MICROSOFT READIES SUPPORTING VERSIONS OF MICROSOFT EXCEL AND WORD FOR WINDOWS NT THE POWERPC

             Combining the Ease of Use of Microsoft Office
                      With the Power of Windows NT

REDM0ND, Wash., June 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) today announced that versions of Microsoft(R) Excel 5.0 and Word 6.0 for the Windows NT(TM) operating system supporting the PowerPC(TM) will be released to manufacturing this week and are planned to be widely available to customers within the next four to six weeks.

The versions of Microsoft Excel 5.0 and Word 6.0 for Windows NT supporting the PowerPC are full-featured, true 32-bit applications that offer the same award-winning features and ease of use found in the Windows(R) 3.1 operating system- and Macintosh(R)-based versions of the products. Running on Windows NT Workstation version 3.51 for PowerPC systems, these applications can take advantage of the advanced security, improved performance and robust feature set offered by Windows NT Workstation for the PowerPC architecture.

Microsoft Excel 5.0 and Word 6.0 for Windows NT Workstation for PowerPC systems will be available individually or as part of Microsoft Office, for Windows NT Workstation for PowerPC systems. Microsoft Office 4.2 for Windows NT Workstation for PowerPC systems will be available for approximately $499 (U.S.). Users of previous versions of Microsoft Office, Word, Microsoft Excel or the PowerPoint(R) presentation graphics program and users of competitive products can upgrade, for approximately $299 (U.S.).

The individual applications will be available for approximately $339 (U.S.). Users of previous versions of Microsoft Excel or Word and users of competitive products can upgrade to their respective Windows NT Workstation for PowerPC systems versions for approximately $129 (U.S.).

Founded in 1975, Microsoft 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.

Microsoft, Windows NT and PowerPoint are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. PowerPC is a trademark of International Business Machines Corp. Macintosh is a registered trademark of Apple Computer Inc.

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(MSFT)

CO: Microsoft Corp. ST: Washington IN: CPR SU:

JP-MO -- LA029 -- 4338 06/12/95 09:10 EDT