IBM, Lotus Announce SmartSuite to be distributed with IBM PC's

 From: Timothy F. Sipples Subject: Press Release: IBM, Lotus Announce SmartSuite to be Distributed w Press Release: IBM, Lotus Announce SmartSuite to be Distributed with IBM PCs SmartSuite Is Preferred Desktop Application Suite for Providing Complete Business Solution

SOMERS, N.Y., Jan. 22. . . IBM and Lotus today combined two of their premier offerings -- IBM's PC line and Lotus' SmartSuite desktop application suite -- to give customers the benefit of working more effectively, either independently or collaborating in teams.

Lotus SmartSuite is available immediately at no additional charge# to purchasers of ThinkPad*, IBM's award-winning product for mobile computer users; Aptiva*, IBM's line of PCs targeted toward home users; and the IBM PC 300 and IBM PC 700 series for commercial customers. SmartSuite will be provided on Windows** 3.1, Windows 95 and OS/2 Warp* operating systems.

"By making Lotus' SmartSuite available across IBM's product line, we are providing our customers with a hardware/software solution of unparalleled value," said Tony Santelli, general manager, product and brand management. "This rich level of software, combined with the quality, reliability, service and support that IBM's PCs offer, is unmatched in the industry."

"Making SmartSuite easily available on IBM PC products is a strong signal of the commitment by Lotus and IBM to provide value to our customers," said Michael Zisman, Lotus executive vice president and CEO. "With this agreement, an exponentially larger number of users worldwide will have the opportunity to assess SmartSuite's unique team computing features. We believe that exposure will benefit our desktop business, both directly and indirectly, as users become familiar with the compelling aspects of our desktop suite."

Lotus SmartSuite, a complete suite of personal productivity applications, includes the Word Pro word processor, 1-2-3 spread sheet, Freelance Graphics presentation graphics application, Approach database, Organizer personal and group scheduler and ScreenCam multimedia tool for creating audio/visual presentations.

Lotus Development Corp., a subsidiary of IBM Corp., offers high quality software products and support services that reflect the company's unique understanding of the new ways in which individuals and businesses must work together to achieve success. Lotus' innovative approach is evident in a new class of applications that allows information to be accessed and communicated in ways never before possible, both within and beyond organizational boundaries. The company also provides numerous support services, both from its consulting division and its award-winning 24-hour support center.


 * 1) There is a separate charge for hardcopy publications and diskette copies of the software, should customers choose to order these.


 * Indicates trademark or registered trademark of International Business Machines Corporation. Lotus, Lotus Organizer, 1-2-3, Word Pro, Approach, Freelance Graphics and SmartSuite are registered trademarks, and ScreenCam is a trademark of Lotus Development Corporation. Other brands and products are the property of their respective owners.


 * Indicates trademark of Microsoft Corporation

Editor's note: IBM news releases are available on the Internet, via the IBM Home Page, at http://www.ibm.com. The IBM Fax Information Service allows you receive facsimiles of prior IBM product press releases. Simply dial 1-800-IBM-4-FAX and enter "99" at the voice menu.

All Lotus news releases and other SmartSuite collateral are available on the Internet, via the Lotus Development Corp. Home Page at http://www.Lotus.com. The Lotus Home Page is an easy way to find information about Lotus and its business partners' products and services. 