Now Available-Nero Fast CD-Burning Plug-in Enables Windows Media Player Series 9 to burn CDs at Maximum Speed; Free Download at www.wmplugins.com

Business Wire, Feb 13, 2003

Business Editors/High Tech Writers

GLENDALE, Calif.--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Feb. 13, 2003

Ahead Software, the makers of Nero, the technology leader in CD/DVD recording, has released a powerful plug-in for the Windows Media Player 9.0 Series via a free download at www.wmplugins.com.

This exciting Nero plug-in provides full speed recording and Nero reliability, all from within the Windows Media Player. It is compatible with Windows XP, Windows 2000, Windows ME and Windows 98.

The Nero Fast Burning Plug-in enables the Windows Media Player 9.0 Series to burn CDs at full speed, up to 26 times faster than before, greatly decreasing the time it takes for each burning session. In addition, the plug-in will provide Windows Media Player 9.0 users the option of eliminating the two-second gap between audio tracks.

"Nero has always been synonymous with quality and Ahead Software has developed a reputation as the leading CD/DVD software development company," states John Tafoya, Vice President of Business Development, Ahead Software Inc. "The winning combination of our high-quality Nero Fast CD-Burning Plug-in and Microsoft's Windows Media Player Series 9.0 provides a powerful tool for the consumer market."

The Nero Fast CD-Burning Plug-in is now available for download at www.wmplugins.com

About Ahead

Ahead Software AG, headquartered in Karlsbad, Germany, and its subsidiary Ahead Software Inc., located in Glendale, California, provide high-level customer service to all the markets of the world today. Please find more information at www.nero.com.

Ahead Software is one of the industry's leading privately held developers of software applications for CD-R/RW, DVD, and Internet Audio. Its flagship product Nero can be found bundled in many regions of the world with leading drive makers and brands. In addition to a strong global retail and distribution presence, Ahead maintains strong OEM relationships with major computer system and hardware manufacturers, as well as other strategic partners throughout the world.

Ahead Software Inc. is located in Glendale, CA. USA Technical Support is available by phone: (818) 956-5930 or Email: retail-support@nero.com Find out more at www.nero.com

About Windows Media

Windows Media is the leading digital media platform, used by consumers, content providers, solution providers, software developers and corporations throughout the world. The new Windows Media 9 Series will power the next wave of digital media, delivering the best playback experience, unmatched audio and video quality, integrated optional digital rights management technology, and is the most comprehensive platform for developing digital media products and services. The Windows Media platform includes Windows Media Player; Windows Media Services, the powerful streaming server for distributing content; Windows Media Encoder for content creation; Windows Media Audio and Video for the best-quality audio and video; Windows Media DRM for protecting content; and the Windows Media Software Development Kit for software developers. Windows Media Player, available in 26 languages, is the fastest-growing and now leading media player. More information about Windows Media can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/windowsmedia/.

About Microsoft

Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies for personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products and services designed to empower people through great software -- any time, any place and on any device.

Nero(R) is a registered trademark, InCD is a trademark of Ahead Software AG. Any other product names are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners.(c)2002 Ahead Software. All rights reserved. Comments: webmaster@nero.com