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Microsoft Introduces Next Generation of C Compilers; More Than 70 Third-Party Vendors Announce Support REDMOND, WA -- June 3, 1987 -- Microsoft Corporation today announced two new versions of Microsoft(R) C: Microsoft QuickC (TM) and Microsoft C Optimizing Compiler Version 5.0, providing fast compilation, excellent code generation, and sophisticated debugging environments. "No other product can compete with the performance and debugging features of these two compilers," said Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates. "C 5.0 is the best total solution for the professional programmer. The combination of high-speed execution, powerful CodeView(TM) debugger, and extensive library support makes this the premier C compiler. QuickC is the ideal C compiler for programmers who want to get up and running fast and experience the power of C. And the two products are completely compatible." Both products will be available in September. With a special introductory retail price of just $99, Microsoft QuickC offers the first-time C user an easy, inexpensive way to begin using the C language. The product comes with a 30-day return guarantee. Microsoft QuickC comes with an integrated editor, compiler, MAKE facility, and source-level debugger. Users can write, compile, edit, debug, and run their programs within the same environment. Extensive documentation includes a tutorial to get programmers new to the C language up to speed quickly, a reference section containing hundreds of tested examples, and a context- sensitive on-line help facility. Microsoft C Optimizing Compiler Version 5.0 is designed to provide the professional C programmer with the fastest possible execution speed, plus the convenience of a complete development environment. It includes both the QuickC in-memory compiler and the advanced optimizing compiler, so programmers can develop prototypes quickly and then optimize them for the fastest possible performance. Microsoft C Version 5.0 produces the fastest executable code of any PC version of C, and the code typically executes 30% faster than under Microsoft C 4.0. C 5.0 users also have a choice of two source-level debuggers: the integrated Microsoft QuickC debugger for quick debugging while prototyping, and the enhanced Microsoft CodeView debugger for more complex debugging. QuickC and C 5.0 are completely source-level and object-level compatible, and QuickC emits CodeView-compatible executables. Third-Party Vendors Announce Support More than 70 third-party vendors have announced support of Microsoft C, including Arity Corp., Blaise Corp., Essential Software, Greenleaf, Media Cybernetics, Lifeboat, Phoenix, Polytron, Raima, Software Bottling, Softcraft, and Solution Systems. Publishers writing books about Microsoft C and QuickC include Osborne/McGraw-Hill, Scott, Foresman and Company, Merrill Publishing, and Microsoft Press. Microsoft C Optimizing Compiler Version 5.0 has a suggested retail price of $450. Persons who license Microsoft C 4.0 after June 1 are entitled to a free upgrade to 5.0 in September; those who licensed C 4.0 before June 1 can upgrade to 5.0 for $75. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ "MSFT") develops, markets, and supports a wide range of software for business and professional use, including operating systems, languages, and application programs as well as books and hardware for the micro-computer marketplace. # # # Microsoft and the Microsoft logo are registered trademarks and CodeView and QuickC are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. ###################################################### MICROSOFT AND NATURAL LANGUAGE INCORPORATED ANNOUNCE PRODUCT LICENSING AND EQUITY FINANCING AGREEMENT REDMOND, WA -- JUNE 3, 1987 -- Microsoft Corporation and Natural Language Incorporated (NLI), of Berkeley, California, today jointly announced a product licensing and equity financing agreement. The two companies have signed a product licensing agreement granting Microsoft(R) the rights to license NLI technology, and integrate it with existing and future Microsoft applications. NLI has received $1 million in equity financing from Microsoft. Further financial details were not disclosed. NLI, founded in 1984, develops and markets natural language software based on proprietary technology. The company's first product, the NLI DataTalker(TM), is an English language interface that enables untrained users to access databases in plain English. The DataTalker is currently available on Digital VAX(R) computers and Sun(R) workstations. NLI markets its natural language products to OEMs and VARs for integration with commercial applications. "NLI's goal is to establish its unrestricted English technology as the natural language standard," commented