Study Shows a Microsoft TechNet Subscription Saves an Average of More 
Than $12,000 in Support Costs Annually

	REDMOND, Wash. - July 12, 1994 - Technical information tasks are resolved 
faster and at lower cost with Microsoft TechNet, a monthly CD-ROM-based information 
service.  When compared in a Burke Marketing Research study to such alternate methods 
as online services, manuals and peer consultation, Microsoft TechNet was found to be 
more effective in
93 percent of all cases.  This independent study was commissioned by Microsoft 
Corporation.
	Burke Marketing Research, a national market research firm, also found that, due 
to time savings, Microsoft TechNet customers recovered their subscription costs in less 
than one month.  "Our study substantiates Microsofts claim that Microsoft TechNet saves 
customers time and money,"  explained Michael Kuhn, senior vice-president of Burke 
Marketing Research.  "For example, each time Microsoft TechNet is accessed to address a 
technical issue, the user, on average, saves $41, compared to acquiring technical 
information through alternative methods."
	"Microsoft TechNet is an excellent resource for the busy MIS professional," stated 
Ralph Rivas, lead support engineer of Reuters Information Technology, Inc.  "At Reuters, 
TechNet saves my department a minimum of five days per month because the answers are 
always available when we need them."
	"I used to seek out solutions to technical questions in a number of ways, including 
online services, user guides and manuals, and Microsoft Product Support Services, as well 
as through my business associates and consultants," explained Matthew Miller, systems 
architect at Sequent Computer Systems, Inc.  "TechNet is now the first place I go to get 
technical questions answered.  As a result, my online services bills have been reduced by 
70 percent.  We recently upgraded to a single server license for unlimited users, so the 
whole department would have access to TechNet, creating a savings-multiplier effect."

Microsoft TechNet
	Microsoft TechNet is a CD-ROM-based information subscription service created 
for those who support or educate end users, administer networks or databases, create 
automated solutions, and recommend or evaluate information technology solutions.  
"Microsoft TechNet is designed to be the front-line resource for fast, complete answers to 
technical questions on Microsoft desktop and systems products," said Harry Miller, editor 
in chief of Microsoft TechNet.
	Since its inception in early 1993, the CD-ROM information service has become 
an invaluable tool for over 33,000 MIS and help-desk managers, as well as support 
professionals worldwide.  Microsoft TechNet recently received a 1994 Win100 award from 
Windows Magazine, which said, "This is a must-buy for any technical service 
professional" (February 1994).

	Microsoft TechNet benefits include the following:
  Twelve monthly Microsoft TechNet CDs, containing the complete Microsoft Knowledge 
Base, complete product Resource Kits, Microsoft training materials, customer solutions, 
session notes from key Microsoft conferences, and other valuable technical and strategic 
information
  Twelve monthly Microsoft TechNet supplemental (drivers and patches) CDs, containing 
the complete Microsoft Software Library (includes drivers for the entire line of Microsoft 
software products, code samples, articles and useful utilities) and patches for many 
Microsoft products, including the Microsoft Windows NT operating system
  A dedicated Microsoft TechNet CompuServe forum (GO TECHNET)
  WinCIMsm, a Windows-based application for accessing CompuServe
  A $20 usage credit on CompuServe
  A 20 percent discount on Microsoft Press books

	Microsoft TechNet is $295 annually for a single user license, or $695 annually for 
a single server license for unlimited users.  Both are accompanied by a 90-day, money-
back guarantee.  To order Microsoft TechNet, call (800) 344-2121, extension 0124.  
Outside the United States and Canada, call (402) 691-0173 for local contact information.
	Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in 
software for personal computers.  The company offers a wide range of products and 
services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier 
and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing 
every day.
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Microsoft and Microsoft Press are registered trademarks and Windows and Windows NT 
are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
CompuServe is a registered trademark of CompuServe, Inc.

For more information, press only:

Gregg Smith, Microsoft TechNet (206)936-9327

