REDMOND, Wash., Jan. 16, 1997 — Microsoft today announced the availability of MICROSOFT® OFFICE 97 STARTS HERE, a CD-based, interactive, multimedia training solution for new users of and upgraders to Microsoft Office 97. This innovative new product is designed to help users at all levels learn about the many new features in Microsoft Office 97 and to tap the power of those features in order to become productive faster. MICROSOFT OFFICE 97 STARTS HERE was developed and is sold by Microsoft Press, the publishing division of Microsoft known for its bestselling series of self-study training kits and reference guides for Microsoft software.
“Individual users and companies now have an engaging and cost-effective way to get just-in-time training right when they upgrade,”
said Sally Brunsman, Publisher, Microsoft Press Interactive.
”
The MICROSOFT OFFICE 97 STARTS HERE multimedia platform is a rich training environment incorporating state-of-the-art technology that offers the best of proven learning techniques from print-based, video-based, and instructor-led training methods. It’s the ideal companion for Microsoft Office 97.”
In independent testing by Texas-based Usability Sciences Corporation, users of MICROSOFT OFFICE 97 STARTS HERE were found to have higher levels of confidence using the Microsoft Word word processor, Excel spreadsheet, and the PowerPoint®
presentation graphics program after only one session. In fact, 82 percent of users tested said that MICROSOFT OFFICE 97 STARTS HERE made it easier for them to learn Microsoft Office 97, and 71 percent reported an increase in overall productivity-a key factor for organizations seeking to decrease the total cost of PC ownership.
Features of MICROSOFT OFFICE 97 STARTS HERE
MICROSOFT OFFICE 97 STARTS HERE offers a variety of ways to approach the learning task, depending on individual needs. Users can choose from the following courses to help them learn fast and learn more on their own:
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Upgrading to Microsoft Office 97 helps users make a smooth, swift transition from Microsoft Office 95 or previous versions of Microsoft Office
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Working With the Internet teaches users how to work on line with Microsoft Office 97
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Focus Your Skills offers in-depth, expert-level training in particular applications
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Putting It All to Work shows users how to use Microsoft Office 97 as an integrated suite
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The Basics helps users brush up on fundamental skills or learn about a Microsoft Office component they have never used before
Each course features video lesson introductions and step-by-step sequences that show users exactly what to do. And because MICROSOFT OFFICE 97 STARTS HERE was designed to work with the actual Microsoft Office 97 application, users learn by doing instead of using a simulation. New skills can be put to use immediately and users can assess their progress as they work through each course.
Availability and Pricing
MICROSOFT OFFICE 97 STARTS HERE (ISBN 1-57231-303-X) is available now in software stores and bookstores and directly from Microsoft Press at 1-800-MSPRESS. In Canada, call 1-800-667-1115. The suggested retail price is US $29.99 ($39.99 in Canada). Reseller prices may vary, and shipping and handling charges will apply for direct orders. License pricing for MICROSOFT OFFICE 97 STARTS HERE is available through the Microsoft Select and Open license programs.
Microsoft Press is an established force in self-paced training with its highly respected and bestselling Step by Step book-and-software series for end users and self-study training kits for computer professionals. The expansion into interactive, multimedia self-paced training was based on customer requests for additional
“just-in-time”
learning options with an insider’s view of major technology and software trends. Forthcoming titles planned in the Starts Here multimedia training series from Microsoft Press includeMicrosoft Windows®
95 Starts Here andMicrosoft Windows NT®
Workstation 4.0 Starts Here.
Microsoft Press is the publishing division of Microsoft Corporation and the leading source of up-to-date information about Microsoft products and related technologies. Millions of users rely on a complete line of world-class Microsoft Press® computer books and multimedia training and reference tools. Titles ranging from self-paced tutorials for first-time computer users to advanced technical references and programming guides for computer professionals are distributed to book and software retailers worldwide. Consumers in the United States can also order directly from the publisher at 1-800-MSPRESS and via the Internet at http://www.microsoft.com/mspress/ .
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, Microsoft Press, PowerPoint , Starts Here, Windows , and Windows NT are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.
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.
