REDMOND, Wash. - March 7, 1996 - The last available seat for the Microsoft^® Professional Developers Conference (PDC) - Building Internet Applications was sold yesterday afternoon. This means almost 5,000 developers for the Windows^® operating system and the Internet plan to attend the conference, which will run March 12-14 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco.

Not only will conference attendees get a look at cutting-edge tools, technologies and hardware for developing Internet applications, but more than 300 Microsoft staff members will be on hand to answer questions and bring developers up-to-date on Microsoft tools and technologies.

A sophisticated intranet designed specifically for this conference will also give attendees hands-on opportunities. The intranet, built around new Internet technologies being developed by Microsoft, consists of 160 machines available for use by conference attendees.

The intranet will enable attendees to put some of Microsoft's newest tools and technologies to use and will also allow them to customize an information environment to suit their needs and interests. This information page will keep attendees updated on the latest conference news and events and will enable them to send and receive e-mail.

In addition to a trade show, the conference will offer developers the choice of a wide range of technical breakout sessions and keynote addresses from Microsoft's gurus on operating systems, tools and applications.

Though the conference is sold out, additional developers can still participate. Microsoft at the Movies will deliver eight hours of opening-day news, events and sessions, including the keynote address by Microsoft Chairman and CEO Bill Gates, at neighborhood theaters across the United States and Canada.

Developers can register for Microsoft at the Movies either by calling (800) 340-8255 or by registering online at http://www.microsoft.com/devmovies. The cost is $35 (U.S.); all Canadian taxes are included.

For continually updated online information about the conference, visit the showcase site on the Microsoft home page on the World Wide Web at http://www.microsoft.com/showcase/intpdc.