SAN JOSE, Calif. - April 7, 1998 - Applications for in-car computing, such as voice-activated navigation, hands-free voice/data telephony, driver information, and entertainment for drivers and passengers, will soon be realized through the combined efforts of Intel Corp. and Microsoft Corp. Today at the third annual Microsoft® Windows® CE Developers Conference, the two companies announced they are joining forces to cooperate on a common vision for in-car computing.

"We see the vehicle as one of the next strategic locations for computing," said Mike Aymar, vice president and general manager, consumer products group at Intel. "Intel architecture and Windows CE provide a compelling combination to propel this emerging market segment forward."

"The combination of the Windows CE platform and Intel architecture makes for a compelling development environment," said Paul Maritz, group vice president of applications and platforms at Microsoft. "Developers can take advantage of their expertise in Windows platforms to bring new applications and functionality to in-car computing."

To deliver on this vision, the two companies will work together to develop platforms based on Intel architecture processors and the Auto PC platform, powered by the Windows CE operating system. Intel and Microsoft are also collaborating with key companies in the automotive industry to bring entertainment, computing and communications to the car using widely accepted technologies from the computing industry.

Activities are already under way in developing advanced platforms based on the Intel architecture and Windows CE, including support for Intel's Pentium® processor. Software development kits for developers to begin writing applications for in-vehicle computing using Windows CE and Auto PC on Intel architecture have been distributed to attendees at the developers conference. Intel and Microsoft plan to work together to optimize Windows CE for current and future Intel architecture processors.

Intel, the world's largest chip maker, is also a leading manufacturer of personal computer, networking and communications products. Additional information about Intel is available at (http://www.intel.com/pressroom/).

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.

Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.

Pentium is a registered trademark of Intel Corp.

Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.