REDMOND, Wash., and ROUND ROCK, Texas, Nov. 29, 2000 — Dell Computer Corp., the world’s leading direct computer systems company, and Microsoft Corp., the world’s leading software developer, today announced the shipping of DellNet by MSN® , a new Internet access service to be included with the purchase of all new Dell® consumer desktop and notebook PCs in the United States. The new DellNet by MSN provides customers with fast access to the Web; to MSN, the most popular destination on the Internet; and to Dell’s award-winning service and support.
Just in time for the holidays, customers ordering a Dell Dimension or Inspiron will receive a one-year subscription to DellNet by MSN, a customized version of Microsoft’s new MSN Explorer that will include Internet access.* MSN Explorer combines the best of MSN content and services — including MSN Hotmail® Web-based e-mail service, MSN Search and MSN eShop — with the best of Microsoft’s Internet software — such as Microsoft Internet Explorer browser software and the Microsoft® Windows Media™
Player. Those features enable Dell customers to easily configure settings for a personalized interface and Web experience.
“MSN is well-suited to deliver our customers what they want. DellNet by MSN offers our customers the best choice to enhance their Internet computing experience and tailor it to their needs,”
said John Hamlin, vice president of U.S. consumer business at Dell.
“Dell customers can easily personalize their PC and Internet experience and enjoy the freedom to access the content the Internet offers.”
“Our alliance with Dell will make access to the Internet easily available through one of the world’s premier direct suppliers of PCs and services for consumers,”
said Yusuf Mehdi, vice president of MSN at Microsoft.
“DellNet by MSN gives consumers a new home on the Internet where they can be more productive in their lives.”
Additional DellNet by MSN features include the following:
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Ease of use. One year of DellNet by MSN is included and preloaded on all Dell consumer PCs. Its straightforward navigation enables one-click access to key Web features. It offers tools to personalize the Web and maintain established contacts.
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Personalization. DellNet by MSN is built from the same great technology as MSN Explorer, providing a more personal Web experience around the user’s preferences. In addition to constant availability of news and weather, personalized stock reports and online calendars give consumers the tools to be more productive on the Web. The main toolbar keeps users aware of unread e-mail messages, alerts them to which of their buddies is online and offers one-click access to the most popular Internet activities.
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Content and communications. Subscribers are always only one click away from Dell’s award-winning technical service and support, advice on enhancing the PC and Internet experience, and Dell special offers. Customers can listen to music and watch videos, send instant messages to friends and family, bookmark favorite sites and maintain up to nine unique accounts, enabling them to personalize a home page with their own content.
Through this alliance, Dell and MSN will continue to enhance the service with unique personalization options and seamless broadband and home-connectivity solutions.
About MSN
MSN gives consumers a new home on the Internet — a central place where they can get everything they need from the Web and make the most of their time online. MSN is available in 33 markets and in 17 languages — a broader global presence than any other portal. MSN takes advantage of the Microsoft .NET Platform to offer leading services, any time, any place and on any device, with the most integrated and personalized user experience for communications, search, shopping, personal finance and entertainment. MSN Internet Access and the recently introduced MSN Explorer offer quick, personal and exciting ways to get on to and take advantage of the Web. Best-of-breed services include the MSN Hotmail Web-based e-mail service, the world’s largest e-mail system; MSN Messenger Service, one of the fastest growing instant messaging services on the Web; MSN Search, the second most popular online search service; MSN Mobile, the customizable wireless information service; the award-winning MSN MoneyCentral™
online personal finance guide; MSN eShop, the one-stop online shopping resource; and MSN Custom Web Sites, the easy way to share information on the Web. MSN is located on the Web at http://www.msn.com/ .
About Dell
Dell Computer Corp. (Nasdaq
“DELL”
) is the world’s leading direct computer systems company, based on revenues of $30 billion for the past four quarters, and is a premier provider of products and services required for customers to build their Internet infrastructures. The company ranks No. 56 on the Fortune 500, No. 210 on the Fortune Global 500 and No. 3 on the Fortune
“most admired”
lists of companies. Dell designs, manufactures and customizes products and services to customer requirements, and offers an extensive selection of software and peripherals. Information on Dell and its products can be obtained on the World Wide Web at http://www.dell.com/ .
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software — any time, any place and on any device.
* A major credit card is required. You must additionally accept the MSN Internet Access Subscriber Agreement to access the service. After the initial 12-month period, the current price for the MSN Standard Unlimited Access Plan will be automatically charged to your credit card until you cancel your account or select an alternative plan. You may cancel the service at any time; however, no refunds will be issued. Available only to residents of the 50 United States, the District of Columbia and Puerto Rico. You must be 18 years or older to qualify for this promotion and access the service. DellNet by MSN Internet access is available only for personal non commercial use. DellNet by MSN Internet access is available only to users of the Windows® 95 or later operating systems. Additional phone and/or long-distance toll charges may apply. It is the customer’s responsibility to check with their local phone company to determine if additional phone charges may apply. Local market network activity and capacity may affect access availability.
Microsoft, MSN, Hotmail, Windows Media, MoneyCentral and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
Dell is a registered trademark of Dell Computer Corp.
Dell disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the 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.
