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Microsoft and DENSO to Collaborate on Future Navigation and ITS Devices

6 March 2000

Microsoft and DENSO to Collaborate on Future Navigation and ITS Devices

   DENSO and Microsoft to Design and Develop a Standard Platform for Future
                          Navigation and ITS Devices


    DETROIT, March 6 Today at the SAE 2000 World Congress,
Microsoft Corp. announced it is working with DENSO Corp., a
worldwide leader in automotive navigation, to create next-generation devices
for navigation and intelligent transportation systems (ITS) applications.
Microsoft and DENSO will deliver powerful navigation and ITS products that
will assist motorists in avoiding traffic jams, preserving the environment and
increasing safety.
    DENSO and Microsoft agree that as navigation systems evolve, the industry
will benefit from an open platform environment like Microsoft(R) Windows(R) CE
for Automotive. The current lack of standardization severely limits
manufacturers from sharing development costs and leveraging technological
advances that could benefit all consumers.
    "Our automotive teams based in Redmond, Wash., and Japan have been working
closely with DENSO to better understand what the automotive industry wants
from its technology partners," said Bob McKenzie, product unit manager in the
Automotive Business Unit at Microsoft. "As a result, Windows CE for Automotive
is gaining momentum and manufacturers now have an automotive operating system
designed to meet their current and future development plans."

    About Windows CE for Automotive
    Microsoft Windows CE for Automotive is an operating system built on
Windows CE technology to make possible new categories of in-car computers that
are capable of safely providing drivers and passengers with hands-free
communication, access to personalized information on the Internet, the ability
to summon emergency services and roadside assistance, and an array of
convenience and entertainment applications. Windows CE for Automotive is an
open platform, which allows developers to quickly create powerful in-car
computing solutions. It offers flexibility and choice of computing platforms,
hardware peripherals and software components, as well as a large community of
developers familiar with Windows CE development practices.

    About DENSO
    DENSO, a global supplier of advanced technology, systems and components,
employs more than 72,000 in 25 countries, including Japan, where its
international headquarters is located. Global sales total $14.5 billion. In
North America, DENSO employs more than 13,000 at 21 companies. North American
consolidated sales for 1999 are estimated at $3.6 billion.

    About Microsoft
    Founded in 1975, Microsoft is the worldwide leader in software for
personal and business computing. The company offers a wide range of products
and services designed to empower people through great software -- any time,
any place and on any device.
    NOTE:  Microsoft and Windows are either registered trademarks or
trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries. The
names of actual companies and products mentioned herein may be the trademarks
of their respective owners.