NEW YORK, June 27, 2000 — Dell Computer Corp., a world leader in Internet commerce and infrastructure, and the MSN® network of Internet services, Microsoft Corp.’s integrated network of content and services that help users get more from the Web, today announced that the two companies will build on their long-standing relationship to offer consumers new Internet services that give them fast, easy and personalized Web access and content. Initially, the companies will introduce a co-branded Internet service, Dellnet by MSN, which is expected to be offered to Dell customers beginning this fall.
Dell and Microsoft plan to offer consumers the ability to purchase a new Dell computer and sign up for Dellnet by MSN services, all at the same time. When the new computer arrives, consumers need only plug it in to easily connect to the Internet and they will be on the Web within minutes of opening the box. Dellnet by MSN will provide consumers a rich experience that leverages the best of MSN with Dell’s preconfigured, personalized Internet offering.
“We feel that by working with MSN, we can build and offer Dell consumers an industry-leading Internet experience,”
said Frank Muehleman, senior vice president of Dell’s worldwide home and small business group.
“Dellnet by MSN will also provide consumers one of the easiest ways to get on the Internet within minutes of setting up their new computer.”
“Our alliance with Dell will make unique MSN-based content and services easily available through one of the world’s premier direct suppliers of Internet products and services for consumers,”
said Brad Chase, senior vice president of the Consumer Group at Microsoft.
“We are very excited about working with Dell, a company that is a world leader in Internet commerce and infrastructure.”
Through this alliance, Dell and MSN plan to jointly develop next-generation Web-based products and services that can be leveraged with Dell PCs and allow Dellnet by MSN users to easily upgrade to high-speed broadband Internet services, share broadband connections with home-networking offerings, and take advantage of other integrated audio and video solutions. In addition, the two companies will investigate new devices and services that extend the reach of the Internet computing experience in the home and personal environment.
About MSN
MSN is the network of Internet services from Microsoft that helps people better organize the Web around what’s important to them. The network of MSN services, located on the Web at MSN.com ( http://msn.com/ ), helps people easily stay in touch with friends and colleagues, make smart and secure purchasing decisions, and get more done. MSN offers award-winning e-mail functionality; personal communications services; wireless services information; customizable access to news; popular sites for personal finance, travel, automotive services, shopping and more; an online community; a Web search engine and directories; and top-rated Internet access.
About Dell
Dell Computer Corp. (Nasdaq
“DELL”
) is the world’s leading direct computer systems company, based on revenues of $27 billion for the past four quarters, and is a premier provider of products and services required for customers to build their Internet infrastructures. The company ranks No. 56 on the Fortune 500, No. 210 on the Fortune Global 500 and No. 3 on the Fortune
“most admired”
lists of companies. Dell designs, manufactures and customizes products and services to customer requirements and offers an extensive selection of software and peripherals. Information on Dell and its products can be obtained on the World Wide Web at http://www.dell.com/ .
About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies 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 and MSN are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. 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.
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