Lotus effort to please all with 1-2-3 confuses many

Article Abstract:

Lotus Development Corp's earnings reports show strong growth since the 2nd qtr of 1989, but a drop in earnings for 2nd qtr 1990. Stock prices are dropping in response to this announcement. Software industry analysts believe declining sales are due in part to customer confusion over the many versions of the Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet software released since 1989. Difficulties in compatibility among the different versions of Lotus 1-2-3 and with the power of the microcomputers needed to run them continue. Release 3.1 has printing capabilities not available in 3.0. Lotus 1-2-3- 3.0, which is a considerable upgrade of 2.01, cannot be run on some older microcomputers so Lotus also has release 2.2 for those users. Instead of helping Lotus's sales, these multiple versions hurt marketing efforts. Efforts to develop other kinds of software are unsuccessful so far even as competition for spreadsheet sales increases.

Finance, Product information, Profits, Products, Marketing Strategy, Profit, Enhancements, Lotus 1-2-3 (Spreadsheet software)

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Lotus spreadsheet to accommodate Microsoft program

Article Abstract:

Lotus Development Corp will develop a version of Lotus 1-2-3 spreadsheet software for use with Microsoft Corp's Windows graphical user interface (GUI). The announcement is seen as a concession by Lotus that Microsoft's product is becoming so popular with users that Lotus can no longer deny Windows' existence. Lotus has previously ignored the effect that Windows has had on the computer community because of fierce competition between the two software publishers. Windows is a program that allows different programs to work together in a computer and share features such as pull-down menus. Because it uses icons and overlapping windows, it is also considered easier to use than other interfaces. Lotus also introduces Lotus 1-2-3 3.1, which provides improved capabilities for graphics and printing out spreadsheets. Release 3.1, compatible with Windows, will be available in 3rd qtr 1990.

Usage, Microsoft Windows (GUI), GUI, Graphical user interfaces, Compatibility, Product Introduction, Lotus 1-2-3 3.1 (Spreadsheet software)

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Inventors of PC spreadsheet to unveil new version for pen-based computers

Article Abstract:

Daniel Bricklin and Robert Frankston are developing a spreadsheet program for Slate Corp that will work with pen-based input. The $295 product is called At Hand and will not go on sale until Go Corp can finish developing the pen-based operating system for the program. The pen-based computer market is nascent and will provide users with products that use wands to input information. Bricklin and Frankston are known for creating the VisiCalc spreadsheet software program, which some analysts say created the personal computer market. Problems with litigation and bad marketing allowed Lotus Development Corp's 1-2-3 program to overtake VisiCalc. Consequentially, Bricklin and Frankston did not make their fortunes off the program.

Software, Authorship, Software Packages, Pen-Based I/O, Frankston, Robert, Slate Corp., Bricklin, Daniel, At Hand (Spreadsheet software)

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