NLI President, Bob Bozeman. "Microsoft's investment and product licensing agreement is a clear affirmation of the superiority of our natural language technology." Microsoft President, Jon Shirley, commented, "Microsoft reviewed the entire natural language market and chose NLI's technology as the most powerful. This agreement for long term product development demonstrates our commitment to natural language technology and ensures us a position in this emerging market." NLI is the first company to offer natural language systems that incorporate knowledge representation and deductive reasoning. NLI's systems understand the concepts and context of sentences. The software understands rules stated in English and uses them to build database queries or give advice. These unique capabilities allow NLI's systems to understand plain English and process it independent of any application. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ "MSFT") develops, markets, and supports a wide range of software for business and professional use, including operating systems, languages and application programs as well as books and hardware for the microcomputer marketplace. NLI develops and markets software products that bring computer information to people in real English. The company's headquarters are in Berkeley, California, with sales and support offices in Cambridge, Massachusetts. # # # DataTalker is a trademark of Natural Language Incorporated. VAX is a registered trademark of Digital Equipment Corporation. Sun is a registered trademark of Sun Microsystems, Inc. Microsoft is a registered trademark of Microsoft Corporation. ####################################################### Microsoft QuickC's Fast Compiler and Interactive Debugger Provide High Performance for Modest Price REDMOND, WA -- June 3, 1987 -- Microsoft Corporation today announced Microsoft(R) QuickC(TM), a $99 compiler featuring extremely fast compilation speed, excellent code generation, and an integrated debugging environment far superior to any other PC language product. By allowing programmers to edit, compile, and debug programs from within the same development environment, Microsoft QuickC helps programmers new to C get their programs running quickly. QuickC, which will be available in September, comes with a 30-day money-back guarantee. Its compilation and executable speeds are comparable to Turbo C(TM), and QuickC includes many additional features. These features include an in-memory compiler capable of 10,000 lines per minute, support of the Microsoft Mouse, and an integrated source-level debugger. The debugger, based on Microsoft's powerful CodeView(TM) debugger, helps programmers locate and fix bugs quickly. QuickC includes a free graphics library with a wide range of screen-control functions that allows users to take advantage of the extensive graphics capabilities of the IBM(R) PC and the IBM Personal System/2(TM). Microsoft QuickC's extensive documentation includes detailed tutorial and reference sections and on-line, context-sensitive help. "Microsoft QuickC is the ideal C compiler for BASIC or Pascal programmers who want fast compilation and execution speed and who want to debug their programs quickly," said Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates. "The integrated source- level debugger makes it easy to write bug-free programs, and the documentation is the best available anywhere. No other product provides this much functionality at such a low price." Microsoft QuickC is completely source-level and object-level compatible with Microsoft C Optimizing Compiler Version 5.0, providing users of QuickC with an upward path toward a high-end development system. Quick debugging Microsoft QuickC's integrated source-level debugger helps users get their programs running quickly. Unlike most other C compilers, QuickC lets users debug at the source level, so they don't have to guess what their programs are doing: they can see exactly what is going on and what is needed to fix the problem. With the Microsoft QuickC debugger, programmers can: o Pinpoint errors by stepping through the source code while it is executing, using animate, trace, or single-step modes. o Set, examine, and clear dynamic breakpoints to stop execution as needed, so programmers can take a closer look at what the program is doing. o Use the Watch Window to observe the contents of both local and global variables and expressions, seeing them change as the program executes. o Back-trace within the stack to check history to find out how they got to a particular point. o Use the screen-swapping feature for screen-intensive applications, switching between the source code and program output during debugging. In-memory compiling and editing Microsoft QuickC's exclusive in-memory compilation feature