HARDWARE AND SOFTWARE COMPANIES TO COOPERATE WITH MICROSOFT ON PUBLIC
NETWORKS PLATFORM

At the National Cable Television Association Show, Microsoft Demonstrates
Network Solutions With Participating Companies

LOS ANGELES - APRIL 30, 1996 - Today at Cable '96, Microsoft Corp.
announced it is collaborating with leading hardware and software companies
to provide integrated solutions for the public networks' challenge of
deploying high-speed, video-enriched Internet services and content. The
industry effort will focus on a Microsoft Windows NT Server-based public
networks platform that will be deployed on existing and future network
infrastructures.

The Microsoft public networks platform allows network operators the
flexibility to choose open, interoperable software and hardware for their
network infrastructures in meeting their business and residential
customers' needs. Microsoft is working with industry leaders in the areas
of cable modems, ADSL modems, systems management, network equipment,
systems integration and network backbone providers. The platform builds on
the Windows NT Server network operating system with Microsoft Internet
Information Server; "Catapult," a proxy and caching server; and the
Microsoft Internet Explorer browser. Future capabilities and applications
include network quality of service, subscriber management, systems and
network management, media streaming, authoring tools, and news and e-mail
services.

"Here at Cable '96, we are pleased to announce relationships that will
enable network operators to provide users with the high-speed Internet
connectivity they want today," said Craig Mundie, senior vice president of
the consumer platforms division at Microsoft. "Our goal is to remove the
complexities confronting both cable and telephone companies in delivering
rich Internet services."

The following participating companies are developing hardware, software and
services to integrate with the Microsoft public networks platform: 3Com
Corp., Andersen Consulting, Ascend Communications Inc., Axime, Bay
Networks Inc., BGS Systems Inc., Cabletron Systems Inc., Cascade
Communications Corp., Cisco Systems Inc., Com21 Corp., Digital Equipment
Corp., FORE Systems Inc., General Instrument, Hewlett-Packard Co.,
Landmark Systems Corp., Livingston Enterprises Inc., MCI, Metron
Technology Ltd., Motorola Inc., Scientific Atlanta Inc., U.S. Robotics,
UUNET Technologies Inc., WesTell Technologies Inc. and Zenith Network
Systems.

"General Instrument welcomes Microsoft in bringing our high-speed broadband
network solution to network operators," said Mike Ozburn, vice president
and general manager of General Instrument's Telecommunications SBU. "The
integration of Microsoft's Windows NT Server-based software with General
Instrument cable modems opens new possibilities in broadband
communications and services. We look forward to offering cable companies a
complete, end-to-end solution to expand the much desired choice and
flexibility in the range of services they can offer to their customers."

"Motorola, the leading cable modem supplier, is excited to work with
network operators to offer Internet access and services through our
participation in Microsoft's public networks platform," said James M.
Phillips, corporate vice president of Motorola Inc. "Network operators
expect multiple suppliers to come together with open systems that provide
end-to-end solutions. We are committed to making this happen and bringing
new broadband services to consumers."

"Working with Microsoft, we will be able to offer a complete end-to-end
high-speed data network solution to our customers," said Tom Steipp, vice
president and general manager of Scientific-Atlanta's broadband data
networks division. "Microsoft's proxy servers, caching servers and related
technologies will eliminate bottlenecks and bring a richer world of
content to users of Scientific-Atlanta networks."

"The Microsoft platform complements Zenith's cable modem technology, giving
the market a seamless solution for high-speed data services on broadband
networks," said Kathy Wolfe, division vice president and general manager,
data products, Zenith Network Systems.

"ADSL will be a great enabler for future interactive, multimedia Internet
services," said Gary Seamans, chairman of WesTell Technologies Inc. "ADSL
modems can transmit data up to 5,000 percent faster than 28,800
bit-per-second modems used for today's Internet applications. With this
announcement, Microsoft again is building on its reputation as a developer
of solutions that enable people around the world to easily enjoy the
benefits of the Information Age."

"Just as network operators will want to select optimal modem links, they
will also want choices in the software framework delivering high-speed
data services," said William R. Hahn, operations manager, HP's interactive
broadband products. "We plan to offer our customers software alternatives
for the HP QuickBurst cable modem, and we will be pleased to include
Microsoft's public network platform."

With a number of participating companies, Microsoft is demonstrating a
range of products and services for network operators at the Microsoft
booth at Cable '96, the National Cable and Television Association show,
April 29-May 1 in Los Angeles.

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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