Intel and Microsoft to Unveil Migration Assistance Program For Workstation Application Developers
SEATTLE, March 6, 1998 — In an effort to further help independent software vendors (ISVs) benefit from the popular combination of the Microsoft® Windows NT® operating system running on compute-intensive Intel Architecture -based workstations, Microsoft Corp. and Intel Corp. today announced the Migration Assistance Program (MAP). The program will assist workstation ISVs in developing and optimizing powerful applications for 32-bit Intel Architecture and Windows NT systems, as well as help them prepare for the upcoming release of Intel’s 64-bit Merced
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processor. The announcement was made at the Workstation Leadership Forum in Seattle.
MAP will provide direct support to selected ISVs that are leaders in various technical application segments. In so doing, the program will allow them to capitalize on the business integration, innovation and low total cost of ownership that have made Windows NT and the Intel Architecture the preferred choice for corporate computing.
“The arrival of the Pentium® II processor drove new levels of performance, which is resulting in the rapid expansion of the workstation marketplace,” said Anand Chandrasekher, general manager of the workstation product division at Intel. “Along with advanced I/O and high-performance graphics, the horsepower now available on Intel-based workstations is enough to handle even the most demanding technical applications.”
“Windows NT has become the operating system of choice for technical workstations. With a single desktop standard, it offers users the simplicity of Windows NT and the power of the Intel Architecture, along with the lowest total cost of ownership,” said Charles Stevens, vice president of the application development customer unit at Microsoft. “This program provides leading ISVs with a clear path for the migration from UNIX to Windows NT workstations.”
Applications for the program are scheduled to be available online beginning March 16, 1998, at http://www.intel.com/ (search for MAP) and http://www.microsoft.com/industry/map. Applications will be accepted through March 31, 1998. Microsoft and Intel will then select the most qualified ISVs, which are scheduled to be notified by May 15.
ISVs to Receive Briefings, Discounted Development Systems and Software, On-Site Services and Other Incentives
MAP includes a number of benefits, such as product updates, discounted developer workstations, tools and on-site consulting services. On the information side, the program will feature briefings by Intel on IA-64
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architecture and the Merced processor, briefings and design reviews by Microsoft on its tools and operating system plans for the Merced processor, and access to product-specific programs directly related to Microsoft technologies.
To speed the migration of workstation software, several system vendors will offer MAP participants computer discounts or special purchase incentives for Intel Architecture and Windows NT workstations. Microsoft will offer discounts on Microsoft Office Developer Edition and the Visual Studio
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development system Professional Edition.
Finally, Microsoft and Intel will offer a number of direct services to program participants, including developer training and application architecture reviews. ISVs will also receive IA-32 and IA-64 application development and optimization assistance from companies that are part of Intel’s OEM Application Solution Center program (see related press release of March 6, 1998) and Microsoft Premier Support for developers.
Intel, the world’s largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of personal computer, networking and communications products. Additional information is available at http://www.intel.com/ .
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 and Visual Studio are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
Merced, Pentium and IA-64 are either trademarks or registered trademarks of Intel Corp.
Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
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