makes compilation extremely fast, at 10,000 lines per minute. The compiler can catch up to 26 errors during a single compilation, allowing the programmer to fix many problems at once before recompiling. During recompilations, an in-memory MAKE utility saves programmers additional time by recompiling only the changed modules. At the end of a compilation, the editor helps the programmer by placing the cursor at the point of the first error. It also speeds the correction process by providing detailed information about the nature of each error and subsequent errors. The compiler's integrated full-screen editor includes a broad range of helpful functions, including Cut, Copy, Paste, Undo, Search and Replace, Overtype, and Insert. A "hot key" allows users to toggle between two program modules when editing multiple-module programs. Unique features of the editor include full support of the Microsoft Mouse and brace, bracket and parenthesis matching. Documentation helps users get up to speed quickly Microsoft QuickC comes with extensive documentation designed to help new C programmers get up to speed quickly while also providing useful information for experienced programmers. A tutorial section is ideal for helping BASIC or Pascal programmers make the transition to C, while new and experienced programmers alike will benefit from the detailed "how to" and reference sections. The documentation includes an extensive index to make it easier for users to find answers to their questions. A unique feature of QuickC is a context-sensitive, on-line help for the C language and for the support libraries. A programmer, for example, can highlight a certain C construct to find out its syntax and what parameters are required, if any. Other powerful features of Microsoft QuickC include: o Support of the proposed ANSI C standard and the IBM Systems Application Architecture (SAA). o Small, medium, compact, and large libraries as well as NEAR and FAR keyword allows users to make optimum use of the available memory. o Ability to generate in-line code for the 8086, 80286, 8087, and 80287 chips, resulting in faster programs. o A choice of math libraries. When an 8087 or 80287 co-processor is present, the compiler automatically uses high-speed math with 80-bit accuracy. Users without a co-processor can choose the floating-point emulator with equal accuracy. o Library extensions to support DOS and BIOS interrupts. o Interlanguage calling to Microsoft Macro Assembler, Pascal, and FORTRAN, allowing users to combine different languages into a single program. o Support of 43-line mode on the Enhanced Graphics Adapter, allowing programmers to use a high-resolution monitor and see greater amounts of text displayed on the screen. o Support of the IBM PS/2 graphics modes. o Support for file sharing and record- and file-locking, allowing the compiler to be used in MS-DOS(R) and IBM networking environments. o Compatibility with ProKey(TM), SideKick(R), and SuperKey(R). The compiler also comes with several utilities that help programmers make more efficient use of their time. In addition to MAKE, which automates the rebuilding of modified applications, the compiler includes a LIB utility for creating, organizing, and maintaining object module libraries, and a LINK utility for combining relocatable object modules into a single program. LINK and LIB can be used not only for modules written in C, but also for those written in other Microsoft languages. Compatible with Microsoft C 5.0 Microsoft QuickC is completely compatible with Microsoft C 5.0, a sophisticated compiler designed for the professional C programmer. Not only do the two compilers support the same languages and libraries, but Microsoft QuickC is also included with C 5.0, giving professional programmers an integrated environment for quick prototype development. QuickC executable files are CodeView compatible. System requirements, pricing, and availability System requirements for Microsoft QuickC are an IBM Personal Computer or compatible, 384K memory, MS-DOS 2.0 or higher, and one double-sided disk drive. Microsoft QuickC is available in both 5.25-inch and 3.5-inch disk formats. The $99 suggested retail price is a special introductory offer. For more product information, contact Microsoft Customer Service at 1-800- 426-9400 (in Washington State and Alaska, call 206-882-8088), or write to Microsoft at 16011 NE 36th Way, Box 97017, Redmond, Washington 98073-9717. