Gateway Offers Systems With Windows NT Workstation 4.0; Build To Order Model Allows Customers To Have Their PC's Their Way

Business Wire, July 31, 1996

NORTH SIOUX CITY, S.D.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--July 31, 1996-- Gateway 2000 Inc. (Nasdaq: GATE) today announced that the company will offer Microsoft (R) Windows NT (R) Workstation 4.0 as an option on all its Professional Series desktop products. This is the next step in Gateway's long term relationship with Microsoft Corp. Gateway was the first systems vendor to offer Windows(R) 95 and has been offering customers with Windows NT 3.51 free upgrades to Windows NT Workstation 4.0 since May 29, 1996.

"One of the best things about Gateway's build to order model is that it allows customers to configure their desktop systems the way they would like," said Rob Cheng, Vice President of Marketing for the Americas. "This includes not only the processor, memory, hard drive and other components, but also the operating system and applications. Realizing that our customers will have different OS needs, we are pleased to offer Windows 95, Windows for Workgroups 3.11, and Windows NT Workstation 4.0 across our entire desktop product line."

With Windows NT Workstation 4.0 running on a Gateway Pentium Pro system such as the G6-200 Pro, customers will be given the most powerful path to 32-bit desktop computing. The systems will include the highest level of crash protection and a complete set of data protection. With Windows NT Workstation 4.0, access to the Internet has never been easier or more secure. For business computing applications or for anyone who is looking for high-performance, industrial strength and reliability, Windows NT Workstation 4.0 running on a Gateway desktop is a logical choice.

Gateway 2000 will continue to offer customers an easy way to 32-bit computing with Windows 95. Pre-loaded and bundled with Gateway's desktop products, Windows 95 offers customers a wealth of software options, easy access to the Internet, and, of course, multitasking and plug and play capabilities.

"Gateway 2000 has long been a supporter of Microsoft operating systems and has continued to deliver the latest in desktop products configured to customers' specifications," said Jonathan Roberts, Director of Desktop Marketing of Microsoft Corporation. "By allowing the customer to choose Windows for Workgroups, Windows 95 or Windows NT Workstation, Gateway 2000 is continuing its leadership role in delivering value and quality systems built specifically for each customer."

Each desktop system Gateway ships is backed by Gateway Gold Service and Support which includes: 24-hour, seven days a week, 365 days a year telephone technical support, one year on-site service agreement, and a three year limited warranty. Gateway is one of the few companies in the industry offering toll-free software technical support for Windows for Workgroups, Windows 95 and Windows NT Workstation 4.0.

Customers can place orders for Gateway systems pre-loaded with Windows NT Workstation 4.0 by phoning 800-846-2000. More information can also be obtained from the Gateway Internet site at http://www.gw2k.com.

ABOUT GATEWAY

GATEWAY 2000, a Fortune 500 company founded in 1985 and based in North Sioux City, S.D., sells more PC compatible systems through the direct market channel in the U.S. than any other PC manufacturer. Gateway 2000's products and services consistently win top awards from leading industry publications, and independent surveys show that Gateway customers are among the most satisfied and brand-loyal PC buyers. The company's 1995 sales were $3.7 billion. -0-

Note to Editors: GATEWAY 2000 is a registered trademark and GATEWAY is a tradename of GATEWAY 2000, Inc. Intel, Pentium, and Triton are registered trademarks of Intel Corp. Microsoft, Windows NT, and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. Other tradenames are the property of their respective companies.

CONTACT: GATEWAY 2000

Catherine King, (605) 232-1180