PRODUCT ROADMAP QUESTIONS

1.       Is Star-P still available to purchase?

• Effective with the closing date of this acquisition, Star P is no longer available to purchase.  There will not be any future releases of Star P beyond the version 2.8 which was released by ISC earlier this year.  The version 2.9 that was released to a few customers in Beta will not be released for production use by customers.  Active Star P customers who are using earlier versions of Star P were granted the right to upgrade to 2.8 by ISC prior to the close of the transaction.

            2.       Will Microsoft continue to develop Star-P?

• There will not be any future releases of Star P beyond the version 2.8 which was released by ISC earlier this year.

• Microsoft plans to integrate ISC technologies into future versions of Microsoft products and will provide more information over the coming months on where and how that integration will occur.

3.       Can ISC’s customers buy more ISC products?

• Customers were sent additional use rights prior to the close of the transaction.  We will not be selling any additional licenses to either new or existing customers following this transaction.

SUPPORT QUESTIONS

1.       What happens to ISC’s customers support agreements?

• Microsoft did not acquire the customer contracts between ISC and their customers.  However, Microsoft will provide technical support to active ISC customers through the longer of their existing support contract or 12/31/2010. 

2.       How will support for ISC customers be impacted

• Customers will get a new support phone number, email and URL to access support but support should not materially change.

3.       Who does the ISC customer need to contact for customer service and support?

• Notice of the new phone, email and URL has been sent to customers.

4.       How will this deal affect customers’ current contract?

• The relationships that we have with our existing customers are very important to us.  Microsoft will continue to support current customers through the longer of their existing support contracts or 12/31/2010 and we will work closely with our customers to provide our future technology roadmap and guidance on migrating from their existing solutions to our integrated Microsoft solutions .

ACQUISITION QUESTIONS

1.       How is the acquisition good for customers?

• This acquisition brings together some of the best people and technologies in high performance computing and parallel computing.  Together, we are poised to deliver the next generation in high performance computing and parallel computing technology in order to best serve our customers. 

2.       What group in Microsoft is driving this acquisition?  Who will the ISC CEO report to?

• The High Performance Computing team within the Server and Tools Division is driving this acquisition.  Bill Blake, the former CEO of ISC will be reporting to Kyril Faenov, General Manager of High Performance and Parallel Computing at Microsoft

3.       Why is Microsoft acquiring ISC?   

• The acquisition of ISC’s technology assets by Microsoft is testament to Microsoft’s investment in the high performance computing and parallel computing  space.  ISC and Microsoft share a common vision and passion for high performance computing and parallel development, including a desire to make these technologies more accessible to a broader audience than they are today.  Bringing together our technologies and expertise will help accelerate our common vision by bringing a complementary set of products and technologies to the marketplace.

4.       What are the terms of the agreement?

•  We are not disclosing the terms of the agreement. 

5.       How will the acquisition affect ISC partners? 

• Microsoft values the experience and expertise that ISC partners have in this market and we’d like to continue to engage with key ISC partners to expand the technical computing market through the innovation we’ll bring to market.  This transaction will bring new opportunities and business to key partners through Microsoft’s commitment to the high performance computing space.  For more answers to frequently asked partner questions please visit the Partner FAQ

1.       How is Microsoft organized?

• Microsoft is organized into five business segments:
  Client : Includes the Windows product family and is responsible for our relationships with personal computer manufacturers.
  Server and Tools : Software server products, services and solutions, including: Windows Server operating system, High Performance Computing, Microsoft SQL Server, Microsoft Enterprise Services, Visual Studio, System Center products, Forefront security products and Biz Talk Server.
  Online Services Business : Consists of an online advertising platform with offerings for publishers and advertisers, personal communications services such as e-mail and instant messaging, and online information offerings such as Live Search and the MSN portals and channels.
  Microsoft Business Division : Includes the Microsoft Office suites, desktop programs, services & solutions; Microsoft Dynamics; and Unified Communications business solutions.                                                                          Entertainment and Devices Division : Consists of the Xbox video game system, including consoles and accessories, Xbox Live operations, Zune digital music and entertainment device; Mediaroom, mobile and embedded device platforms, Surface computing platform, and Windows Automotive.

2.       Why should I be excited about an acquisition by Microsoft?

• Microsoft and ISC share a common vision to make high performance computing and parallel computing accessible to a broader audience than they are today.

• Together, we believe we are better positioned to take advantage of emerging technology trends and bring deep innovation in high performance computing and parallel computing to market.

• The acquisition of ISC assets marks an important step forward in accelerating ISC’s and Microsoft’s vision and strategy for high performance computing and parallel computing.