MICROSOFT HELPS NATIONAL PTA BUILD NEW INFRASTRUCTURE FOR A SECOND CENTURY
OF SERVICE

$1 Million Donation of Software, Hardware and Training Connects State
Offices, Extends the Reach of 6.7 Million Volunteers

ORLANDO, FLA. (FEB. 15, 1996) Microsoft is helping the National PTA
celebrate its 100th birthday in 1996 in a way that its founders never
could have imagined -- putting its 6.7 million volunteer members on-line.

A $1 million commitment from Microsoft Corporation is making it possible
for the PTA to enter its second century with its national headquarters in
Chicago, all state offices, and offices in Washington, D.C., Europe and
the Pacific linked together. In addition to software, hardware and on-line
access needed to connect PTA leaders, Microsoft's donation includes money
for staff training and a grant to make PTA volunteer board members more
effective in their uses of technology.

"For a hundred years, the National PTA has played a pivotal role in
communities across America," said Rick Segal, director of education
initiatives for Microsoft. "By building a communications network for the
largest parent-teacher association, we're contributing our expertise and
resources to enhance and expand the work that the PTA does best -
supporting schools and improving education."

National PTA President Joan Dykstra said the impact of the Microsoft
initiative will be far-reaching for the organization. Previously reliant
on mailings and telephone trees to communicate with its members, the PTA
now will use its new computer network to expedite their efforts.

"The network will allow us to do in hours what used to take days or weeks
to accomplish," Dykstra said. "This is especially critical when we need
immediate action in state legislatures or Congress," the volunteer PTA
leader noted, adding that the time savings alone will be welcome relief
for volunteers who have limited free time to give.

As part of its ongoing commitment to the PTA, Microsoft is:

 Donating software and hardware, including PCs configured with the
 Windows" 95 operating system, Microsoft" Plus!, Office Pro and
 Publisher, to all PTA state and national offices and executive
 board and technology committee members.

 Providing training classes and materials for key PTA staff and
 volunteer leaders

 Offering comprehensive product support for one year

 Funding the creation and maintenance of a PTA Web site with tools
 and resources for parents and active PTA members, such as the
 PTA Parenting Guide, planning templates and information on
 legislative initiatives. To visit the PTA home page, go to
 http://www.pta.org.

"With training and access to the latest technology, PTA members can
continue to provide informed leadership to schools in need of
technological tools," said Linda Hodge, chairwoman of the PTA board of
directors' technology committee. "Microsoft is helping PTA volunteers to
understand the uses of technology to enhance education, which will
translate into better support for schools."

Microsoft's work with the National PTA is part of Microsoft's continuing
initiative to help build a global "Connected Learning Community" in which
all students, educators and parents have access to technology and the
tools and skills to use information effectively today and for a lifetime.
Microsoft is committed to providing the high-quality software and services
needed to make the best use of technology in education.

The National PTA encourages its nearly seven million members to be involved
in key children's education, health and welfare issues. The organization
serves as an advocate for children and families in schools, communities
and before government agencies.

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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