MICROSOFT ANNOUNCES INTERNET NEWSGROUPS FOR PEER-TO-PEER DISCUSSIONS ON
MICROSOFT PRODUCTS

Boosting Internet Presence and Providing Another No-Charge, Easy-to-Access
Support Choice for Customers

REDMOND, WASH. - APRIL 9, 1996 - Microsoft Corp. today announced the
addition of no-charge Microsoft-sponsored NNTP newsgroups on the Internet
to its family of Information Services offerings. This new service boosts
Microsoft's Internet presence and further addresses customer demand for
one-stop information and services over the Internet. Microsoft is
investing in the newsgroups to create a community in which customers can
share technical information about MicrosoftR products and technologies.
Microsoft Newsgroups are scheduled to be live and accessible to customers
on April 15, 1996, via the Support area of the Microsoft World Wide Web
site (HTTP://WWW.MICROSOFT.COM/SUPPORT/).

"Our goal is to provide accurate and timely information that is widely
available and affordable for our customers, and the Internet newsgroups
are one more way for us to meet this goal," said Linda Glenicki, general
manager of AnswerPoint at Microsoft. "Customer discussion groups provide a
rich source of technical information, and the increasing popularity of the
Internet allows us to provide access to this information to a very broad
set of customers."

Microsoft Newsgroups on the Internet will replace Microsoft-sponsored
forums on CompuServeR as of April 20. CompuServe customers can easily link
to the Microsoft support Web site and the newsgroups from the Microsoft
Connection area on CompuServe. In addition, CompuServe will offer
third-party forums on Microsoft products.

Customers currently access the Microsoft Frequently Asked Questions,
Knowledge Base, and Software Library more than 850,000 times per week on
the Internet. The addition of Microsoft Newsgroups rounds out Microsoft's
Internet offerings by providing an interactive environment for customers
to send each other messages and responses about Microsoft products.
Customers need only an NNTP-compatible newsgroup reader and Internet
access to connect to Microsoft Newsgroups at no charge (Internet
connection charges apply).

Microsoft MVPs (most valuable professionals) will provide technical answers
and foster the growth of the online community. Microsoft will stay
involved in Microsoft Newsgroups, monitoring responses for accuracy and
assisting MVPs as needed. The MVP program recognizes Microsoft customers
who voluntarily assist others in customer-to- customer discussion areas.
Microsoft MVPs come from a wide range of backgrounds and professions, yet
they all share one key attribute: a willingness to give time, expertise
and advice to enhance other customers' technical skills.

"Being an MVP is a natural extension of my desire to help others solve
their computing roadblocks," said Ross Pfaff, who was recognized as an MVP
in August 1995. "Whether it's a mission- critical situation or a
home-entertainment problem, assisting fellow computer users as an MVP
allows me to give back some of what I've been given: knowledge and
satisfaction." For more information on the MVP program or how to become an
MVP, please see the About Support area of the Microsoft World Wide Web
site (http://www.microsoft.com/supportnet/).

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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