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ "MSFT") develops, markets, and supports a wide range of software for business and professional use, including operating systems, languages, and application programs as well as books and hardware for the micro-computer marketplace. # # # Benchmark results are based on an Personal System/2 and Model 60. Microsoft, Microsoft logo and MS-DOS are registered trademarks and QuickC and CodeView are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. IBM is a registered trademark and Personal System/2 is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. SuperKey and SideKick are registered trademarks of Borland International, Inc. ProKey is a trademark of RoseSoft. Turbo C is a trademark of Borland International Inc. ####################################################### 9 MICROSOFT OPERATING SYSTEM/2 SOFTWARE DEVELOPMENT KIT RELEASED TO DEVELOPERS TWO MONTHS AHEAD OF SCHEDULE Redmond, WA -- JUNE 2, 1987 -- Microsoft Corporation today announced the first release of the MS OS/2(TM) Software Development Kit, which allows software developers to begin the work of moving applications software to the new MS OS/2 environment for 80286 and 80386-based personal computers. Very high demand for the MS OS/2 kernel software prompted Microsoft to release the toolkit two months earlier than originally anticipated. The release came in conjunction with a three-day technical seminar held by Microsoft for developers who licensed the toolkit. An attendance credit for the technical seminar was provided as part of the support services included with the package. "Developers asked us to release the toolkit now because they wanted to get started writing applications for this new environment," said Steven Ballmer, vice president of systems software at Microsoft, in explaining Microsoft's decision to release the toolkit ahead of schedule. "Developers have accepted delivery with the understanding that pre-release software will have some problems." Ballmer noted that because of the early release schedule, the specifications for the MS OS/2 presentation manager was not included as part of the first toolkit. It will, however, be in the August update, in accordance with the original schedule. Routine updates to the software toolkit, which are part of the package, will improve performance and reliability as the product moves toward final release. "We are still in our testing phase with this product, and we are still tuning performance," Ballmer said. "Over the next few months we will be releasing updates that will further improve the quality of the product. We are soliciting feedback on the toolkit and on any problems that developers have with it." Release of the developer's toolkit marks the point at which protected-mode applications software development can really begin for MS OS/2, a multi-tasking operating system system designed to run on existing PC-AT(R) class personal computers and newer 80286 and 80386 systems. The developer's toolkit contains a pre-release version of the MS OS/2 system kernel and technical specifications for the kernel and the MS OS/2 LAN Manager. Also included are new versions of Microsoft(R)'s macro assembler (MASM) and C language compilers, the CodeView(TM) debugger and other software development tools, including a programmer's editor. Updates will include the MS OS/2 Windows presentation manager specification and software and MS OS/2 LAN Manager software and associated development tools. In addition to the training, Microsoft will also be providing intensive support services to users of the toolkit. Priced at $3,000 (U.S.), the development toolkit includes, in addition to the software and technical seminar, a one-year license for Microsoft's Direct Information Access Line (DIAL) system, an electronic mail technical support service, and a subscription to the Microsoft Systems Journal. Demand has been so high for the toolkit that technical seminars in Seattle this week and in New York July 7-9 have already been filled. Developers who license the toolkit now will be able to attend one of the additional seminars scheduled by Microsoft for September 22-24 in Anaheim, California or October 21-23 in Dallas. Among those systems supported by the initial release of the toolkit are the IBM(R) PC-AT, the COMPAQ DESKPRO 286(R) and COMPAQ DESKPRO 386(R), the COMPAQ PORTABLE 286(R) and COMPAQ PORTABLE III(TM), and the Zenith Z-241 and Z-248 (both ROM 1.9 or later) and the Z-386. Other systems will be supported in later updates. