REDMOND, Wash. - March 19, 1998 - Reflecting increasing interest in Microsoft® Windows® CE as the leading software operating system for digital appliances and embedded systems, more than 1,500 software developers are expected to arrive in San Jose, Calif., April 6-8 for the third annual Windows CE Developers Conference at the San Jose Convention Center.

The Windows CE Developers Conference is the forum for independent software developers and corporate technology professionals to receive the latest technical and marketing support information on the Windows CE operating system. Attendance has doubled at each successive Developers Conference, as the number of digital devices using Windows CE continues to expand.

Microsoft Corp. executives, including Paul Maritz, group vice president of platforms and applications, and Harel Kodesh, general manager of Windows CE, will discuss the market opportunities created by Windows CE, as well as major strategic initiatives for the operating system. More than 40 technical sessions will cover such topics as developing embedded systems with Windows CE, developing state-of-the-art applications for PC Companion devices using Windows CE, and an in-depth look at Windows CE itself.

All attendees will receive a free Casio Cassiopeia E-10, the software development kit (SDK) for the Auto PC; and, and the Windows CE Toolkit for the Visual C++® development system version 5.0.

"The Windows CE Developers Conference is a one-stop shop for ISVs and corporate developers who want to understand how they can transfer their skills and expertise in software development tools for 32-bit Windows into this booming market for digital appliances and embedded applications," Kodesh said. "Developers will not only get the latest technical updates, code samples and product information, they will also be able to talk directly with development teams at Microsoft to get firsthand insight into Windows CE."

To date, product categories powered by Windows CE include the Auto PC, the Handheld PC and the Palm PC. More than 40 hardware and software companies will demonstrate their Windows CE-based products in a trade fair during the conference. A variety of after-hours entertainment is also planned, including a Welcome Reception for early arrivals on Sunday, April 5, as well as special events on Monday and Tuesday nights. The Windows CE Developers Conference is sponsored by Advanced Micro Devices Inc. (AMD); Auctor Corp.; Casio Computer Co.; Everex Systems Inc.; Hitachi Ltd.; Intrinsyc Software Inc.; NEC Electronics Inc.; Philips Mobile Computing Group; Queues Enforth Development Inc. (QED); Silicon Graphics Inc.; Sybase Inc., a division of Powersoft Corp.; and Toshiba.

Developers interested in attending the Windows CE Developers Conference can register by calling (800) 509-8199 between 6:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. Pacific standard time, or via the Web at http://www.microsoft.com/events/windowsce/. International developers may register by calling (303) 813-4245.

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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