration and interoperability between UNIX and Windows 2000

About Microsoft Windows 2000

Windows 2000 Professional is designed to be the most reliable business and mobile desktop operating system for organizations of all sizes. Windows 2000 Server combines integrated Web-ready directory, network and application services with powerful end-to-end management to provide the fastest way to digital business. When used together, Windows 2000 Server and Windows 2000 Professional lower the overall cost of ownership and provide a robust, adaptive digital infrastructure for organizations of all sizes.

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, Windows, Active Directory and IntelliMirror 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.

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