Early Training Initiative Paves Way for More Than 11,000 Microsoft Channel
Partners to Profit From Release of Microsoft Exchange Server

CHANNEL PARTNERS TO PROFIT FROM RELEASE OF MICROSOFT EXCHANGE SERVER

Distributors, Resellers and Solution Providers Prepare for Enormous Market
Opportunity

LAS VEGAS - APRIL 2, 1996 - Today at NetWorld + Interop '96, Microsoft
Corp. announced that thousands of distributors, resellers and Solution
Providers worldwide are ready to provide service and support for Microsoft
Exchange Server.

Since July 1995, more than 1,000 independent Microsoft Solution Provider
companies have been trained on Microsoft Exchange Server. Today, more than
200 Authorized Training and Education Centers (ATECs) offer Microsoft
Exchange training and certification.

"We have never done more - or started earlier - to prepare the channel with
training and education for a major product launch," said John Neilson,
vice president of the organizational customer unit at Microsoft. "As a
result, customers will have value-added services for Microsoft Exchange
from day one. In addition, channel companies will have all the tools they
need to take advantage of the enormous market opportunity that Microsoft
Exchange and related professional services represent."

"Microsoft Exchange Server entering the groupware market will provide many
opportunities for Microsoft Solution Providers and independent software
vendors to assist customers in creating customized business solutions,"
said Ian Campbell, director of collaborative technologies at International
Data Corp. "These companies can expect their sales opportunities to
increase by taking advantage of the solid foundation and rich development
environment provided by Microsoft Exchange Server."

TRAINING AND TOOLS AVAILABLE FOR SMALL, MEDIUM-SIZED AND LARGE RESELLERS

The Microsoft Solution Provider Exchange Specialist initiative is the
industry's first comprehensive business development program for channel
companies. It is one of four Solution Provider Specialist initiatives -
along with programs focusing on the Internet, 32-bit desktops and
host-systems connectivity - that Microsoft offers to its more than 11,000
Solution Provider companies. The Microsoft Solution Provider Exchange
Specialist initiative offers participants exclusive benefits, including
access to resources, technical assistance and marketing support. Microsoft
Exchange Specialists receive a business development kit with product
software, documentation and discounts on ATEC training.

Also available to independent value-added resellers are Microsoft Exchange
Reseller Action Packs, which give small and medium-sized resellers a quick
and cost-effective way to prepare for Microsoft Exchange. The Action Pack
includes self-paced training materials and discounted software so
resellers can save time and money as they gain expertise in Microsoft
Exchange. The Microsoft Exchange Reseller Action Pack is available through
distributors.

"Microsoft Exchange provides a world-class platform for global messaging
and information-sharing solutions," said Link Simpson, president of
Software Spectrum Technology Services Group. "We have invested early in
getting our consulting organization up to speed to help our customers
develop, deploy and maintain solutions around Microsoft Exchange. We
already have Microsoft Exchange in production in more than 10 consulting
offices across North America and have implemented the Microsoft Exchange
Services Guide into our service offerings."

The Microsoft Exchange Service Guide is a customizable step-by-step guide
that provides Microsoft Solution Provider Specialists with the process and
tools they need to provide their customers the best possible service.

Microsoft Solution Providers are independent organizations working with
Microsoft that include a wide range of companies and individuals, such as
system integrators and installation experts, VARs, developers, consultants
and technical support and training organizations. These Solution Providers
add value by offering their customers a full range of services, such as
vertical and horizontal solutions, line-of-business applications, and
client-server implementation and systems integration, including
multivendor expertise and training.

Businesses in North America can request information about the Microsoft
Solution Provider program or can enroll by calling (800) SOL-PROV
(765-7768). In other countries, businesses should contact their local
Microsoft subsidiary.

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.
 
 =========================================================
 From the 'New Product News' Electronic News Service on...
 AOL (Keyword = New Products) and Delphi (GO COMP PROD)
 =========================================================
 This information was processed from data provided by the
 company/author mentioned. For additional details, please
 contact them directly at the address/phone# indicated.
 Trademarks are the property of their respective owners!
 =========================================================
 All submissions for this service should be addressed to:
 BAKER ENTERPRISES,  20 Ferro Dr,  Sewell, NJ  08080  USA
 Email:   rbakerpc@aol.com   --or--   rbakerpc@delphi.com
 =========================================================
