More Than 200 Top Web Development Companies and Solution Providers Ready to Support Rollout of Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0

REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 11, 1997 — Microsoft Corp. today announced that more than 200 of the world’s top Web development companies and technology consulting firms have chosen Microsoft® Internet Explorer 4.0 for their customer solution offerings. These 200 companies represent the strongest of Microsoft’s channel resources, which reach over 150,000 companies worldwide. Announcement of this support follows Microsoft’s release of new tools to facilitate enterprisewide migrations to Internet Explorer 4.0.

Web developers and Solution Providers cite Microsoft’s breadth of training resources and tools as a reason that they choose Internet Explorer as their corporate development platform. In addition, broad support for open, standards-based, and innovative technologies such as Dynamic HTML, channel definition format (CDF) and ActiveX
™
has made Internet Explorer the preferred platform for these Web developers and enables them to bring the “Web the way they want it” to their customers worldwide.

“Solution Providers are one of the key resources for corporations looking to make a rapid and smooth rollout of Internet Explorer 4.0,” said Brad Chase, vice president, applications and Internet client group at Microsoft. “We are pleased about the breadth of support and expertise that folks such as FlashCast Communications, Rainier Technologies and Micro Modeling Associates Inc. bring to the launch of Internet Explorer 4.0.”

Microsoft Offers a Breadth of Training and Open, Flexible Solutions

“Building solutions with Internet Explorer 4.0 helps our customers provide better service to their customers and build stronger relationships with their business partners,” said Robert Stratton, director of information technology at Rare Medium Inc., an interactive design and multimedia creative house in New York.

With software and technology improving and changing quickly in today’s corporate environment, Web developers demand hands-on guidance and training to keep their business model competitive and efficient. To meet these needs, Microsoft offers the following programs:

  • Microsoft Certified Solution Provider Program. This program gives developers access to Microsoft products, technologies and information that will enhance their effectiveness and efficiency in building Microsoft-based solutions. Program members can also go online with Microsoft at any time to get answers to questions or to access the latest sales and training tools.

  • Site Builder Network. This is a multilevel program that supports anyone creating interactive Web sites. It is a direct link to a wealth of technical information, products, technologies, services and support that makes it easy to incorporate the latest Internet technologies, such as new HTML extensions, ActiveX Controls, and Java
    ™
    Applets.

  • Implementing Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 training course. This course provides developers and systems integrators with a strong foundation in the architecture and key features of Internet Explorer 4.0. Information provided enables students to set up, configure, use and deploy Internet Explorer in a network environment – with particular emphasis on intranet use. For a referral to a Microsoft Certified Solution Provider Authorized Technical Education Center offering this course, call (800)

    SOLPROV (765-7768).

  • Implementing and supporting the Microsoft Internet Explorer Administration Kit for Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 Certified Professional exam. This exam measures a candidate’s ability to implement, administer and trouble-shoot information systems that incorporate the Microsoft Internet Explorer Administration Kit for Internet Explorer 4.0. The exam is scheduled to be available by the fourth quarter of 1997. For more information, see the Microsoft Certification Online Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/mcp/ .

Microsoft Internet Explorer 4.0 Provides Rich Development Platform

Technologies such as Dynamic HTML, CDF and ActiveX give Solution Providers and Web developers the rich environment they need for delivering customized and next-generation intranet, extranet and Internet solutions for customers with unique needs and budgets.

“Internet Explorer 4.0 allows us to create rich line-of-business applications for our customers, based on the open standards of the Web,” said Dave Eaton, president of Rainier Technologies, a Minnesota-based Microsoft Certified Solution Provider Partner. “It has given us a significant advantage in a highly competitive marketplace.”

Dynamic HTML and Active Channel
™
content are compelling reasons for Solution Providers and Web developers to choose Internet Explorer as their solution offering to customers. Dynamic HTML technology in Internet Explorer 4.0 allows unmatched freedom from the back-end source that usually is required to run applications. For instance, a developer could create a Dynamic HTML-based application that allowed a company’s sales representatives to work with intranet and database information offline, allowing unprecedented freedom from the network. Active Channel content, built with the CDF proposed standard, enables customers to deliver time-critical business information to their employees to help them make smarter business decisions faster.

Microsoft Internet Explorer is the fastest-growing browser in the enterprise. Top companies that have recently embraced Internet Explorer include Arthur Andersen L.L.P., Baltimore Gas & Electric Co., Catholic Healthcare West, Compaq Computer Corp., Continental Airlines Inc., Coopers & Lybrand L.L.P., Crestar Financial Corp., FINA Oil and Chemical Co., Intergraph Corp., Reynolds Metals, Sprint PCS, Telstra Corp., Wang Laboratories Inc. and Wheat First Butcher Singer. These companies found Internet Explorer to be a perfect fit for their enterprise needs, and many are looking to Internet Explorer 4.0 to continue improving their enterprise environments and overall productivity and ease of use.

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, ActiveX and Active Channel are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

Java is a trademark of Sun Microsystems Inc.

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.

Related Posts