REDMOND, Wash. - Jan. 23, 1996 - Microsoft Corp. has introduced a new licensing program enhancement to encourage customers to move to its 32-bit Windows® operating systems, and to adjust the mix of operating systems in their organizations as user needs evolve. This new addition to Microsoft® Select and Open License maintenance programs enables customers to combine both the Windows NT™ Workstation and Windows® 95 operating systems under a single upgrade and maintenance license and a single per-desktop price. This new option simplifies licensing for organizations that expect to use both 32-bit operating systems over time.

The licensing process is simple. With a single upgrade fee, customers with existing Windows 3.x, Windows® for Workgroups or Windows 95 licenses may enroll in Windows 32-Bit Family Maintenance. Those who enroll in Windows 32-Bit Family Maintenance may deploy Windows 95 and Windows NT in any combination for the same per-desktop price. There is no need to track each product individually since Windows 32-Bit Family Maintenance covers both. Customers may switch between Windows NT Workstation and Windows 95 at any time, without having to revise the agreement, track the use of each operating system, or incur additional costs.

Windows 32-Bit Family Maintenance also provides access during the term of the agreement to upgrades of both products, including revisions, tune-up packs and enhancements such as the upcoming Windows 95 shell for Windows NT Workstation. Customers choosing to deploy Windows 95 also receive Microsoft Plus! for Windows 95.

"Microsoft recognizes that different customers need different solutions, especially as hardware capabilities increase," said Bob McDowell, vice president of the enterprise customer unit at Microsoft. "In response, we've developed a flexible licensing option and long-term upgrade path for the mixed-use customer."

The new Windows 32-Bit Family Maintenance plan became available Jan. 1, 1996. Customers with existing Windows NT Workstation licenses under Select or Open License maintenance automatically gain the additional right to install either Windows NT Workstation or Windows 95 with Microsoft Plus! for the duration of the license agreement. Any customer with 25 or more PCs, whether or not they are currently enrolled in a maintenance program, can take advantage of this new flexibility. Customers can contact their reseller or call Microsoft to determine the best way to enroll.

Accommodates Desktop Diversity

Microsoft's family of 32-bit Windows operating systems embraces a broad range of enterprise information-technology requirements and user needs. Products in the family are compatible, share technology, and provide smooth migration paths to future versions of Microsoft operating systems and software.

Microsoft Select Maintenance is the largest volume-licensing program of its kind, with more than 6,000 customers worldwide. Select offers a range of plans to give customers flexibility, efficiency and value in purchasing Microsoft products in volume. Select volume licensing options and maintenance plans exist for both large and small businesses, and include a range of price advantages. For more information on Select, visit the Microsoft Select home page at http://www.microsoft.com/select.

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.

Microsoft, Windows and Windows NT are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

To Enroll in Windows 32-Bit Family Maintenance:

Call your reseller or call Microsoft, (800) 426-9400