AST paves smooth path to Windows NT - Workstation upgrade for commercial users; Program Designed To Facilitate Transition To Next-Generation Windows NT Workstation Operating System

Business Wire, June 4, 1996

IRVINE, Calif.,--(BUSINESS WIRE)--June 4, 1996 -- Paving a smooth path for corporate buyers to make early and strategic investments in Pentium( Pro desktop systems, AST Computer today announced that it will offer its commercial customers an upgrade path to the next generation of Microsoft( Windows NT( Workstation operating system, Windows NT Workstation 4.0.

The offer is available to all customers who purchase AST's forthcoming line of Intel Pentium Pro processor-based Bravo commercial desktops which will use the current version of the Windows NT Workstation operating system.

Customers purchasing the new Bravo Pentium Pro processor-based systems running the current version of Windows NT Workstation will be offered a coupon, good for an upgrade to the new Windows NT Workstation 4.0 operating system at no charge. According to Microsoft, the operating system is expected to be available later this summer.

"The corporate interest in Windows NT Workstation and 32-bit applications is exploding," stated AST's Dan Sheppard, vice president, worldwide product marketing. "What we have done by offering our business users an easy upgrade path to Windows NT Workstation 4.0 is to provide them with a compelling reason to invest early in Pentium Pro processor-based PCs. We are helping our customers move into the twenty-first century without fear of their PCs becoming obsolete."

The new Pentium Pro processor-propelled Bravo PCs, with estimated street prices starting at a very aggressive $2,750, will ship in early June and incorporate the new Intel 440FX PCIset designed to provide business desktop users with high-powered, low-cost solutions ideal for Microsoft Windows NT Workstation environments.

Designed to provide the horsepower for Windows NT Workstation computing needs with the headroom to run 32-bit applications in the future, the latest Bravo PCs help extend the life of a user's hardware investment.

Investment Without Fear Of Obsolescence

AST recognizes that corporate users are migrating to 32-bit software environments such as Windows NT Workstation for higher performance and greater network control and manageability. Data from research house Computer Intelligence Infocorp (CII) indicates that Pentium Pro technology combined with Windows NT Workstation will make full use of 32-bit codes and applications.

"What this means to users is that the second half of 1996 will set the scene for an inferno of dramatic growth among Pentium Pro users migrating to the Windows NT Workstation platform," said Sheppard. "Our strong understanding of the needs of the business community and anticipation of the Windows NT Workstation inflection point lets us take advantage of being first-to-market with the right product at the right time.

"Users and resellers alike are extremely savvy about what they want - and they want power and performance without a compromise in technology or value. They want a return on investment (ROI) that doesn't sour in a year's time," Sheppard noted.

In the Blink of An Eye

Information about AST's products can be found on the World Wide Web at http://www.ast.com. Recently given a face lift, AST products and company information are now easier than ever to find and explore. Just point and click on the Bravo eye and a home page with all of the latest information on Bravo products will be at your fingertips.

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 a broad spectrum of desktop, mobile and server PC products that are sold in more than 100 countries worldwide.

AST systems meet a wide range of customer needs, from corporate business applications to advanced home and home office use. 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 is a registered trademark of AST Research Inc. Intel and Pentium are registered trademarks of Intel Corporation. Microsoft and Windows are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. All other products or services mentioned herein may be trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.

CONTACT: AST Research, Irvine

Camerone Welch-Thorson, (714) 727-8858

camerone.welch-thorson@ast.com