Acer America rolls out Microsoft Windows 95 upgrade plan and support program; Offers customers free Windows 95 upgrades; New AcerExpertise program provides premium level of support.

SAN JOSE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Sept. 1, 1995--Acer America Corporation, one of the nation's top 10 personal computer manufacturers, today announced its upgrade and support plans for Microsoft's new Windows 95 operating system.

Acer is offering free Windows 95 upgrades to retail customers and is bolstering its technical support efforts with the introduction of AcerExpertise, a program offering a premium level of support for customers using Windows 95 and other software applications pre-installed by Acer.

Acer America's president and chief executive officer, Ronald Chwang, said, "Acer is excited to usher in the next generation of personal computing ease-of-use with Acer PCs and Microsoft's Windows 95 operating system. With an easy upgrade plan and new service programs, Acer is striving to provide customers with a smooth transition to Windows 95."

Retail customers who purchase a new Acer notebook or personal computer between June 24th and October 24th can obtain a coupon for a Windows 95 upgrade package and an Acer Companion kit containing installation instructions, software drivers required to maintain system compatibility, and other helpful hints to guide new users through the upgrade process.

For current Acer customers who purchased a system prior to June of this year, the Companion kit can be obtained through Acer's world wide web site at http://www.acer.com/aac/win95/, via electronic bulletin board at 408-428-0140, or by calling technical support at 800-445-6495.

To provide customers with an easy transition to the Windows 95 environment, Acer is offering a suite of specialized service options through AcerExpertise. AcerExpertise complements Acer's existing lifetime service program by offering an enhanced level of technical support for customers who need in-depth, ongoing assistance with the Windows 95 operating system and other software programs pre-loaded on Acer computers.

AcerExpertise allows customers to purchase the right amount of service they need with a pay-as-you-go rate of $2.00 per minute, up to a maximum $24 fee per incident charge via 900-555-ACER. Additionally, Acer has developed an extensive Windows 95 information area on its worldwide web site at http://www.acer.com/aac/win95/, offering users unlimited access to information about upgrading, system requirements, and troubleshooting technical difficulties.

Olend King, vice president of customer service for Acer America said, "Acer is committed to providing the best possible values and service for our customers. By offering a multitude of service options, we believe we are poised to meet the individual service requirements of each Acer customer."

Acer America Corporation

Acer America Corporation (http://www.acer.com/aac/), headquartered in San Jose, Calif., designs and manufactures a broad range of computer systems and peripherals. Award-winning product offerings include AcerNote(TM) notebooks, AcerAcros(TM), and AcerPower(TM) desktop computers, the AcerAltos(TM) line of open servers, and AcerView(TM) monitors.

The Acer Computer Explorer(TM) and Out of Box Experience demonstrate Acer's commitment to make PCs as easy to use as other consumer product. A subsidiary of $3.2 billion Acer Group, Acer America posted revenues of $858 million in 1994 and $601 million for the first half of 1995. -0-

Note to Editors: Acer is a registered trademark of The Acer Group. All other products, brand names, or companies are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries.

CONTACT: Acer America Corporation

Robyn Jenkins, 408/432-6200

[e-mail]

http://www.acer.com/aac/

or

Wilson McHenry Co.

Veronica Skelton, 415/638-3400

[e-mail]