Intergraph Software Solutions announces its intent to license Microsoft Visual Basic for Applications

Business Wire, Nov 12, 1996

HUNTSVILLE, Ala.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 12, 1996--

Visual Basic for Applications version 5.0 under review

Intergraph Software Solutions (ISS) today announced its intent to license the Microsoft(R) Visual Basic(R) programming system Applications Edition, version 5.0.

"Microsoft Corporation's move to license Visual Basic for Applications will dramatically impact software vendors like Intergraph as well as end users," said Tommy Steele, president of ISS. "Placing customization capabilities within applications will speed up development of custom solutions and result in greater productivity for users."

"Embracing the Visual Basic, Applications Edition, technology clearly creates a win-win situation for Intergraph and its customers," said Bob Muglia, vice president of development tools at Microsoft. "Being able to customize the Intergraph applications, using a language that millions of developers know well, allows users to build more efficient and cost-effective solutions."

As one of the largest developers of software for the technical desktop, Intergraph's applications stand to be greatly enhanced by incorporating Visual Basic for Applications. Intergraph applications that would benefit by featuring Visual Basic for Applications include Imagineer Technical(TM), a 2-D drawing tool, and Solid Edge, a 3-D mechanical solid modeling tool, both of which already support an automation layer and can be customized using Visual Basic.

"Licensing Visual Basic for Applications for these products and others in the future is just a natural next step for Intergraph," added Steele.

Visual Basic for Applications is currently available in Microsoft products such as Microsoft Project and Microsoft Excel. However, Visual Basic for Applications 5.0 offers greater productivity and enhanced performance, making it an attractive integration technology for independent software vendors.

Visual Basic for Applications offers customization using the same tools that are available in Microsoft office as well as tools supplied by companies other than Microsoft. Visual Basic for Applications aligns with Intergraph's Jupiter technology since it makes the technical desktop an easier and more productive workplace.

Intergraph customers would benefit because Visual Basic for Applications will make a comprehensive set of customization tools available without any additional cost to them.

Intergraph Background Information

Intergraph Corp. (Huntsville, Ala.) is the world's largest company dedicated to supplying interactive computer graphics systems. Products range from point solutions, meeting individual and departmental needs, to integrated, enterprisewide systems. The company's common stock trades on The NASDAQ Stock Market under the symbol: INGR.

Noted for delivering interoperable systems and applications, Intergraph bases its products on the Windows, Windows 95, Windows NT and UNIX operating systems.

As one of the company's four business units, Intergraph Software Solutions (ISS) develops and markets integrated software for the Technical Desktop -- the combination of compatible technical applications and personal productivity tools in a single desktop computer. Technical applications are offered for a range of disciplines including computer-aided design, engineering, analysis, manufacturing, publishing and earth sciences. ISS also provides core system software, high-end applications and training, consulting and implementation services. -0-

Intergraph, the Intergraph logo, Imagineer Technical and Solid Edge are registered trademarks. Microsoft, Visual Basic, Windows, and Windows NT are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corporation in the United States and/or other countries. Other brands and product names are trademarks of their respective owners.

NOTE TO EDITORS: If this material is used in a "new products" capacity and you wish to include contact information for reader inquiries, please use 800/345-4856 (within the U.S.) or Internet address: http://www.intergraph.com. This will allow Intergraph to better serve you readers.

CONTACT: Intergraph Software Solutions, Huntsville

Eileen A. Heaton, 205/730-8207

eaheaton@ingr.com