Dell Receives Windows 2000 Final Code From Microsoft; Completes Next Step in Windows 2000 Readiness

Business Wire, Dec 16, 1999

ROUND ROCK, Texas--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Dec. 15, 1999--

Dell Computer Corporation (Nasdaq:DELL), the world's leading direct computer systems company, today received the final version of Microsoft Corp.'s new Windows 2000 operating system software.

Dell is one of Microsoft's strategic Windows 2000 Global Launch Partners and will feature the new operating system across its client and server product lines when Microsoft formally introduces it in February.

"By receiving the Windows 2000 final code, we can prime the installation processes in our factories to begin delivering it on our server, desktop, workstation and notebook systems," said Carl Everett, senior vice president, Personal Systems Group. "This is a major step as we move closer to the delivery of Windows 2000 to our customers."

"The release of Windows 2000 is the culmination of much collaboration and hard work between Microsoft and partners like Dell to bring the best operating system possible to its customers," said Jim Allchin, group vice president, Microsoft Corporation. "Dell's support and input has been key to the development of Windows 2000."

Dell has focused considerable resources to prepare for the installation of Windows 2000 on its systems. It has collaborated closely with Microsoft in the development of Windows 2000 since the release of beta 2, resulting in a higher quality product for customers when Windows 2000 launches. Dell has hundreds of systems onsite at Microsoft specifically for development work. Internally, Dell's own deployment of Windows 2000 continues to progress as more servers and PCs are now running the operating system.

Dell also has aggressively launched a number of initiatives as part of its Windows 2000 Premier Migration Program to ease customers' transition to the new operating system. In April, Dell began installing Windows 2000 beta 3 on its servers, workstations and corporate desktop and notebook PC lines. In August, Dell launched a free upgrade program for customers who purchase Windows NT Workstation 4.0 factory-installed on Dell desktop, notebook and workstation products. Participants in the free upgrade program will receive a Premier Migration solutions kit, which includes BIOS and driver updates to facilitate a smooth migration to Windows 2000 Professional. Other customers who plan to upgrade to Windows 2000 can access BIOS and driver updates through Dell's Windows 2000 Readiness Advisor, found at support.dell.com/us/en/advisor.

About Dell Computer Corporation

Ranked No. 78 among the Fortune 500 companies and No. 210 in the Fortune Global 500, Dell Computer Corporation is the world's leading direct computer systems company, based on revenues of $23.6 billion for the past four quarters. Dell designs, manufactures and customizes products and services to customer requirements and offers an extensive selection of software and peripherals. Information on Dell and its products can be obtained through its toll-free number 800/388-8542 or by accessing the Dell World Wide Web site at www.dell.com.

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