Microsoft and Compaq Announce Integrated Streaming Media Solution For Training Corporate IT Professionals

Windows Media Training Server Provides Easy-to-Access Online Seminars, Including Seminars on Windows 2000, SQL Server and Office 2000

REDMOND, Wash., and HOUSTON - May 11, 1999 - Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq "MSFT") and Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE "CPQ") today announced the Windows Media™ Training Server, the first completely integrated, low-cost corporate training solution preconfigured with approximately 100 of the most popular Microsoft^® product training seminars. This solution is based on the Compaq ProLiant, the server the world depends on most. Windows Media Training Server includes all the components IT managers need to quickly and easily implement a flexible training solution that uses streaming media to deliver information over a corporate network.

Today's increasingly fast-paced business environment has IT managers demanding the most up-to-date technical information and more efficient and effective ways to transfer knowledge to their employees. Windows Media Training Server provides a convenient way to educate an entire IT staff on current and upcoming technologies and solutions. This joint solution from Compaq and Microsoft comes preloaded with in-depth technical Microsoft training seminars on key technologies such as the Windows^® 2000 operating system, Microsoft SQL Server™ 7.0, Office 2000 productivity software, and 50 of the most-requested Microsoft Seminar Online programs. Content from Compaq includes certification and product training and short informational video clips.

"Our enterprise customers are in need of in-depth training materials on key Microsoft technologies," said Jim Allchin, senior vice president, Business and Enterprise Division at Microsoft. "By delivering a preconfigured server, filled with the latest product seminars and online training sessions, Compaq and Microsoft make it simple for IT professionals to obtain critical knowledge directly from the experts."

"This joint solution from Compaq and Microsoft makes it easier for customers that want to incorporate audio and video into their training and communications to increase effectiveness and reduce cost," said Ray Villareal, vice president, North America Enterprise Computing, Compaq Computer Corporation. "We're bringing industry-leading products and a rich set of content into one package that lets customers get started quickly and with less risk."

With Windows Media Training Server, Microsoft and Compaq collaborated to deliver a training solution that uses streaming media to increase reach and save money. The solution provides a highly interactive, user-controlled experience for faster, more tailored training, directly from users' desktops. It provides a way for IT managers to introduce interactive media to their organizations. Windows Media Training Server is extensible so that additional content - from internal or external sources - can be added at any time. In addition, it provides easy content storage and organization.

Industry-Leading Compaq and Microsoft Products

The value-packed Compaq ProLiant 800 server included with this solution is based on a 350MHz Intel Pentium II processor with 128 MB of 100MHz ECC SDRAM memory, a 9.1GB Wide Ultra SCSI hard drive, a 32X CD-ROM drive, a 1.44MB floppy disk drive, Compaq 10/100 TX PCI UTP Controller and SmartStart and Compaq Insight Manager software.

Windows Media Training Server comes complete with Microsoft Windows NT^® Server 4.0 Service Pack 4, including Windows Media Services for streaming audio and video. All of the software and content is preinstalled on the server, enabling plug-and-play installation on the customer's network. The product also comes with Windows Media Player, which can be easily distributed to client desktops for high-quality playback of streaming content.

Streaming Media Applications Include Communications, Promotions, E-Commerce

Windows Media Training Server also provides a convenient, cost-effective way for businesses to begin using Windows Media Technologies to meet additional needs across the enterprise, such as internal and external communications, online promotions and e-commerce applications. Companies can use the server to trim travel costs by broadcasting corporate conferences over an intranet rather than gathering employees in one location. They can broadcast executive speeches to every individual's desktop, regardless of employee location.

Price and Availability

Windows Media Training Server is available immediately in North America for less than $4,000 (U.S.) through Compaq-authorized resellers via Tech Data Corporation. Tech Data has been selected as the first distributor for the Windows Media Training Server. Tech Data, which serves more than 100,000 technology resellers worldwide, will custom configure Windows Media Training Server and provide pre- and post-sale technical services as well as marketing support, including forwarding lead information from Compaq and Microsoft to a potential customer's nearest local reseller.

For more information, visit the Microsoft Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/windowsmedia/ or the Windows Media Technologies area of the Compaq Web site at http://www.compaq.com/activeanswers/.

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