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	Microsoft FoxPro Database Version 2.5 for MS-DOS
	      and Windows Released to Manufacturing

	REDMOND, Wash. * Jan. 13, 1993 * Microsoft Corporation
today announced that it has released the Microsoft* FoxPro* version 2.5
database to manufacturing for shipment.  FoxPro 2.5 for the MS-DOS*
operating system and FoxPro 2.5 for the Windows* operating system were
released simultaneously and are scheduled to be commercially available
within a couple of weeks.
	"With its breakthrough performance, FoxPro 2.5 will bring
applications to the PC LAN that previously required minicomputers," said David Fulton,
database architect at Microsoft.  "Version 2.5's unprecedented performance
and cross-platform compatibility together with its Xbase file compatibility
help protect the existing investments of millions of users while enabling
database users to take full advantage of the Windows environment.  We
believe this combination will make FoxPro 2.5 the preferred upgrade route
for existing database users."
	Microsoft FoxPro version 2.0 is the fastest PC-based database
management system on the market today, according to test results recently
reported by the National Software Testing Laboratory (NSTL).  In the
December 1992 Software Digest* Ratings Report, the NSTL reported that
Microsoft FoxPro 2.0 attained the top overall performance score of 9.7 out
of 10 in a suite of performance tests, out-performing Borland* Paradox*
version 4.0, Borland dBASE IV* version 1.5 and Microrim* R:BASE*
version 4.0.  According to the NSTL report, "FoxPro performs faster than
Paradox on nearly all transaction tests."  The tests also showed FoxPro to
be faster than Paradox or dBASE on simple queries.  The report
recommends FoxPro 2.0 for its "Xbase file compatibility and ... superior
tools for developing complex forms-based applications and reports."
	The new FoxPro version 2.5 being released today is expected to
greatly out-perform the earlier version 2.0 that was used in the NSTL tests.
In most cases version 2.5 will perform up to three times faster in multiuser
and multitable operations, enabling networked users to access data rapidly
from multiple databases.
	In addition to superior performance, FoxPro version 2.5 for
Windows takes full advantage of the Windows operating environment,
bringing all the benefits of Windows to database users.  A full 32-bit
application, FoxPro 2.5 for Windows takes advantage of the enhanced
mode of Windows, supports all standard conventions of Windows and
exploits the full range of graphical user interface features of Windows.
Users can integrate their FoxPro 2.5 data with other applications such as
Microsoft Excel and Microsoft Word using dynamic data exchange (DDE),
and store complex objects, such as spreadsheet charts, photos and video, in
their databases using object linking and embedding (OLE).
	FoxPro 2.5 for Windows and MS-DOS are fully compatible with
FoxPro 2.0 and earlier versions, so that existing FoxPro-based applications
will run transparently on FoxPro 2.5.  In addition, FoxPro 2.5 is compatible
with dBASE III*, dBASE III PLUS and extends dBASE IV.  This helps
protect customers' investments by allowing them to seamlessly integrate
their existing applications and data into the FoxPro 2.5 environment with
little or no relearning or reprogramming.

Pricing
	Microsoft FoxPro 2.5 for Windows and FoxPro 2.5 for MS-DOS
are schedule to be available for a suggested retail price of $495 for the first
user with additional licenses at $425.  Licensed users of FoxPro 1.0 and 2.0
can upgrade to FoxPro 2.5 for Windows or FoxPro 2.5 for MS-DOS for
$99 per user until March 31, 1993.  Customers who acquired FoxPro after
June 1, 1992, can upgrade to either FoxPro 2.5 for Windows or FoxPro
2.5 for MS-DOS at no charge.
	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, FoxPro and MS-DOS are registered trademarks and Windows is a 
trademark of Microsoft Corporation. Software Digest is a registered 
trademark of Software Digest, Inc. Borland, Paradox, dBASE III and 
dBASE IV are registered  trademarks of Borland International, Inc. 
Microrim and R:BASE are registered trademarks of Microrim, Inc.

Prices listed are U.S. suggested retail prices.  Reseller prices may vary.