Dell Announces Dell OpenManage PowerSuite for Microsoft Systems Management Server.

ROUND ROCK, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 29, 1999--

Dell Computer Corporation (Nasdaq:DELL), the world's leading direct computer systems company, today announced Dell OpenManage PowerSuite for Microsoft(R) Systems Management Server(R), designed for mid-sized companies wishing to reduce the time and costs of deploying systems management capabilities by sourcing a more complete solution out-of-the-box.

The Dell OpenManage PowerSuite for Microsoft Systems Management Server includes a Dell PowerEdge(R) 4300 server loaded with Microsoft Systems Management Server 2.0, SQL Server 7.0 and Windows NT(R) 4.0; plus one week of onsite consulting and support services.

To improve the customer experience and deliver on Dell's one-to-one relationship advantage, Dell Technology Consulting (DTC) will work with customers to quickly integrate and configure the Dell OpenManage PowerSuite for Systems Management Server Solution. Dell will also provide hands-on training in software distribution, inventory (hardware and software) and remote management capabilities, and will conduct a customer workshop to familiarize administrators with ongoing operations.

From a single centralized console, administrators can manage up to 4,000 client-nodes with the initial release of Dell OpenManage PowerSuite for Microsoft Systems Management Server. They also can initiate far-reaching management actions, such as gathering details about what hardware and software resides on their clients and servers; monitor the status of routers, hubs, switches and other network devices; and distribute software to clients and servers.

"Customers are asking for comprehensive management solutions to help them control dynamic computing environments," said Deborah Willingham, vice president, Business Enterprise Division at Microsoft. "We are excited to work with Dell to offer a complete systems management solution, featuring Dell hardware and Microsoft software, that will help our customers create well-managed Windows-based environments."

"These management capabilities are designed to meet customer demand for powerful tools that increase system availability and end-user productivity," said John Kinnaird, vice president and general manager of Dell's Preferred Accounts Division. "Dell is continuing to meet customer demands for complete management solutions that combine Dell's hardware, software and value-added services."

Dell OpenManage PowerSuite for Microsoft Systems Management Server pricing starts at $18,000 and will be available to U.S. customers sometime after July. Packages that include two and three weeks of consulting support should be available from Dell later this year. Dell OpenManage PowerSuite for Microsoft Systems Management Server is expected to be available worldwide early next year.

Based on Open Industry Standards

Dell OpenManage PowerSuite for Microsoft Systems Management Server is compliant with industry standards such as the Desktop Management Interface (DMI), Common Information Model (CIM) Schema, Windows Management Instrumentation (WMI) and Simple Network Management Protocol (SNMP). This compliance allows Dell's management solutions to communicate and share information with enterprise-scale management applications, which can preserve existing software investments and can provide a scalable management solution capable of meeting the needs of a growing organization.

Dell OpenManage(tm)

Dell OpenManage PowerSuite for Microsoft Systems Management Server is part of Dell's standards-based systems management strategy. Dell OpenManage is designed to give Dell customers choice in the systems management arena, while helping them gain more control over their computer systems and manage the total cost of owning them. Dell extends its management capabilities through the Dell OpenManage Alliance, an alliance of many leading systems management software companies. Dell and its alliance colleagues exchange technology, jointly test products and strive to achieve open-standards compatibility together.

Ranked No. 78 among the Fortune 500 companies and No. 363 in the Fortune Global 500, Dell Computer Corporation is the world's leading direct computer systems company, based on revenues of $19.9 billion for the past four quarters. Dell designs, manufactures and customizes products and services to customer requirements and offers an extensive selection of software and peripherals. Information on Dell and its products can be obtained through its toll-free number 800/388-8542 or by accessing the Dell World Wide Web site at www.dell.com.

Dell and PowerEdge are registered trademarks and Dell OpenManage is a trademark of Dell Computer Corporation.

Microsoft, Systems Management Server, SQL Server and Windows NT are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

Dell disclaims any proprietary interest in the marks and names of others.