REDMOND, Wash. -- April 11, 2000 -- Microsoft Corp. today announced that it has selected Compaq Computer Corp. as a key technology provider in the newly expanded Microsoft^® Partner Solution Center (MPSC), a facility designed to bring together world-class technology companies dedicated to the rapid development of secure, end-to-end network solutions needed by network service providers to maintain a competitive advantage in today's marketplace.

Compaq was selected by Microsoft to provide core computing infrastructure at the new MPSC by supporting development labs and training labs as well as addressing the infrastructure needs of other MPSC partners, including Lucent Technologies Inc. and Intel Corp.

"Our MPSC partners demonstrate excellence by delivering outstanding technology solutions that address business needs for e-infrastructure and datacenter business operations," said Fredrik Winsnes, director, Network Solutions Group, Microsoft. "Compaq was selected as a provider in the MPSC because it has a unique set of offerings for today's network service provider market, including state-of-the-art client, server and storage technologies, and high systems-integration capacity."

As part of this arrangement, more than 100 ProLiant 1850, 6400 and 8500 servers supply the computing power for the facility's core services datacenter and customer engagement labs; multiple terabytes of StorageWorks OpenSAN technology provide the storage infrastructure; and several Compaq high-end SP750 workstations run the Network Operations Center, the hub of the MPSC. In addition, DeskPro EN desktops and Compaq's new iPAQs are used in key customer areas, and there are plans to roll out hundreds of new high-density ProLiant servers for use in support training and MPSC load-generation activities.

"Compaq is pleased to be selected by Microsoft to provide the core computing infrastructure at the new Microsoft Partner Solution Center, supporting the development and training labs," said Keith McAuliffe, vice president and general manager, Service Provider Business Unit, Compaq. "By working with Microsoft we are able to accelerate the adoption and growth of solutions delivered over the Internet and lead the industry in rapid deployment. In addition, our relationship with Microsoft allows Compaq to support the infrastructure needs of other MPSC partners participating in the center."

The MPSC is a unique multivendor environment that brings together the combined expertise, resources and best-of-breed products for building, testing, designing and documenting end-to-end network solutions that focus on key new service provider opportunities such as application hosting, broadband/TV services, voice-over IP, wireless communications and commerce.

Now located in Building 25 on the Microsoft campus, the MPSC includes new technology areas such as a load-generation lab, expanded workshop capacity, new network services and specialty training rooms. A unique aspect of the MPSC is that it is the only facility on the Microsoft campus that operates outside the company firewall; therefore, partners have the ability to easily run "live" pilots and customer tests onsite.

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.

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