MAPI-Based Workflow Specification Now Available

MAPI Workflow Framework Offers Foundation for Interoperability And Powerful
Messaging-Based Workflow

CHICAGO - APRIL 1, 1996 - Microsoft Corp. and Wang Laboratories Inc.
announced today the first public availability of the specification for the
MAPI Workflow Framework (MAPI-WF). MAPI-WF provides a standards-based
mechanism to allow production and messaging-based workflow systems to
interoperate. It also extends MAPI, the Microsoft messaging API, to create
a robust foundation for mail-based workflow solutions. The two companies
plan to provide the first demonstration of interoperability using MAPI-WF
at the Workflow Canada Conference in Toronto in June.

"The MAPI Workflow Framework will provide customers with a universal way to
initiate, route and track workflow processes within messaging
environments," said Paul Maritz, group vice president of the platforms
group at Microsoft. "Our work with Wang and others in the workflow
community in defining interoperability significantly expands the value of
workflow by making full use of a well-established standard - MAPI."

"The availability of this specification allows customers to exploit the
benefits of both production and messaging-based workflow in an integrated
manner," said Bob Weiler, president of the software business unit at Wang.
"Standards such as MAPI-WF help provide the foundation for
enterprise-capable work management."

The MAPI Workflow Framework was originally presented at an Open Design
Meeting at Microsoft in November and has undergone changes both as a
result of feedback from ISVs and as a result of work to bring the
specification in line with interoperability objectives of the Workflow
Management Coalition (WFMC). The MAPI Workflow Framework has been proposed
to the WFMC as an implementation of the yet-to-be-released WFMC Interface
4 interoperability specification. Following review and approval, MAPI-WF
is expected to become the first available implementation of this WFMC
standard, the publication of which is expected later this year.

The MAPI Workflow Framework is an extension to MAPI, a specification
supported on millions of desktops today, including those that use
Microsoft Exchange, LotusR cc:Mail&#153; and others. With MAPI-WF, a
MAPI-compliant messaging system can be used to create and transport
workflow items with a robust set of routing and tracking services, as well
as exchange workitems with production systems that comply with the
specification.

The framework includes the following key components:

 A command message interface, a set of defined MAPI messages and
 properties used to build workflow items and request workflow services

 A routing model, a means for defining workflow routing

 An OLE/COM interface, an object-oriented programming interface
 for creating workflow-enabled applications

Wang will provide support for interoperability using the specification in a
future release of its OPEN/workflow production work management system for
the Windows NTR operating system.

A SIGNIFICANT RESULT OF THE WANG AND MICROSOFT ALLIANCE

The work between Microsoft and Wang is a significant result of the broad
alliance between Wang and Microsoft announced in April 1995. This alliance
will bring improved document imaging and work-management capabilities to
users of the Windows 95 and Windows NT operating systems. As part of the
alliance, Wang was designated Microsoft's preferred workflow and imaging
vendor and is working closely with Microsoft to help define the MAPI
Workflow Framework for enabling interoperability between product and
messaging systems such as Microsoft Exchange.

ABOUT WANG

Wang Laboratories Inc. is a recognized leader in workflow, integrated
imaging, document management and network storage management for
client/server open systems and a major worldwide provider of integration
and support services for office software and networks.

ABOUT MICROSOFT

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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