SANTA CLARA, CALIF. (JULY 26) BUSINESS WIRE - McAfee Associates Inc. 
(NASDAQ:MCAF), the world's leading developer and electronic distributor of
anti-virus software for personal computers and networks, announced that it has
signed a letter of intent to acquire the assets and product rights of personal
database developer and pioneer, ButtonWare Inc., of Bellevue, Wash. 

McAfee plans to broaden ButtonWare's distribution with its own network of 180
domestic and international agents and electronic distribution system.  McAfee
also expects to market ButtonWare's products to its base of over 16,000 
corporate accounts.
 
ButtonWare is a developer and marketer of database and personal productivity
applications.  Its flagship product, PC-File, is a value-priced personal
database popular in corporate, small business, and home office markets.  
PC-File currently has an installed base estimated at over 1 million users. 
ButtonFile is a Windows-based personal database product which was released in
June 1993. 

"We believe this is a tremendous opportunity to diversify our software business 
and leverage our strengths in marketing and distribution," said John McAfee, 
chief executive officer of McAfee Associates.  "We plan to fully exploit the 
market potential of PC-File and ButtonFile by reaching a wider audience with 
their products.  Our established marketing infrastructure will allow 
ButtonWare's products to achieve their full potential in the global marketplace.
In addition, this acquisition will expand our base of Windows products, 
technology, and programming expertise." 

"McAfee Associates will provide ButtonWare with the resources to develop and
enhance our database products and technologies," said Jim Button, ButtonWare
founder and president.  "In addition, these resources will ensure the
development of new and exciting products that capitalize on our franchise as the
leading value-priced developer of personal database and productivity products." 

ButtonWare was founded in 1980.  PC-File, now in its seventh generation, has
won numerous awards.  ButtonFile is ButtonWare's latest entry into the emerging
Windows-based personal database category.  Jim Button, largely recognized as an
early pioneer and developer of value-priced, electronically distributed 
software, will remain with the company. 

Terms of the agreement were not disclosed and the letter of intent is not
binding.  ButtonWare currently employs 16 people and had 1992 revenues of
approximately $2 million. 

While McAfee's leadership position in the anti-virus software market remains
solid, the company has taken several steps to diversify its product line to
include other software products suitable to its successful electronic software
distribution  strategy. 

The ButtonWare acquisition marks McAfee Associates' latest move to diversify
beyond the anti-virus category.  McAfee's strategy is to acquire and develop
additional products that can benefit from its strong marketing and distribution
infrastructure. 

For example, the company recently launched Pro-View for Windows, a 
trouble-shooting utility designed for programmers, technical support personnel,
and other PC professionals. 

In addition, the company has acquired communications technology to facilitate
wider electronic distribution of products from McAfee and other third party 
developers.  This technology will simplify procurement  of electronically 
distributed software via BBSs. 

McAfee Associates develops, markets, and distributes personal computer and
network software designed for electronic distribution. The company's software is
distributed electronically though a network of bulletin boards, CompuServe, 
America Online, Internet, and through a unique network of 180 authorized agents 
who provide local sales and technical support.  Its anti-virus product line is 
one of the premier brands of virus protection, detection and eradication 
software, with millions of users worldwide.  The company, headquartered in Santa
Clara, also markets and distributes general purpose utility software for 
personal computers.  

CONTACT: 
McAfee Associates 
Phil Talsky, 408/980-3629 

Neale-May & Partners 
Mark Coker or Dave Murray, 415/328-5555 

ButtonWare 
Jim Button, 206/454-0479