MICROSOFT TAKES NEXT STEP IN ESTABLISHING THE ONLINE CLASSROOM FOR THE
WORLD

Microsoft Online Institute Is Prime Example of Microsoft's Internet and
Intranet Focus

REDMOND, WASH. - MAY 28, 1996 - Microsoft Corp. today announced the
availability of online training classes on the World Wide Web for
individuals and students to become educated on Microsoft software and
technologies.

In addition, the company announced that the Microsoft Online Institute
(MOLI), Microsoft's online training solution, will be made available to
intranet users in the future.

Through the MOLI, students can take classes from instructors online - right
from their own computer - selecting interesting courses that are taught on
a schedule convenient for the student. Available since August 1995 on MSN,
The Microsoft Network, the Microsoft Online Institute is now available in
a beta version on the Web. Seven courses on Microsoft products are already
being taught, and several more are scheduled to be added this summer. The
Microsoft Online Institute Campus Web address is
http://moli.microsoft.com/.

Unlike traditional instruction, the MOLI course curriculum is available to
students online and enables them to receive real-time online assistance
from a Microsoft Learning Advisor, an authorized trainer. Students also
communicate with each other online, sharing information and helping each
other with course work.

Online learning offers students unique flexibility. In addition to being
less expensive than traditional classroom courses, the Microsoft Online
Institute allows students access to the classroom at any time and from any
PC, making it ideal for professionals who travel or for those who can't
get away for classes during specific hours.

"At Microsoft, we're committed to education," said Nancy Lewis, director of
channel programs, education and certification at Microsoft. "And because
people learn in different ways, we need to deliver training and education
through a variety of media and methodologies. By bringing the Microsoft
Online Institute to the Web, we make online learning available to the
growing community of IS professionals and channel partners who use the
Internet."

Microsoft is the first company in the industry to provide the means by
which instructor-guided classes can be conducted on the Internet. While
many companies have used the Web to promote training courses, recruit
students and even download course curricula, Microsoft is leading the way
in providing instruction over the Internet.

Initially launched as a service on The Microsoft Network, the Microsoft
Online Institute until now has been available only to users of the
WindowsR 95 operating system. Now, the Microsoft Online Institute is
available to anyone with Internet access.

THE MICROSOFT ONLINE INSTITUTE DEMONSTRATES MICROSOFT'S LEADING-EDGE
INTERNET STRATEGY

An excellent example of the company's focus on providing industry-leading
Internet products and technologies, MOLI was developed using the latest
Microsoft software tools, including Microsoft Internet Information Server,
the Windows NTR operating system, Microsoft SQL Server and Microsoft
Internet Explorer.

Microsoft Online Institute students can enroll in a variety of courses
covering Microsoft Internet products, including Supporting Microsoft
Internet Information Server, Internet Application Development, and Web
Design and Authoring with Microsoft Internet Explorer 2.0. Additional
Internet-specific courses will be available later this year and as new
products are introduced.

To solidly support the certification needs of professionals using the
Internet, Microsoft is integrating Internet-specific certification into
its existing certification framework. Consistent with the company's
strategy of seamlessly integrating Internet-related features and
technologies into its broad product line, Microsoft's four certification
programs will now include appropriate Internet competencies as part of the
certification process.

MICROSOFT ONLINE INSTITUTE CREATES BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

The Microsoft Online Institute represents an expanded business opportunity
for training organizations, including Microsoft Authorized Technical
Education Centers (ATECs), according to Paul Kautz, instructor for ARIS
Corp., which is both an Online Classroom Provider and an ATEC.

"We see online training as a complementary strategy to our classroom
training business," Kautz said. "The Microsoft Online Institute offers us
a way to cost-effectively reach students who may not be candidates for
in-person training courses, and now that it's on the Web, the market
potential is even greater."

ARIS Corp. began a class called Supporting Windows 95 on April 15. In
addition to ARIS, five organizations offer courses: Information Management
Group, Infotec Commercial Systems, Peritas Limited, Training Associates
and Valinor Inc. Current course offerings from these providers include
Supporting Microsoft Internet Information Server, Internet Application
Development, Web Design and Authoring with Microsoft Internet Explorer
2.0, Supporting Microsoft Windows NT, Microsoft Visual BasicR 4.0, and
Mastering Microsoft Access 95.

The Microsoft Online Institute rounds out a suite of education and
certification options for Microsoft products that includes traditional
classroom training through ATECs; Microsoft Official Curriculum in CD-ROM,
paper and video formats; and step-by-step Microsoft Press books.

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.

The Microsoft Network is operated by Microsoft Corp. on behalf of Microsoft
Network LLC.

The Microsoft Online Institute can be found on the World Wide Web at
HTTP://MOLI.MICROSOFT.COM/ or on MSN by using the GO word "MOLI." Visit
the MOLI campus at no charge. Costs are not incurred until a person
enrolls in a course, and then charges are collected by the Online
Classroom Provider. Online Classroom Providers set their own course
pricing. Users of MSN may visit MOLI on MSN or on the World Wide Web free
of connect-time fees; those who visit MOLI on the Web through an Internet
service provider will incur connect-time charges from that provider as
they would for any other Internet activity. Microsoft Online Institute on
MSN is accessible only to those with an MSN account. For information on
becoming an Online Classroom Provider, send e-mail to moli_help@msn.com.
 
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