http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/press/1996/apr96/nwsgrppr.mspx
Microsoft PressPass - Microsoft Announces Internet Newsgroups For
Peer-to-Peer Discussions on Microsoft Products
REDMOND, Wash., April 9, 1996 Microsoft Corp. today announced the
addition of no-charge Microsoft-sponsored NNTP newsgroups on the
Internet to its family of Information Services offerings. This new
service boosts Microsoft's Internet presence and further addresses
customer demand for one-stop information and services over the Internet.
Microsoft is investing in the newsgroups to create a community in which
customers can share technical information about Microsoft® products and
technologies. Microsoft Newsgroups are scheduled to be live and
accessible to customers on April 15, 1996, via the Support area of the
Microsoft World Wide Web site (http://www.microsoft.com/support/).
"Our goal is to provide accurate and timely information that is widely
available and affordable for our customers, and the Internet newsgroups
are one more way for us to meet this goal," said Linda Glenicki, general
manager of AnswerPoint at Microsoft. "Customer discussion groups provide
a rich source of technical information, and the increasing popularity of
the Internet allows us to provide access to this information to a very
broad set of customers."
Microsoft Newsgroups on the Internet will replace Microsoft-sponsored
forums on CompuServe® as of April 20. CompuServe customers can easily
link to the Microsoft support Web site and the newsgroups from the
Microsoft Connection area on CompuServe. In addition, CompuServe will
offer third-party forums on Microsoft products.
Customers currently access the Microsoft Frequently Asked Questions,
Knowledge Base, and Software Library more than 850,000 times per week on
the Internet. The addition of Microsoft Newsgroups rounds out
Microsoft's Internet offerings by providing an interactive environment
for customers to send each other messages and responses about Microsoft
products. Customers need only an NNTP-compatible newsgroup reader and
Internet access to connect to Microsoft Newsgroups at no charge
(Internet connection charges apply).
Microsoft MVPs (most valuable professionals) will provide technical
answers and foster the growth of the online community. Microsoft will
stay involved in Microsoft Newsgroups, monitoring responses for accuracy
and assisting MVPs as needed. The MVP program recognizes Microsoft
customers who voluntarily assist others in customer-to-customer
discussion areas. Microsoft MVPs come from a wide range of backgrounds
and professions, yet they all share one key attribute: a willingness to
give time, expertise and advice to enhance other customers' technical
skills.
"Being an MVP is a natural extension of my desire to help others solve
their computing roadblocks," said Ross Pfaff, who was recognized as an
MVP in August 1995. "Whether it's a mission-critical situation or a
home-entertainment problem, assisting fellow computer users as an MVP
allows me to give back some of what I've been given: knowledge and
satisfaction." For more information on the MVP program or how to become
an MVP, please see the About Support area of the Microsoft World Wide
Web site (http://www.microsoft.com/supportnet/).
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 is either a registered trademark or a trademark of Microsoft
Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.