For Release 3 p.m. CST
March 28, 1994


Microsoft Ships Microsoft Access Developer's Toolkit Version 2.0
Advanced Tools for Custom Database Applications


NEW ORLEANS - March 28, 1994 - Microsoft Corporation today announced the
Microsoft Access Developer's Toolkit version 2.0 for the Windows operating
system.  The toolkit is a companion product to the Microsoft Access database
management system version 2.0 and is designed for developers producing
advanced database applications, distributing run-time applications, creating
client-server solutions, or developing wizards and other add-ins for Microsoft
Access.  The toolkit offers developers tools for application distribution,
extensive sample code, Object Linking and Embedding (OLE) Custom Controls for
advanced user-interface design, and in-depth information on developing
applications with Microsoft Access.

"The Microsoft Access Developer's Toolkit extends Microsoft Access beyond
workgroup solutions into the commercial arena," said Paul Nielsen, technical
editor of Access Advisor magazine.  "It includes not only the Microsoft Access
run-time but also custom controls and other utilities required to create
robust, industrial-strength applications.  Combining the client-server
strength of Microsoft Access 2.0 with the distribution capabilities of the
toolkit means Solution Providers can build world-class database applications
for companywide or commercial mass distribution."

The Microsoft Access Developer's Toolkit is designed to provide developers the
information and the tools they need to create high-quality, advanced
applications.  The toolkit includes the following:

* Application Creation and Distribution

  -Run-time version of Microsoft Access 2.0 for royalty-free distribution of
   standalone applications
  -Setup Wizard to create disks and compress files automatically for
   distributing applications
  -Microsoft Access 2.0 database engine (Jet 2.0) for use with the Microsoft
   Visual Basic programming system version 3.0.

* Custom Wizards for Custom Applications

  -Complete information for creating custom wizards and other add-ins to
   Microsoft Access

  -Full examples of Microsoft Access-based code to give developers additional
   help in creating custom wizards

* Detailed Technical Documentation and Customization Tools

  -Advanced Topics, a book documenting specialized areas such as client-server
   development, application optimization, and advanced data security

  -Sample OLE Custom Controls, including calendar, scroll bar and an innovative
   Microsoft data outline control that allows developers to create hierarchical
   "drill-down" views of relational data

"The Microsoft Access Developer's Toolkit expands the ability to create
applications with Microsoft Access," said Mike Mullin of MTX International Inc.
"The possibilities to extend Microsoft Access are greatly increased by using
OLE Custom Controls.  In particular, I am excited about the Microsoft data
outline control that enables a hierarchical view of data in an outline form.
This lets me deliver an easy way for my users to navigate through their data
without extra development time on my part."


Pricing and Availability

The Microsoft Access Developer's Toolkit version 2.0 is scheduled to be
available through resellers or directly from Microsoft in early spring 1994.
Current users of Microsoft Access Distribution Kit version 1.1 and Microsoft
Visual Basic 3.0 for Windows receive $100 off the $495 suggested retail price.

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, Microsoft Access and Visual Basic are registered trademarks and
Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

Price listed is U.S. suggested retail price.  Reseller price may vary.

For More Information, Press Only:

Sandra Pace or Karla Wachter, Waggener Edstrom, (503) 245-0905

