Compaq's new line of home computers to ship with Gold Disk's presentation software Astound CSE.

SANTA CLARA, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 3, 1995--Gold Disk Inc. today announced that it has signed a licensing agreement with Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE:CPQ) allowing Compaq to distribute a special version of Gold Disk's award-winning presentation software Astound for Windows with Compaq's newest line of Presario multimedia computers.

Targeted directly at home users and small office/home office users, the new Presario models offer 586 microprocessor power and a wide variety of multimedia features such as 16-bit sound, full-duplex speakerphone and "quad speed" CD-ROM support. Compaq's latest entry into the home computer market is available in retail stores throughout the United States and Canada beginning April 3, 1995.

"Our criteria for selecting software to be included with the Compaq Presario line was simple. We wanted a multimedia presentation program that was drop-dead easy to use and allowed users of any Presario model to take advantage of the powerful multimedia capabilities that are integrated into the system. After extensive testing Astound CSE came out the hands down winner. It's a solid program that definitely showcases the multimedia power of the Presario family and complements our lifestyle focus for the product line," said Michael Norris, vice president of consumer products for Compaq.

The agreement grants Compaq a worldwide, non-exclusive license to distribute Astound CSE, a full featured special edition of Astound that includes a subset of video and sound clip media, as well as animated actors, clipart bitmap images and pictographs.

"In the past year Gold Disk has seen a huge shift in acceptance of multimedia productivity software in the small office/home office market. Once again, Astound is breaking new ground by putting multimedia presentation software in the hands of home computer users across the U.S. and Canada," said Kailash Ambwani, CEO and president of Santa Clara-based Gold Disk.

Astound garnered many 1994 industry awards including: International Technology Innovation Award given by Windows Watcher; PC Magazine's Editor's Choice Award and Best Multimedia Product for 1994; New Media Magazine's Awesome Award; and Presentation Magazine's Standing Ovation Award.

Company Background

Compaq Computer Corporation is the world's largest supplier of personal computers, offering desktop PCs, portable PCs, and servers. Founded in 1982, the company reported 1994 worldwide sales of $10.9 billion. Compaq products are sold and supported in more than 100 countries through a network of more than 38,000 Compaq marketing partners. Compaq also sells directly to customers through Compaq Direct Plus at 1-800/888-5858. Compaq provides 24-hour customer support and can be reached through the Compaq forums on America Online, Compuserve, Internet, and Prodigy, or by calling 1-800/345-1518.

Gold Disk Inc., founded in 1984, produces award-winning multimedia presentation tools and personal productivity products. Other Gold Disk products include: Astound for Macintosh, VideoDirector for Macintosh and Windows, Professional Draw, Animation Works Interactive, Animation Works for Macintosh and Windows, and ScreenCraze II. Gold Disk is privately held and is based in Santa Clara, California with international offices in Canada and the United Kingdom.

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Note to Editors: More in-depth technical information, screen shots and product box shots are available upon request.

CONTACT: Gold Disk

Neil Snyder, 408/982-0200 ext. 128

Michaela Brehm, 408/982-0200 ext. 124