EXHIBIT 99
MICROSOFT AND CITRIX SIGN TECHNOLOGY CROSS-LICENSING AND DEVELOPMENT AGREEMENT
REDMOND, Wash., May 12 /PRNewswire/ -- Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq: MSFT) today
announced a joint development agreement with Citrix Systems Inc. (Nasdaq: CTXS)
to provide Windows(R)-based terminal support for the Microsoft(R) Windows NT(R)
Server network operating system. Under the agreement, Microsoft will license
Citrix multiuser technology and the companies will cooperate on the development
of advanced multiuser capabilities for both Windows NT Server 4.0 generation
servers and Windows NT Server 5.0 generation servers. These advanced multiuser
capabilities allow applications to be executed from the server and support the
concept of "Windows-based terminals."
A Windows-based terminal is a true "thin client" that launches and runs Windows
NT-based applications from the server. These Windows-based terminals can be
used by task-based workers who only need a limited-function device on their
desktop. The Windows-based terminal is 100 percent Windows-compatible across a
full range of solutions. This means customers will be able to deploy a
combination of Windows-based terminals, NetPCs and PCs, depending upon user
requirements, and will know that their applications will run across all types of
Windows-based systems. The Windows-based terminal completes the broad range of
Windows family solutions, from handheld PCs running Windows CE to NetPCs to PCs
to high-end Windows NT Workstation-based systems.
"Customers have told us that reducing total cost of ownership is a critical
issue," said Paul Maritz, group vice president of platform and applications at
Microsoft. "We are evolving the Windows platform with key hardware and software
initiatives to aggressively address this fundamental issue for our customers."
With Microsoft's Zero Administration for Windows initiative, businesses can
reduce the cost of managing users, software and hardware. In addition,
Microsoft is addressing the fundamental cost of computing hardware by endorsing
two new corporate Windows-based devices, the NetPC and the Windows-based
terminal. The NetPC is a redefined personal computer providing all of the power
of a normal PC while providing hardware-related management features, such as a
sealed case, to reduce end-user support costs. The Windows-based terminal will
round out the Windows product family, providing the "thinnest" and most
manageable of the Windows-based clients and will provide the lowest cost of
ownership. The Zero Administration initiative improvements will apply to all PC
devices, not just these two new members of the hardware family.
Microsoft and Citrix will cooperate on the development of base multiuser
capabilities. These base capabilities will be marketed by Microsoft as part of
its Windows NT Server 4.0 and 5.0 generations of server products. Citrix and
Microsoft will each develop and market additional components, built upon these
base services, to support their ICA and T.Share protocols, respectively. These
protocols are used to remotely display the user interface of applications
running on the server on the client device. Microsoft will support the T.Share
protocol, which is currently used in products such as NetMeeting(TM)
conferencing software, for support of clients
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running Windows-family operating systems such as Windows CE. ICA is the protocol
that has been developed by Citrix, and will be the preferred protocol for
heterogeneous devices and clients. The Citrix environment will include full
support for features and functions currently supported by its existing WinFrame
servers, and Citrix will continue to provide support to its customer base.
Citrix is a leader in multiuser Windows-based application server software with
an installed base of more than 500,000 concurrent user connections to its
WinFrame servers. WinFrame is a proven solution for thousands of organizations
across a broad range of industries worldwide.
"This is the next logical step in the close relationship we've enjoyed with
Microsoft since Citrix was founded over eight years ago," said Edward Iacobucci,
Citrix chairman and chief technical officer. "This joint development agreement
will result in a Windows NT Server platform on which we can continue to address
growing customer demand for innovative thin client solutions through our
Independent Computing Architecture."
Microsoft also announced today an agreement with Prologue Software to license
its multiuser technology and for Prologue to cooperate in the development and
deployment of multiuser capabilities for Windows NT Server. Prologue engineers
will cooperate to further enhance these efforts. Prologue Software, a leading
supplier of multiuser operating systems in Europe, has more than 20 years
experience in multiuser operating systems and more than four years experience
developing terminal support for Windows NT Server.
"Prologue Software looks forward to helping Microsoft produce a great product
and assisting its customers in the deployment of Windows-based terminals," said
Georges Seban, chairman of the board and president at Prologue Software.
"Prologue Software plans to provide Windows NT-based multiuser administration
tools along with consulting and training services for Windows NT Server
multiuser solutions."
Citrix's Windows NT Server-based WinFrame enterprise software will continue to
be available for customers deploying solutions today and Citrix will offer a
smooth migration to the future Windows NT Server-based multiuser solutions.
More details on the product availability and beta test time line will be
announced in the future. Information for Windows NT Server can be found at
http://www.microsoft.com/ntserver.
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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.
Founded in 1989, Citrix Systems Inc. is a leader in multiuser application server
software, developed under license and strategic agreement with Microsoft. The
company's flagship WinFrame product line is marketed through a worldwide
business alliance of value-added resellers, system integrators, OEM licensees
and industry partners. Citrix is based in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., and is traded
on the Nasdaq stock exchange under the symbol CTXS.
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Forward-looking statements in this release are made pursuant to the safe harbor
provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Investors
are cautioned that statements in this press release which are not strictly
historical statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding
management's plans and objectives for future operations, product plans and
performance, management's assessment of market factors, as well as statements
regarding the strategy and plans of the Company and its strategic partners,
constitute forward-looking statements which involve risks and uncertainties,
including, without limitation, risks associated with the Company's reliance upon
its strategic relationships with Microsoft and other strategic partners,
dependence upon broad-based acceptance of the Company's ICA protocol, management
of growth, the possibility of undetected software errors, and dependence on
proprietary technology, as well as risks of downturns in economic conditions
generally, and in the software industry specifically, risks associated with
competition and competitive pricing pressures, and other risks detailed in the
Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.
Microsoft, Windows, Windows NT and NetMeeting are either registered trademarks
or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective
owners.
Copyright 1997, PR Newswire