For Immediate Release
April 5, 1994

Microsoft Announces Microsoft Access Solutions Pack Version 1.0
Four Ready-to-Run Business Applications for Microsoft Access Version 2.0

REDMOND, Wash. April 5, 1994  Microsoft Corporation today announced the
Microsoft Access Solutions Pack version 1.0 for the Microsoft Windows
operating system.  The Microsoft Access Solutions Pack, a companion product
to Microsoft Access database management system version 2.0, consists of four
ready-to-run business applications to track sales contacts, manage fixed
assets, track service requests, and manage registration for events.  

The full-featured applications, built with Microsoft Access 2.0, are designed
to be used right out of the box or as sample applications for learning. 
End-users will gain hands-on  knowledge of how to use Microsoft Access through
the sample databases and documentation.  Developers will use the code samples
in these applications to help them design custom solutions with Microsoft
Access 2.0.  In addition, developers can extend the functionality of the
packaged applications for their own needs or for others.

"Microsoft Access version 2.0 ships with three sample databases, but users
wanted a variety of ready-to-run applications to use as is, or that can be
customized to meet their needs.  They also wanted sample databases to use as
examples for building their own applications," said Dawn Trudeau, Business
Unit Manager, Desktop Databases and Tools Business Unit, Developer Division at
Microsoft.  "The Microsoft Access Solutions Pack is a great way for these
customers to start using Microsoft Access right away."

Microsoft also has teamed with Solution Providers to provide support and
development services to users who want to customize these applications.  The
Solutions Pack applications were designed to be extended and by having a range
of Solution Providers to choose from, customers can get the help they need
when tailoring these applications for their specific business requirements.

The Microsoft Access Solutions Pack is designed to provide the information and
tools to address business needs immediately.  It includes the following:

Sales Manager.  The Sales Manager makes it easy for users to store, track and
find information about sales contacts and business opportunities.  With this
application, users can:

- View detailed information about sales contacts and their companies with just
  a few clicks of the mouse.
- Organize and prioritize sales opportunities at a glance.
- Easily generate mailing lists targeted to reach contacts in a particular
  company, department or city.

Asset Tracker.  The Asset Tracker helps users track the tangible, nondisposable
items a growing business needs to remain competitive in today's world. With
this application, users can:

- Save time and money by having up-to-the-minute information about their
  assets.
- Trace an asset, or group of assets, to a specific location, department or
  employee.
- Instantly view a summary of the current status, value and location of their
  assets.

Registration Desk.  The Registration Desk provides users with an easy-to-use,
efficient way to manage registration for conferences, trade shows and other
events.  They can use the Registration Desk to:

- Create a customized event-registration process in minutes.
- Sign people in and out quickly and track when each registrant arrives and
  departs.
- Print registration badges for registrants automatically.

Service Desk.  The Service Desk helps users manage service requests from
receipt to completion.  With this application, users can:

- Enter new service requests, assign due dates and assign staff to work on
  them.
- Prioritize service requests and ensure the most important requests are
  handled first.
- Enhance customer satisfaction by communicating service request status via 
  acknowledgment, late, and completed notices.

The new Microsoft Access Solutions Pack, used in conjunction with Microsoft
Access 2.0, provides users with the precise combination of tools to meet their
immediate business needs and makes it easy for them to get up and running with
Microsoft Access.

Pricing and Availability

Microsoft Access Solutions Pack version 1.0 is scheduled to be available
through resellers or direct from Microsoft in spring 1994.  The Microsoft
Access Solutions Pack, which is a companion product to Microsoft Access 2.0,
has a suggested retail price of $64.95. 

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.

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Microsoft and Microsoft Access are registered trademarks and Windows is a
trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

Price listed is U.S. suggested retail price.  Reseller price may vary.

