Microsoft, Intel Announce Chrysler's Plans to Use Intel® Architecture Windows NT Workstations

Workstations Based on Pentium® II Xeon™ Processor and Windows NT to Be Incorporated Initially Within New Product Design, Manufacturing Processes

REDMOND, Wash. - Sept. 21, 1998 - Microsoft Corp. and Intel Corporation today announced plans by Chrysler Corp. to begin adoption of the Intel® Architecture Microsoft® Windows NT® Workstation platform. Chrysler is preparing for an initial rollout in early 1999 of Intel Pentium® II Xeon™ and Windows NT-based workstations running CATIA applications for engineers involved in new product design and manufacturing processes.

The recent availability of CATIA running on Intel Architecture and Windows NT- workstations is a key factor in Chrysler's decision to move critical applications over from UNIX* systems. The company is currently running benchmark tests for CATIA engineering and design applications on workstations based on Pentium II Xeon processors and Windows NT, and has been impressed with results so far. Using Intel Architecture and Windows NT- workstations, engineers and designers at Chrysler will also be able to reduce support and training costs by moving from two systems on their desktops - separately running PC and workstation applications - to a single engineering workstation that can run all applications.

"Our principal goal in moving to Intel Architecture and Windows NT- workstations is to have a unifying infrastructure that allows Chrysler to react more quickly to our customers, suppliers and the market," said Norman Powell, manager of technical services, technical computer center at Chrysler. "We expect the new workstations to help us reduce operational costs and time-to-market, while increasing design and engineering innovation."

"Chrysler's decision to use Pentium II Xeon-based workstations is the latest example of our successful efforts to drive the Intel Architecture into areas that need the highest workstation performance," said Andre Wolper, director of industry marketing, Workstation Product Division, Intel. "With development efforts for industry-leading software applications focused increasingly on Intel-based workstations running Windows NT, the shift from proprietary workstations is very compelling for customers."

"Deploying Windows NT-based workstations will not only deliver added functionality to Chrysler engineers in specific areas of development and user flexibility, but will also increase their ability to run a variety of engineering analysis and business productivity applications from a single desktop," said Bruce Irish, group marketing manager for engineering and manufacturing at Microsoft. "The simplicity and innovation of the Windows NT platform combined with the power of Intel Architecture will lower the total cost of ownership and enhance productivity for Chrysler while satisfying its demanding engineering workstation requirements."

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.

* Other names and brands may be claimed as the property of others.