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ "MSFT") develops, markets, and supports a wide range of software for business and professional use, including operating systems, languages and application programs as well as books and hardware for the microcomputer marketplace. # # # Microsoft and the Microsoft logo are registered trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. MS OS/2 and CodeView are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. COMPAQ DESKPRO 286, COMPAQ DESKPRO 386 and COMPAQ PORTABLE 286 are registered trademarks of COMPAQ Computer Corporation. COMPAQ PORTABLE III is a trademark of COMPAQ Computer Corporation. IBM and PC-AT are registered trademarks of International Business Machines Corporation. ####################################################### Microsoft C 5.0 Generates Fastest Executable Code Ever; QuickC Included for Fast Prototyping and Compilation REDMOND, WA -- June 3, 1987 -- Microsoft Corporation today announced Microsoft(R) C Optimizing Compiler Version 5.0, an advanced compiler for the professional C programmer. The optimizing compiler helps programmers generate the fastest possible code -- typically 30% faster than Microsoft C 4.0. Microsoft C 5.0 comes with an enhanced version of the powerful Microsoft CodeView(TM) debugger, more than 100 new library functions (including a full graphics library and BIOS and DOS calls), and significantly enhanced documentation. Included with C 5.0 is Microsoft QuickC(TM), whose in-memory compiler, editor, MAKE, and debugger give programmers the ability to do fast prototyping. Compilation speed for QuickC is 10,000 lines per minute. "This is the premier C compiler for the professional C programmer," said Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates. "It has everything the serious programmer needs -- it produces fast code, it has powerful tools to minimize development time, and a complete development environment, including a full-featured source-level debugger. It also comes with the most complete documentation available for the C language, including coding techniques on how to write the fastest possible programs." Microsoft C 5.0 will be available in September. Anyone who licenses Microsoft C 4.0 after June 1 is entitled to a free upgrade to C 5.0. Benchmarks show the following reductions in timings on standard benchmarks from C 4.0 to C 5.0: Sieve, 25 iterations, 5.7 to 3.3 seconds; Float, 19.9 to 0.1; Dhrystone, 22.8 to 19.1; Pointer, 14.2 to 7.4; Loop, 11.0 to 0.0 (loop optimizations eliminate the null loop used in this test). Fastest executable code available on a PC Microsoft C Optimizing Compiler Version 5.0 produces the fastest executable code in the industry; the code typically executes 30% faster than code produced under Microsoft C 4.0. The speed increase is due in part to new loop optimizations -- including invariant hoisting, loop enregistering, and induction variables -- and in part to the presence of in-line code for many key functions, eliminating much of the function call overhead. The ultimate C development environment By including Microsoft QuickC with C 5.0, Microsoft gives programmers a complete set of tools: an in-memory compiler, editor, MAKE, and source-level debugger for quick prototype development; and an optimizing compiler and more powerful debugger for final development. QuickC and C 5.0 are completely source-level and object-level compatible, and QuickC emits CodeView-supported executables. QuickC outputs the standard MAKE file format and uses identical command-line switches to get fast compilation times by using QuickC in batch mode. In-memory compilation and linking for quick prototype development. During prototype development, programmers can take advantage of QuickC's in-memory compilation, which compiles at 10,000 lines per minute. The standard linker is twice as fast as the one with C 4.0. Enhanced Microsoft CodeView for debugging complex programs. The powerful, full-featured CodeView debugger, first introduced with C 4.0 and unmatched in the industry, has been further enhanced to allow source-level debugging of larger programs. It supports expanded memory boards, allowing users to debug very large programs and programs with overlays. Other enhancements allow users to debug mixed-language programs, including programs with Microsoft C, BASIC, FORTRAN, and Macro Assembler modules. CodeView gives users total control over program execution while they are debugging. Using the debugger's multiple-window feature, users can set and watch expressions and variables (both local and global), watch CPU registers and flags, trace the stack, set dynamic breakpoints, and trace, single-step, or animate their way through the program's execution. All windows are updated automatically to show the current values as the program executes. For screen intensive applications, a screen-swapping feature lets users switch quickly between the source code and the program output seen by the user. Microsoft CodeView works at both source and assembly levels, allowing users to debug source or object code. It features an easy-to-use visual interface, similar to that of Microsoft Windows, and offers both keyboard and Microsoft Mouse support. More than 100 new library functions Microsoft C 5.0 comes with more than 100 new library functions, bringing the total in the support library to more than 350. Some of the new features include: o A full graphics library that automatically