---

Microsoft CarPoint Ranked Most-Visited Auto-Purchase Web Site

22 September 1998

Microsoft CarPoint Ranked Most-Visited Auto-Purchase Web Site by Media Metrix For Third Straight Month

        CarPoint Visited by Nearly 1.5 Million Unique Users in August

    REDMOND, Wash., Sept. 22 -- The Microsoft(R) CarPoint(TM)
online automotive service ( http://www.carpoint.com/ ) was the most-visited
auto-purchase Web site for three straight months ending Aug. 31, and ranked
among the top 30 Internet shopping sites during the same period according to
Media Metrix, a leading Internet rating service.
    The Media Metrix ranking caps a yearlong period during which visitor
traffic to the CarPoint Web site grew more than 200 percent, according to
Microsoft Corp. , which reported that nearly 1.5 million unique
users visited CarPoint during the month of August.
    "Consumers recognize that CarPoint is a fast, easy way to research a
new- or used-car purchase, and to buy a new car online," said Lindsay Sparks,
business unit manager for CarPoint. "Microsoft CarPoint offers consumers a
wealth of authoritative information about new and used cars. Our software
makes it easy to sort through this data, choose the right car and then close a
hassle-free, no-haggle deal."
    Rob Enderle, an analyst at Giga Information Group, said his successful
experience buying an automobile through CarPoint gave him insight into why
consumers are visiting the site in such great numbers.
    "As a delighted customer, I believe the success of CarPoint is the result
of Microsoft's focus on providing ease of use, well-organized information and
a positive customer experience," Enderle said. "CarPoint is a high-quality
implementation that reflects very well on Microsoft's tools and the company's
ability to partner with other industries to create a compelling online-buying
experience for consumers."
    Media Metrix tracks World Wide Web audience ratings, proprietary online
services, computer software and hardware, and other new interactive
technologies. Before August, Media Metrix reported home- and work-based
Internet use separately. August was the first month in which Media Metrix
combined its At Home and At Work World Wide Web audience samples.
    Microsoft CarPoint is a comprehensive automotive Web site that offers
users complete car-buying information. Launched in August 1996, CarPoint gives
users fast, convenient access to detailed specifications, reviews from the
leading automotive journalists, detailed pricing information, interactive
decision-management tools, and a new- and used-car buying service.
    Founded in 1975, Microsoft 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.
    NOTE:  Microsoft and CarPoint 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.