COMPUSERVE ANNOUNCES MAJOR NEW TECHNOLOGY INITIATIVE

Code-named "RED DOG," new plan focuses on open-standards technology; Full
service to be available via Web browser by year's end

COLUMBUS, Ohio -- May 21, 1996 -- CompuServe (NASDAQ: CSRV) today announced
it would immediately embrace open standards Internet technology, focus
most of its resources on creating value-added services instead of
proprietary architecture, and launch a world-class suite of services
available via an industry-standard Web browser by year's end.

"By acquiring, customizing and deploying fundamental technology, we can
free most of our resources from the labors of building architectural
platforms and focus them on providing the unique added value that the
customer needs -- today and into the future," said Bob Massey,
CompuServe's president and chief executive officer.  "This new initiative
not only paves the way for new services in the future, but it will enhance
our current services -- the CompuServe Information Service, WOW! and
SPRYNET, as well as our corporate business -- by enabling us to respond
quickly to market needs with unique new products and content."

Code-named "RED DOG," the new initiative includes major realignment of
CompuServe's associates into teams that can focus on procuring the best
technology, customizing it for CompuServe users, and creating new
value-added products that will differentiate CompuServe from the
competition. More than 80 percent of CompuServe's development efforts will
now be devoted to building new content and value-added products using
Internet technology.

"We've been integrating Internet technology into our business for more than
a year, so now we can proceed quickly while serving our existing customers
well," said Denny Matteucci, CompuServe's president, Online Services
Division. "We will deliver unique new products and content using Internet
standards by mid-summer and a world class service that anyone with a
browser can access by early next year."

RED DOG is part of an ongoing effort to create a market-driven,
standards-based portfolio of online and Internet services. CompuServe will
acquire, customize and integrate technologies developed by business
partners and third-party vendors.  The company is now evaluating
alternative software that will allow it to move quickly and provide
customers with the best, most flexible information, communication and
entertainment services in the world.

"By redirecting our talent and focusing on producing valuable,
customer-oriented Internet and intranet services, we will slash our time
to market with new products by up to 75 percent," Matteucci added.  "Far
from competing with the Web, the RED DOG initiative positions us to
maximize rapidly maturing open standards to expand our portfolio by
building viable businesses on the Internet."

Further announcements on the exact nature of CompuServe's expanded Web
offerings, including specific technology partners, product offerings and
pricing plans will be announced separately in coming weeks and months.

CompuServe is an H&R Block (NYSE:HRB) company.

Founded in 1955, H&R Block is a diversified services company and the
world's leader in tax preparation and online information services.  H&R
Block Tax Services handled almost one in every seven returns filed with
the Internal Revenue Service in 1995, serving 17.1 million taxpayers in
more than 9,500 offices worldwide. CompuServe operates the most
comprehensive online network in the world, providing services to more than
950 corporate accounts and nearly 5 million users in more than 185
countries.
 
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