Compaq To Provide Tight Integration and Robust Management For Microsoft BackOffice 2.0 on ProLiant Platforms; Compaq Servers Remain Best Enterprise- class Platform for BackOffice-based Internet/Intranet Solutions.

HOUSTON--(BUSINESS WIRE)--April 30, 1996--Leveraging its Frontline Partnership with Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ:MSFT) and maintaining its commitment to be the platform of choice for Microsoft-based distributed enterprise computing solutions, Compaq Computer Corporation (NYSE:CPQ) today announced it will tightly integrate Microsoft BackOffice 2.0 on Compaq ProLiant and ProSignia servers shipped worldwide. Specifically, Compaq plans to enhance Compaq SmartStart to support the newest components of BackOffice 2.0: Microsoft Exchange Server 4.0 and Microsoft Internet Information Server 1.0. Compaq SmartStart already provides Microsoft Windows NT Server 3.51 and Microsoft SQL Server 6.5 integration on ProLiant platforms. The company also said it will enhance Compaq Insight Manager to support Microsoft BackOffice Server Suite 2.0. The planned enhancements for SmartStart and Insight Manager ensure customers that Compaq servers will continue to be the best enterprise-class servers in the industry for running BackOffice-based Internet and Intranet client/server solutions.

"As customers continue to deploy business-critical applications on distributed enterprise networks, they are demanding industry-standard, client/server solutions that combine high availability, scalability, built-in management and ease-of-use. BackOffice 2.0 tightly-integrated and well-tuned on ProLiant servers, addresses this need with a comprehensive, secure, best-of-breed solution," said Gary Stimac, senior vice president and general manager, Compaq Systems Division. "Backed by Compaq's unmatched track record for integrating Microsoft enterprise products and the companies' Frontline Partnership, BackOffice and ProLiant solutions are optimized for the most demanding distributed enterprise computing requirements."

SmartStart and Insight Manager are included as standard features on all Compaq servers and currently support Microsoft BackOffice version 1.5. SmartStart is the Compaq integration tool that optimizes platform configurations and simplifies the installation of tested and reliable servers. Insight Manager is Compaq's comprehensive server management tool which monitors and controls the operation of Compaq servers, networking devices and desktop PCs. Both applications are critical system software elements in Compaq's distributed enterprise computing strategy and represent the type of useful innovation Compaq plans to continue offering its customers.

"Compaq's support for BackOffice 2.0 provides customers with the confidence of knowing that BackOffice and ProLiant solutions deliver one of the highest levels of integration and optimization for their business- critical applications," said Jim Allchin, senior vice president of the desktop and business systems division at Microsoft Corporation. "The combination of Compaq ProLiant server hardware and Microsoft BackOffice server software consistently delivers record-breaking price/performance for client/server business solutions."

Microsoft BackOffice Server 2.0 - - which now includes Microsoft Exchange Server 4.0 and the Internet Information Server 1.0 -- is a suite of integrated server applications for Windows NT Server designed to help customers run their businesses and streamline business processes. On Compaq ProLiant platforms, BackOffice delivers an industry-leading solution for business-critical applications running in the distributed enterprise.

Company Background

Compaq Computer Corporation is the world's largest supplier of personal computers, offering desktop PCs, portable PCs, servers and options. The company reported 1995 worldwide sales of $14.8 billion. Compaq products are sold and supported in more than 100 countries through Compaq marketing partners and sold 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 (http.//www.compaq.com), and Prodigy, or by calling 1-800-OK- COMPAQ. Product information and reseller locations can be obtained by calling 1-800-345-1518. -0-

Compaq, ProLiant, ProSignia SmartStart, Compaq Insight Manager, are trademarks of Compaq Computer Corporation. DirectPlus is a service mark of Compaq Computer Corporation. Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies.

Microsoft, Windows NT and BackOffice are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. Product names mentioned herein may be trademarks and/or registered trademarks of their respective companies

For further editorial information contact: Compaq Computer Corporation Jerele Neeld 713-514-2394 Miler/Shandwick Technologies Marc Gendron, Eric Grodziski 617-536-0470 [e-mail]