Microsoft and Proginet To Work Together On Windows NT Server-to-Host Integration

REDMOND, Wash., and GARDEN CITY, N.Y. —
, Dec. 17, 1996 —
Microsoft Corp. and Proginet Corp. today announced a technology transfer and marketing agreement to further address customer requirements for host connectivity in the enterprise.

As part of the agreement, Microsoft will acquire a minority equity position in Proginet, and Proginet will include TransAccess
™
software in its new HostOffice
™suite. HostOffice, combined with Microsoft® SNA Server software, enhances the integration between Web-based applications running on the Windows NT® Server operating system and the applications and data that run on mainframe and midrange computers.

The two companies will work together to explore ways to market these solutions to large-enterprise customers through collaborative sales and customer support activities.

“As customers expand the use of Windows NT Server in their enterprise environments, the need for seamless integration with mainframes is imperative,”
said Mike Nash, director of marketing for the personal and business systems group at Microsoft.
“The combination of Windows NT Server, SNA Server and Proginet HostOffice provides an easy way for customers to take advantage of the flexibility of new Web-based applications while protecting their investment in existing legacy systems and applications.”

“Microsoft and Proginet have a track record of developing complementary solutions for enterprise customers,”
said Kevin Kelly, president and CEO of Proginet.
“This announcement demonstrates our shared commitment to helping customers integrate Microsoft server products with their existing enterprise infrastructure.”

HostOffice, which is sold and supported exclusively by Proginet, consists of six applications designed to integrate Windows NT Server, Microsoft SNA Server and the other members of the Microsoft BackOffice
™
family with mainframes and AS/400s. The HostOffice applications include Fusion FTMS
™
, SecurPass
™
, TransAccess, SQL Data Loader
™
, HostFolder
™
and Automator
™
.

Proginet will provide all technical support for the HostOffice suite and has developed a Web-based customer support system called Proginet Oasis based on Microsoft Internet technology, including Microsoft Internet Information Server, Microsoft Internet Explorer and Microsoft SQL Server
™
. The HostOffice components available immediately include Fusion FTMS, SecurPass and TransAccess. The remaining components are scheduled to be available during the second half of 1997.

Founded in 1986, Proginet (VSE
“PRF.U” ) provides its customers with software solutions that integrate the information on mainframe computers with Microsoft Windows® -based networks. Many of the world’s largest corporations and government agencies are currently employing industry-leading software developed or owned by Proginet 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, Windows NT, BackOffice and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

TransAccess, HostOffice, Fusion FTMS, SecurPass, SQL Data Loader, HostFolder, Automator and Proginet Oasis are trademarks of Proginet Corp.

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. For more information on Proginet, please visit the Proginet Web page at (http://www.proginet.com)

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