Microsoft recognises Dell's high standard of customer service and support Bracknell, UK, March 14, 2003 - Dell(tm) today announced that its European Services Organization has received Microsoft Gold Partner Certification, in acknowledgment of its first-rate services operation in areas such as service levels, support and staff grading. The certification also recognises Dell's technical ability combined with its ability to quickly resolve support queries and the competitiveness of its service offering. As a Microsoft Gold Certified Partner, Dell customers are able to receive Microsoft support directly from Dell. With a back-to-back collaborative relationship, Dell can escalate customer issues within Microsoft to ensure speedy resolution of technical queries and support matters. This is a 24 hour, 365 day a year service, providing round the clock software support to Dell customers. "Dell endeavours to deliver high levels of services and support to all its customers and the Microsoft Gold Service Certification further acknowledges the standards we have achieved across UK/EMEA," said Josh Claman, VP for Services, Dell Europe, Middle East and Africa. "Only a few selected partners have this level of access to Microsoft support. This will benefit both our customers as well as demonstrate our commitment to the services business." In order to earn the Microsoft Gold Certification vendors must demonstrate an excellent level of service; be able to support a wide range of Microsoft products; and be able to provide highly regarded customer reference sites. Dell's Services Organization had to show a sufficient support infrastructure, as well as prove efficient and capable business systems and processes were in place to meet the tough Microsoft guidelines for Gold Partner Certification. Natalie Johnston, Channel Enablement Manager for Microsoft commented, "Microsoft annually reviews the capabilities of our Gold Certified Partners. This ensures they meet industry requirements and that they can deliver to the customer levels of expectations that Microsoft Gold Partners have become know for. Dell is a long-term strategic partner of Microsoft and gaining this accreditation in the UK is another feather in the company's hat. It will ensure that Dell is equipped with the ability, Microsoft resources and technical know how to provide a competitive service to its customers."

About Dell
Dell Computer Corporation (Nasdaq: DELL) is a premier provider of products and services required for customers worldwide to build their information-technology and Internet infrastructures. Company revenue for the past year totalled $35.4 billion. Dell, through its direct business model, designs, manufactures and customizes products and services to customer requirements, and offers an extensive selection of software and peripherals. Information on Dell and its products can be obtained at http://www.dell.co.uk

About Microsoft
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (Nasdaq "MSFT") is the worldwide leader in software, services and Internet technologies 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. More information regarding Microsoft partner programmes can be found at <http://www.microsoft.com/partners/>.