Intel And Microsoft Unveil Migration Assistance Program For Workstation Application Developers

Program Aimed At Helping Leading RISC/UNIX ISVs Develop 32-Bit And 64-Bit Applications For Intel Architecture and Windows NT Platform

SEATTLE, Wash., March 6, 1998 -- In an effort to further help independent software vendors (ISVs) benefit from the popular combination of the Microsoft Windows NT* operating system running on compute-intensive Intel Architecture-based workstations, Intel Corp. and Microsoft Corp. today introduced the Migration Assistance Program (MAP). It will assist workstation ISVs in developing and optimizing powerful applications for the 32-bit Windows NT and Intel Architecture platform — and help them prepare for the upcoming release of Intel's 64-bit Merced™ processor. The announcement was made at the Workstation Leadership Forum taking place in Seattle.

The program will provide direct support to selected ISVs that are leaders in various technical application segments. In so doing, the program will let them capitalize on the business integration, innovation and low cost of ownership that have made the Intel Architecture and Windows NT the preferred choice for corporate computing.

"The arrival of the Pentium® II processor drove new levels of performance, which is resulting in the rapid expansion of the workstation market segment," said Anand Chandrasekher, general manager of Intel's Workstation Product Division. "Along with advanced I/O and high-performance graphics, the horsepower now available on Intel Architecture-based workstations is enough to handle even the most demanding technical applications.

"Windows NT has become the operating system of choice for technical workstations. With a single desktop standard, it offers users the simplicity of Windows NT and the power of the Intel Architecture, along with the lowest total cost of ownership," said Charles Stevens, vice president of the application development customer unit at Microsoft. "This program provides leading ISVs with a clear path for the migration of UNIX to Windows NT workstations."

Applications for MAP will be available online beginning March 16 at www.intel.com (search for "map") and www.microsoft.com/industry/map. Applications will be accepted through March 31. Microsoft and Intel will then select the most qualified ISVs, who are scheduled to be notified by May 15.

ISVs to Receive Briefings, Discounted Development Systems and Software, On-site Services and Other Incentives MAP includes a number of benefits such as product updates, discounted developer workstations, tools and consulting services. On the information side, the program will feature a briefing by Intel on the IA-64™ architecture and the Merced processor; briefings and design reviews by Microsoft on its tools and operating system plans for the Merced processor; and access to product-specific programs directly related to Microsoft technologies.

To speed the migration of workstation software, several system vendors will offer MAP participants computer discounts or special purchase incentives for Intel Architecture and Windows NT-based workstations. Microsoft will offer discounts on Microsoft Office Developer Edition and Visual Studio™ development system Professional Edition.

Finally, Intel and Microsoft will offer a number of direct services to program participants, including developer training and application architecture reviews. ISVs will also receive IA-32 and IA-64 application development and optimization assistance from companies that are part of Intel's OEM Application Solution Center program (see press release issued today) and Microsoft's Premier Support for developers.

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.

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