AST provides business and consumer PC customers with Windows 95 on its desktop and mobile systems

Business Wire, August 14, 1995

IRVINE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Aug. 14, 1995--AST Computer Monday announced it is empowering its customers with a multitude of new computing capabilities by providing Windows(r) 95 with its lineup of consumer and business desktop and mobile PCs.

The PC manufacturer has signed a Windows 95 Operating System licensing agreement with Microsoft(r) Corp. to ship the operating system on its popular Bravo(tm) value desktops, Premmia(tm) high-performance PC workstations, Ascentia(tm) high-end and value notebooks, and Advantage!(r) award-winning multimedia PCs.

In preparing for the Windows 95 launch, AST assisted its customers in the transition to Windows 95 by providing extensive training to its support technicians and previewing its Windows 95 solutions to its resellers and major customers during a "Sneak Preview" 14-North American city road show. More than 6,000 corporate accounts, computing professionals and resellers participated, and are prepared to migrate to Windows 95.

Providing business users with the hardware/software power to tackle the computing needs of today and tomorrow, AST will pre-install Windows 95 on its Bravo business desktops and Ascentia mobile systems.

Answering the cutting-edge demands of consumers, the early adopters of technology, AST will pre-install Windows 95 on its Advantage! lineup, a favorite in the home and SOHO market.

The new consumer PCs will also include "SPOT," the dynamic little icon at the center of AST Works II, the next generation of AST's critically acclaimed productivity and communications desktop organizer, to help users easily navigate through Windows 95.

"At AST, our goal is to provide our users with breakthrough computing tools that add value to their work and personal lives," said Safi Qureshey, AST's chairman and CEO. "By providing Windows 95 on our systems and developing AST Works II to complement Windows 95 for the home office and small office user, we are open new opportunities for our customers."

"We are delighted to see AST's endorsement of Windows 95. This underscores the relationship between the two companies. AST has been a long-standing supporter of Windows and is well-prepared for the upcoming launch. With this extensive level of preparedness and training, AST's customers are ensured a high-level of customer satisfaction," said Joachim Kempin, senior vice president, Microsoft OEM sales.

Providing Consumers With Added Functionality

AST's wide range of business and consumer computing users will enjoy the increased productivity Windows 95 will bring to their computing tasks through such features as:

o Plug and Play -- Through Plug and Play technology, users and network professionals can add devices, such as printers and add-in cards to their AST(r) PCs without complicated set-up procedures.

o Backward and Forward Compatibility -- Compatible with most existing PC hardware and Windows and MS-DOS-based applications and drivers, Windows 95 will add new potential to users' current and future systems.

o Increased Performance -- Windows 95 will make computing faster, more efficient and more reliable with its 32-bit design that offers true preemptive multi-tasking, faster printing, and quicker disk and file access, as well as integrated and seamless networking.

o Improved User Interface -- All skill levels will be able to quickly navigate through their PC and with greater ease due to Windows 95's intuitive user interface.

Microsoft Corporate Background

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 every day.

AST Corporate Background

AST Research Inc., a member of the Fortune 500 list of America's largest industrial and service companies, is one of the world's leading personal computer manufacturers. The $2.468 billion company develops PC products ranging from portable systems to superservers sold in more than 100 countries worldwide. Corporate headquarters is located at 16215 Alton Parkway, P.O. Box 57005, Irvine, Calif. 92619-7005. Telephone, 714/727-4141 or 800/876-4278. Fax, 714/727-9355.

NOTE TO EDITORS: AST and Advantage! are registered trademarks of AST Research Inc. Ascentia, AST Works, Bravo and Premmia are trademarks of AST Research Inc. Microsoft, Windows and MS-DOS are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corp.

CONTACT: AST Computer, Irvine

Hollie Chriss Cronin, 714/727-7977

hollie.cronin@ast.com