Microsoft and Apple Advance Relationship by Delivering on Product Commitment

Microsoft Unveils Office 98 Macintosh Edition and Internet Explorer 4.0 for Macintosh; Apple Introduces Mac OS 8.1 with Internet Explorer as Default Browser

Macworld/Expo, San Francisco--Jan. 6, 1998--Microsoft Corp. and Apple Computer, Inc. furthered their long-standing relationship with a series of joint product announcements, as part of Steve Jobs' keynote address at Macworld Expo/San Francisco. Office 98 Macintosh Edition, Internet Explorer 4.0 for Macintosh and Mac OS 8.1 were all unveiled. The announcements are a direct result of the broad product and technology development agreement made between the two companies at Macworld Expo/Boston last August.

"Microsoft is focused on bringing great products to Macintosh customers and celebrates its renewed relationship with Apple," said Bill Gates, chairman and CEO of Microsoft Corporation. "Today's announcements underscore our continued belief in the Macintosh platform for applications and leading edge Internet technologies. We've been pleased with the early customer feedback we have received on both Office 98 Macintosh Edition, as well as Internet Explorer 4.0 for Macintosh, and believe that these products will greatly benefit the millions of Microsoft customers that use a Macintosh."

"We are excited to be working closely with Microsoft to bring these great products to our customers," said Steve Jobs, Interim CEO of Apple. "The fact that Microsoft is launching Office 98 on the Macintosh with new technologies not yet available in its version for Windows speaks volumes about its commitment to the Macintosh platform."

Today's announcements include (please see individually distributed press releases for more complete detail): The first public unveiling of Office 98 Macintosh Edition, the world's most popular productivity suite for the Macintosh platform. The product includes new versions of Microsoft Word, Excel and PowerPoint; and introduces the Internet Explorer 4.0 browser and Outlook Express, Internet email client and newsgroup reader. Office 98 sets a new standard for what a Macintosh application should be, with a true to the Mac look and feel, landmark ease-of-use, and integrated web collaboration capabilities. Office 98 Macintosh Edition is the first suite that fully integrates the ease of intelligent applications with the power of the web for Macintosh customers. Office 98 also introduces revolutionary new technologies never before seen in desktop applications.

The first public unveiling of Internet Explorer 4.0 for Macintosh, the leading World Wide Web browser on the Macintosh platform. Microsoft has created an efficient and elegant solution designed to meet the specific wants and needs of Mac customers. The product is easy-to-use; gives users access to information anytime, anywhere; and supports the latest Internet standards.

As part of its complete suite of Internet/intranet services, the introduction of Mac OS 8.1 includes Microsoft Internet Explorer 3.01 as the default browser on all new Mac OS computers.

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") 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 everyday.

Apple Computer Inc. ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II, and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. Apple is now recommitted to its original mission - to bring the best personal computing products and support to students, educators, designers, scientists, engineers, businesspersons and consumers in over 140 countries around the world.

Kimberly Bouic Meek
Waggener Edstrom
(425) 637-9097
email: kimb@wagged.com

Irving Kwong
Wagner Edstrom
(425) 637-9097
email: irvingk@wagged.com

Katie Cotton
Apple Computer Inc.
(408) 974-7269
email: katiec@apple.com

Russell Brady
Apple Computer, Inc.
(408) 974-6877
email: brady2@apple.com

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