HP to Strengthen Award-Winning Vectra PC Performance with Microsoft Windows NT 4.0; New Operating System to Provide Substantial Ease of Use, Security and Reliability Improvements Across HP's Pentium Pro-based Desktop Line

Business Wire, July 31, 1996

PALO ALTO, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 31, 1996--Committed to superior performance and value, Hewlett-Packard Company today announced that it plans to include Microsoft(R) Windows NT Workstation 4.0 in its high-performance and advanced business desktop PCs.

The Microsoft Windows NT Workstation operating system version 4.0 will be included in the future in the company's Pentium(R) Pro-based HP Vectra VA, XA and XU PCs, providing increased ease of use, security and the reliability and performance offered by the combination of a full 32-bit operating system and microprocessor. With improved capabilities and ease of use for users in workgroups and the enterprise, Windows NT Workstation 4.0 is ideal for these HP Vectra PCs, which are optimized for 32-bit operating systems and applications.

As of July 1, all HP Vectra VA, XA and XU PCs that come standard with Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 3.51 will include an upgrade coupon for version 4.0 at no charge.

"Microsoft's advancements in operating-system technology are an integral part of the complete PC solution for our corporate customers," said Boris Elisman, marketing manager for HP's Performance Desktop Computing Operation. "Windows NT Workstation 4.0 will improve corporate users' productivity by speeding up user migration to 32-bit desktop computing."

"HP customers are the ultimate winners as they will benefit from the enhanced reliability, security and ease of use of Microsoft Windows NT Workstation 4.0," said Jonathan Roberts, director of desktop marketing at Microsoft Corp. "We are delighted that HP has chosen to offer our most technically advanced operating system on its advanced business desktop PCs and look forward to working closely with HP to ensure great customer experiences."

HP offers a broad family of industry-standard PCs in its HP Vectra PC line. The product range includes the HP Vectra 500 Series PC, which is designed for the needs of small businesses; the standard-level Vectra VE, mainstream Vectra VL and advanced Vectra VA PCs for professionals using business applications; the powerful, network-ready Vectra XM; the high-performance Vectra XA; the top-of-the-line Vectra XU; and the workstation-class Vectra XW PCs for the most demanding of expert professional users.

Hewlett-Packard Company is a leading global manufacturer of computing, communications and measurement products and services recognized for excellence in quality and support. HP has 108,300 employees and had revenue of $31.5 billion it its 1995 fiscal year.

Information about HP and its products can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.hp.com, or to go directly to HP Vectra PC information, http://www.hp.com/go/vectra. -0-

NOTE TO EDITORS: Microsoft is a U.S. registered trademark of Microsoft Corp.

Windows is a U.S. registered trademark of Microsoft Corp.

Pentium is a U.S. registered trademark of Intel Corp.

CONTACT: Hewlett-Packard

Larry Sennett, 408/553-2916

or

Copithorne & Bellows for HP

Amy Tenderich, 408/553-2922