configures graphics programs to the available graphics adapter and monitor. o Functions for debugging and "walking" the heap (that is, to detect corruption of heap data structures). o New DOS and BIOS calls. o A function to find out how much memory is available. o Functions for incorporating start/stop times into programs. Microsoft also will make its run-time library source code available as a separate product for programmers who want to customize their C libraries. (This is in addition to the startup source code that comes standard with the product.) Compatible With Standards, Provides Path to MS OS/2 Microsoft C 5.0 conforms with the IBM System Application Architecture (SAA) and supports the proposed ANSI C standard. C 5.0 provides the ideal upward migration path to Microsoft OS/2(TM). Applications developed under Microsoft C 5.0 can be ported directly to MS OS/2(TM). Other new features added o Improved error reporting indicating where the error came from and how severe it is. o Automated installation program to simplify setup. o New pragmas (i.e., structures) for controlling at the source level such features as loop optimizations, intrinsic functions, structure packing alignment, stack checking, and segment allocation. Many other powerful features Other powerful features offered by Microsoft C 5.0 include: o Support for 8087/287/387 co-processors, allowing users to generate fast in-line code whenever a co-processor is present. If no co-processor is present, the run-time module automatically switches to 8087 software emulation routines that offer the same 80-bit math accuracy. Users without a co-processor who prefer higher speed can also choose Microsoft Alternate IEEE Math routines, offering 64-bit accuracy. o A complete range of memory models, including small, medium, compact, large, and huge models. NEAR, FAR, and HUGE key words let users mix models to achieve the greatest speed and best use of memory space. o Full implementation of the UNIX(R) System V C language, plus many of the main features in the proposed ANSI C standard as well as Microsoft's own extensions. o Direct interlanguage calling to Microsoft FORTRAN, Microsoft Pascal, and Microsoft Macro Assembler, allowing users to mix languages within a program. The documentation includes detailed explanations of how this is done. o Support for file sharing and record- and file-locking, allowing the compiler to be used in MS-DOS(R)-based networks and IBM local area networks. Time-saving utilities Microsoft C 5.0 comes with several utilities that help simplify the programmer's job and speed development time. These include: o MAKE, to automate the rebuilding of applications after source files have been changed. o LIB, to create, organize, and maintain libraries of Microsoft language object modules. o EXEPACK, to compress sequences of identical characters from an executable file and optimize the relocation table. o EXEMOD, to modify header fields according to the user's command-line instructions. o LINK, a new release of the Microsoft linker, that is twice as fast as the linker with C 4.0. o SETENV, to let the user set and enlarge the MS-DOS environment variable table. Pricing and availability System requirements for Microsoft C Optimizing Compiler Version 5.0 are an IBM Personal Computer or compatible, 385K memory, MS-DOS 2.0 or higher, and two double-sided disk drives (although a hard disk is highly recommended). The product will be available in retail outlets during the third quarter of 1987 in 5.25-inch disk version; a coupon included in the package allows users to order a 3.5-inch disk at no additional charge by contacting Microsoft directly. The new compiler has a suggested retail price of $450. In addition to the free update to anyone who licenses Microsoft C 4.0 after June 1, those who licensed C 4.0 before that date can upgrade for $75; and users of earlier versions of Microsoft C can upgrade for $150. For more information, contact Microsoft Customer Service at 1-800-426-9400 (in Washington State and Alaska, call 206-882-8088), or write to Microsoft at 16011 NE 36th Way, Box 97017, Redmond, Washington 98073-9717. Microsoft Corporation (NASDAQ "MSFT") develops, markets, and supports a wide range of software for business and professional use, including operating systems, languages, and application programs as well as books and hardware for the microcomputer marketplace. # # # Benchmark results are based on an IBM Personal System/2, Model 60 Microsoft, the Microsoft logo, and MS-DOS are registered trademarks and CodeView, Microsoft OS/2, MS OS/2, and Quick C are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation. IBM is a registered trademark and Personal System/2 is a trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. Unix is a registered trademark of AT&T.