Microsoft Kicks Off Countdown to Internet Explorer 5 Launch With a "Reserve Your Copy Early" Offer

Customer Excitement Builds for Broad Availability of Browser That Works Faster to Save Users Time

REDMOND, Wash. - Feb. 22, 1999 - Microsoft Corp. today kicked off the countdown to the launch of Microsoft^® Internet Explorer 5 by offering customers the opportunity to preorder Internet Explorer 5 through the Reserve Your Copy Early program. Starting today, customers can preorder Internet Explorer 5 to avoid the anticipated download demand and ensure they will be among the first to receive the next version of Microsoft browser software on CD-ROM. Internet Explorer 5, scheduled to be available on the Web worldwide starting March 18, 1999, is the browser that saves users time by simplifying and automating common Web tasks.

"Customer interest in Internet Explorer 5 has been unprecedented to date, with beta downloads outpacing Internet Explorer 4.0 beta downloads by more than three to one," said Yusuf Mehdi, director of Windows^® marketing at Microsoft. "We're on the road to delivering a browser that will make it significantly easier to use the Web, and we are excited to offer customers the opportunity to preorder their copy now."

Users can preorder the Internet Explorer 5 CD-ROM on the Microsoft Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/ for $6.95 (U.S.), or by calling (800) 485-2048. The CDs are scheduled to be sent directly from Microsoft to customers shortly after the launch of Internet Explorer 5.

Broadest Availability of Internet Explorer Yet

Microsoft is also pleased to announce that on March 18, 1999, Internet Explorer 5 will be immediately available on the Web to the broadest range of customers to date. For the first time, Microsoft will simultaneously deliver Internet Explorer for the Windows 98, Windows 95, Windows NT^® 3.51, Windows NT 4.0, Windows 3.1, Sun Solaris and HP-UX operating systems. In addition, Microsoft will be delivering Internet Explorer 5 in 10 languages at launch, with 16 additional language versions to be made available in the weeks following. Internet Explorer 5 will also be available for PC makers to preinstall on their machines and will be included in the Windows 98 retail package.

Internet Explorer 5 Delivers What Customers Want

Customers using the Internet Explorer 5 beta have already noticed significant improvements in their browsing experience. "The overall performance of the Internet Explorer 5 beta has been impressive, and I'm looking forward to the delivery of the final version," said R. Leverette, an Internet Explorer 5 beta tester. "Internet Explorer 5 is helping me make more efficient use of my time on the Web by making tasks such as searching and organizing information easier than ever."

Hundreds of common tasks such as searching, navigating, organizing and accessing information anywhere have been simplified and automated in Internet Explorer 5 to dramatically improve the overall browsing experience. In a recent Microsoft survey, over 93 percent of respondents stated that they are satisfied with these new simplicity features and find them directly relevant to their daily browsing needs.

The final release of Internet Explorer 5 will be available for free download at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/ie/ (connect-time charges may apply) beginning March 18, 1999. Additional information about Microsoft Internet Explorer can also be found there.

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.

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

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