PHOENIX and REDMOND, Wash., Feb. 24, 2000 — Honeywell (NYSE “HON”) and Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq “MSFT”) today announced the formation of a strategic alliance that will enhance the functionality and accelerate the growth of Honeywell’s MyPlant.com TM e-business that provides comprehensive knowledge-based solutions to manufacturing industries. MyPlant.com’s vision is to be the world’s leading independent e-hub for collaboration between solution providers and end customers. As part of the alliance, Microsoft has made a strategic equity investment in MyPlant.com.
MyPlant.com serves as a unique Web-based resource for plant managers, engineers and operational staff seeking advanced solutions to help them solve plant problems and improve operational performance. The electronic hub, which was launched in July 1999, provides visitors with direct access to a global community of leading industry consultants, software providers, equipment providers, academic professionals and engineering service firms.
MyPlant.com will utilize Microsoft® Windows® DNA 2000, a comprehensive, integrated platform for building and deploying distributed applications for the Business Internet. Leading Microsoft services — including the MSN TM network of Internet services and Microsoft.com communities — will be linked to the resources found on MyPlant.com. Microsoft’s business-to-business associates, such as VerticalNet Inc., will be able to provide content and tools that will enable customers of MyPlant.com to trade, buy and sell services directly from the Web site. In addition, Microsoft will assist in sponsoring participation of Microsoft technology-based solution providers in the MyPlant.com community.
“Today’s announcement builds on Honeywell’s leadership in developing and growing world-class e-hubs focused on our key industries and customers,” said Michael R. Bonsignore, chief executive officer of Honeywell. “MyPlant.com enhances the value of the Internet to manufacturing facilities worldwide through the use of plant operating data, technology solutions and advanced services that facilitate operational cost reductions, improved productivity and revenue growth. The widespread use of the Internet in manufacturing industries is becoming an essential part of day-to-day business. We are excited to join forces with Microsoft to accelerate the adoption of Internet-based solutions in the manufacturing industries.”
“We share the same pioneering vision of MyPlant.com,” said Laura Jennings, vice president of Worldwide Strategic Planning at Microsoft. “This unique resource brings together solutions and services from a wide range of providers making it easier for customers globally to improve all levels of their manufacturing operation. The combination of expert services and solutions from MyPlant.com and the scalability of the Microsoft platform will help ensure that this initiative will be successful in bringing innovative benefits to the manufacturing industry.”
MyPlant.com is the leading Internet community for the delivery of knowledge-based solutions to the plant-centric industries. MyPlant.com brings together consultants, solution providers and industry customers to solve real problems common to the management and operation of plants. MyPlant.com is sponsored by Honeywell Hi-Spec Solutions and may be visited at http://www.myplant.com/
Honeywell is a U.S. $24 billion diversified technology and manufacturing leader, serving customers worldwide with aerospace products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes and industry; automotive products; power generation systems; specialty chemicals; fibers; plastics; and electronic and advanced materials. The company employs approximately 120,000 people in 95 countries. Honeywell is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the symbol HON, as well as on the London, Chicago and Pacific stock exchanges. It is one of the 30 stocks that make up the Dow Jones Industrial Average and is also a component of the Standard & Poor’s 500 Index. Additional information on the company is available on the Internet at http://www.honeywell.com/ .
Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software 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.
Microsoft, Windows and MSN are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
Honeywell, Hi-Spec Solutions, MyPlant and Unified Manufacturing are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Honeywell International in the United States and/or other countries.
The names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks of their respective owners.
Statements made in this news release, other than those concerning historical financial information, should be considered forward looking and subject to various risks and uncertainties. Such forward-looking statements are based on the respective managements’ beliefs and assumptions regarding information currently available and are made pursuant to the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Each company’s actual results could differ materially from those expressed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause results to vary include, among others, those identified in the respective companys’ filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Neither company has any obligation to publicly update or revise any of the forward-looking statements that may be in this news release.
Note to editors: If you are interested in viewing additional information on MyPlant.com, please visit the Web site at http://www.myplant.com/ . 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.
