Microsoft KB Archive/111717

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NEWS: MS Offers Word Support for Former WordPerfect Users

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Q111717

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The information in this article applies to:


 * Microsoft Word for Windows, versions 6.0, 6.0a

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SUMMARY
This article contains the text of the February 16, 1994, press release entitled "Microsoft Offers New Support Option for Former WordPerfect Users Moving to Word for Windows."

MORE INFORMATION
 For Release 6 a.m. PST February 16, 1994

MICROSOFT OFFERS NEW SUPPORT OPTION FOR FORMER WORDPERFECT USERS MOVING TO WORD FOR WINDOWS ==========================================================================

REDMOND, Wash. - Feb. 16, 1994 - Microsoft Corporation announced today that on February 22nd it will roll out a special telephone support option for former users of WordPerfect(R) for MS-DOS(R) who switch to Microsoft(R) Word for Windows(TM). Callers to the standard support service for Microsoft Word will be given the option to connect to a support engineer specifically trained on WordPerfect product and customer issues. The new telephone support option was created to assist the more than one-million users of WordPerfect who have already moved to Microsoft Word for Windows as well as those expected to make the switch.

"With the recent WordPerfect Corporation announcements that they are ending their lifetime free support and discontinuing development of their MS-DOS-based word processor, we wanted to prepare for an upsurge in interest in Word from WordPerfect users," said Pete Higgins, senior vice president, desktop applications division at Microsoft. "We believe this new support option will help ensure that WordPerfect users moving to Word get their questions answered quickly and effectively."

Over the past two years, Word has emerged as the new word processing leader, garnering both critical acclaim and increasing market success. In January, Word was named the best selling word processor for 1993 by Dataquest (based on preliminary estimates of worldwide revenue), and just this month, Word for Windows version 6.0 won both the InfoWorld and Windows Sources word processing comparative reviews.

New Support Option Focuses on Issues Important to Former Users of WordPerfect

The new support option for former WordPerfect users will focus on getting users comfortable, as well as helping them with file conversion and other transition issues. The designated support professionals at Microsoft undergo comprehensive training to gain a solid understanding of WordPerfect features and terminology. This knowledge allows the professionals to best meet users' needs.

Microsoft Word Designed with Former Users of WordPerfect in Mind

Microsoft Word 6.0 for Windows includes a number of features created specifically for former users of WordPerfect. The Help for WordPerfect feature lets users enter a familiar WordPerfect command and then watch as Word for Windows demonstrates how to perform the equivalent function in Word--enabling users to learn as they work. The robust file import and export is based on research compiled from more than 1,000 documents collected from users of WordPerfect. Word for Windows even has a "Reveal Formats" similar to WordPerfect's Reveal Codes feature.

"We know there can be some concern when moving to a new product, so we've done everything we can to make former users of WordPerfect feel comfortable in their new environment," said Chris Peters, vice president, Office business unit at Microsoft. "If they need product support, they'll find top-notch professionals trained to meet their needs."

Microsoft Word 6.0 for Windows is available as a standalone product or through the Microsoft Office. Microsoft Office Standard Edition for Windows includes Word, Microsoft Excel, the PowerPoint presentation graphics program, and a workstation license for Microsoft Mail (server software available separately). Microsoft Office Professional Edition for Windows includes all of the above plus the Microsoft Access database management system.

In addition to this enhanced level of technical support for WordPerfect users, all users of Microsoft desktop applications have access to unlimited, no-charge telephone support via toll lines, 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. One convenient phone number reaches Microsoft technical support services for all programs in the Microsoft Office.

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.

For More Information, Press Only: Julie Briselden, Microsoft Corporation, (425) 882-8080 Carolyn Lathrop, Waggener Edstrom, (425) 637-9097

Microsoft and MS-DOS are registered trademarks and Windows is a trademark of Microsoft Corporation.

WordPerfect is a registered trademark of WordPerfect Corporation. Additional query words: marketing winword word6

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