REDMOND, Wash. -- April 11, 2000 -- Microsoft Corp. today announced it has enhanced its TechNet resources and has begun delivering new technical content designed to provide IT professionals with in-depth education on Microsoft^® products and technologies. Microsoft also unveiled a TechNet User Group Program to provide technical content and resources to user groups and help increase user group memberships. In addition, Microsoft introduced a new search engine and a DVD version for TechNet subscribers.

"For seven years Microsoft has been providing the resources and technical education that our IT professional customers have asked us to deliver," said Kimberly Saunders, director of TechNet at Microsoft. "We are excited to offer new sessions and programs that meet our customers' needs as well as provide faster and more efficient ways of distributing information."

New TechNet Sessions Offered April Through June

Microsoft TechNet sessions are delivered to customers around the world; last year, more than 1 million customers attended. The content changes every quarter and is designed with customer feedback in mind. This quarter's sessions, targeted to IT professionals, run from April to June and address a broad range of topics that vary in technical level. Topics will include such subjects as understanding security issues and the Windows^® 2000 operating system; configuring international support in Windows 2000 Professional and Windows 2000 multilanguage version; and managing large amounts of e-mail, event scheduling and data using the Outlook^® 2000 messaging and collaboration client. A complete list of TechNet events offered in local areas is available at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/events/.

TechNet User Group Program

Microsoft has also introduced a new TechNet User Group Program to provide user groups with technical content and resources. The User Group Program provides users with exposure through the user group membership, online resources and a User Group Quarterly Kit that includes technical content and other materials such as Microsoft products for review. More information about the User Group Program can be found at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/usergroup/.

Improved Search Engine and DVD Version

TechNet also unveiled an improved search engine that will allow subscribers to find information more quickly and accurately. The engine offers new features and improvements to the user interface. Microsoft has developed a users guide and a streaming media session to help members learn to use the new search engine most effectively. In addition, an Internet chat, "How to Use the New TechNet CD Search Engine and Viewer," is scheduled for Thursday, April 13 at 10 a.m. PDT. For more details or instructions or to sign up for an e-mail reminder for this chat and others offered through TechNet, those interested can visit http://www.microsoft.com/technet/chats/default.asp.

A DVD version of the TechNet subscription will be released May 1, 2000, and will help reduce the number of disks customers receive each month. The new DVD will include the content that TechNet customers are accustomed to receiving every month from Microsoft.

About Microsoft TechNet

Microsoft TechNet, a central information resource geared to IT professionals, offers a variety of services designed to meet the technical information needs of those who plan, evaluate, deploy, maintain or support Microsoft products or technologies. Resources include the TechNet Web site (http://www.microsoft.com/technet/), where users may access a wealth of technical information and resources about Microsoft products; the TechNet subscription series, which provides the same valuable information in an offline format; and the Peer-to-Peer Support Program. IT professionals interested in participating in TechNet briefings may search for offerings in their vicinity and register for available sessions online at http://www.microsoft.com/technet/events/.

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.