REDMOND, Wash., and CAMBRIDGE, Mass. - May 11, 1999 -Microsoft Corp. and Allaire Corp. today announced an agreement to enhance the integration between the Microsoft^® Windows^® Distributed interNet Applications (Windows DNA) architecture technologies and the Allaire™ ColdFusion^® Web application server. The resulting integration will enable customers to more quickly and easily deliver enterprise and e-commerce applications that take advantage of the complementary strengths of ColdFusion and Windows DNA.

A core principle of Windows DNA is to ensure that Microsoft's platform technologies work with other key platforms in the enterprise industry. Because enterprise computing environments are heterogeneous, it is essential that key technologies have a high degree of interoperability. By providing extensive support for Microsoft's technologies and allowing developers to build applications that work with any of the major distributed computing platforms, ColdFusion extends the reach of Windows DNA and Microsoft's rich data-tier, server and client platform capabilities. ColdFusion currently integrates with a number of Microsoft products and technologies, including Component Object Model (COM), Microsoft SQL Server™ and Microsoft Internet Explorer. Under the agreement announced today, Microsoft and Allaire will work together to enhance support in ColdFusion for new Windows 2000 technologies, including COM+, the Active Directory™ directory service, OLE DB, Microsoft Management Console and Microsoft Internet Explorer 5.0 browser software, among others.

"Allaire ColdFusion takes advantage of the distributed component architecture, powerful data-tier services and leading browser technologies of Windows DNA," said Jigish Avalani, group manager of Windows DNA Marketing for Microsoft. "The excellent development and deployment platform in ColdFusion enables Web developers to extend the Windows DNA architecture, to rapidly build and deliver highly scalable and reliable Web applications."

"Our customers are already using the ColdFusion Web application server to build and deploy solutions ranging from e-commerce sites to new business-automation systems that leverage technology in Windows DNA," said Adam Berrey, product marketing director for Allaire. "Through a closer relationship with Microsoft, we'll be able to provide Web developers with stronger technology integration, so they can more easily create ColdFusion applications that take advantage of the Windows DNA architecture and new Windows 2000 platform services."

The announcement today is the first in a series of planned joint marketing, education and technical projects between Microsoft and Allaire. The companies intend to continue to work together closely to ensure a high degree of interoperability for future versions of their respective products.

"Our customers are looking for well-integrated best-of-breed technologies to deliver strategic enterprise solutions," said George Favaloro, director of marketing, Internet and Electronic Commerce Solutions at Compaq Computer Corp. "Our work with both companies to develop Compaq ActiveAnswers solutions has shown how well Allaire's ColdFusion Web application server works with the Microsoft Windows DNA architecture. This new closer alliance will help us more effectively recommend, develop and sell enterprise e-commerce solutions."

About Microsoft Windows DNA

The Microsoft Windows Distributed interNet Applications architecture is Microsoft's framework for building a new generation of highly adaptable business solutions that enable companies to fully exploit the benefits of Microsoft's platform technologies. Using the Windows DNA model, customers can build modern, scalable, n-tier business applications that can be delivered over any network. Windows DNA applications can improve the flow of information within and without the organization, are dynamic and flexible to change as business needs evolve, and can be easily integrated with existing systems and data. Because Windows DNA applications use deeply integrated Windows platform services that work together, organizations can focus on delivering business solutions rather than on being systems integrators. For more information about Windows DNA, please visit the Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/dna/.

About Allaire ColdFusion

Now in its fourth release, Allaire ColdFusion is the leading cross-platform Web application server. It provides a complete platform for building and deploying enterprise Web systems that integrate browser, server and database technologies. ColdFusion is used by more than 3,500 companies worldwide for solutions ranging from e-commerce and content management to business automation on intranets, extranets and the Internet. For more information about ColdFusion, please visit the Web site at http://www.allaire.com/coldfusion/.

About Allaire

Allaire (Nasdaq "ALLR") is the industry's leading independent Web application platform vendor. The company's products, ColdFusion and HomeSite, are used by an estimated 250,000 developers worldwide to build and deploy a broad range of interactive Web applications and public Internet sites. With a network of over 1,500 partners, including systems integrators, consultants, Internet service providers, independent software vendors and complementary technology vendors, the Allaire Alliance Partner Program delivers integrated Web application development and business solutions to customers around the world. Headquartered in Cambridge, Mass., Allaire also has offices in Europe and Asia Pacific and can be found on the Web at http://www.allaire.com/.

About Microsoft

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.

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve a number of risks and uncertainties. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements are set forth under the heading "Risk Factors" in Allaire Corp.'s Registration Statement on Form S-1 filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (file no. 333-68639), which factors are incorporated herein by reference.

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

ColdFusion is a U.S. registered trademark and Allaire is a trademark of Allaire Corp.

Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.