Software makers get a chill from Microsoft's Windows

Article Abstract:

Managers of companies that have spent millions of dollars modifying computer programs for the OS/2 operating system are upset with Microsoft Corp for marketing Microsoft Windows as an alternative to OS/2. Windows works with MSDOS, which was to be rendered obsolete by the introduction of OS/2. Instead, MSDOS sales have increased among corporate users at the expense of OS/2, which is also a Microsoft product. Those who have bought into OS/2 are angry with Microsoft, because the company will come out ahead regardless of which operating system wins out in the marketplace. One possible solution for users is to limit Windows and MSDOS to low-end microcomputers, and implement OS/2 on the most powerful microcomputers, those based on the 80386 microprocessor. BankAmerica Corp is defying that logic by outfitting its new 80386 machines with Windows.

Operating systems (Software), Marketing, Microsoft Windows (GUI), Product obsolescence, Operating System, Obsolescence, OS/2, OS/2 (Operating system)

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Windows tips software firms' power balance

Article Abstract:

The $6.5 billion business of supplying software applications for microcomputers is changing as Microsoft Corp's Windows program takes hold. Windows 3.0 is expanding the domain of Microsoft while limiting the growth of Lotus Development Corp and WordPerfect Corp, which are the two largest applications suppliers. Lotus and WordPerfect were caught off guard when Microsoft introduced Windows 3.0 in May 1990: neither Lotus nor WordPerfect had tailored their products to work with Microsoft's new graphical user interface (GUI). Now both companies are losing market share as Windows and Microsoft's applications for it are taking off. According to one industry observer, neither Lotus nor WordPerfect realized how important Windows would be. Now, both companies say they intend to ship Windows versions of their applications in the first half of 1991.

Market share, Compatibility (Computers), column, Compatible Software, Outlook, Computer Software Industry

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Microsoft's Windows opens a big lead; but users gripe about slowness and extra costs

Article Abstract:

Microsoft Corp's Windows 3.0 graphical user interface has taken the computer software market by storm, but not every Windows purchaser is satisfied with the product. Two of the major complaints about the product involve allegedly hidden costs associated with upgrading computer systems and software to take advantage of the interface, and with the software's slow performance and lack of networking capabilities. Users say that while the Windows package itself costs only $99, the true cost of upgrading equipment, adding memory, purchasing new applications and training users can easily reach $1,200 to $2,000 per user. Corporate users in particular complain about Windows slowing down when run on a network; they also gripe about lack of a batch installation feature and the program's incompatibility with the popular Novell Inc networks.

Usage, Software, User interfaces (Computers), User Ratings, User Relations, User interface

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