Microsoft looks to headier future

Article Abstract:

Microsoft Corp's stock is buoyed by a new network operating system and a new database management system that promise to give the software developer a strong presence in these two market segments. Microsoft Windows for Workgroups is an adaption of the company's Microsoft Windows operating environment to the management of office computer networks, where it will compete with Novell Inc's NetWare, the industry leader. Analysts disagree as to whether Windows for Workgroups can displace NetWare, which has considerable support from other computer firms, such as Lotus Development Corp and IBM. Microsoft Access is a database management program to be released in Nov 1992 that is intended to provide serious competition for Borland International Inc's dBase and Paradox lines. Microsoft hopes that the increasing popularity of programs designed for Windows rather than MS-DOS will help sales. As a further incentive, Microsoft has set an introductory price of $99 for Access against a regular price of $695.

Forecasts and trends, Marketing, Column, DBMS software, MSFT, Market share, DBMS, Outlook, Marketing Strategy, Network Operating System, Network operating systems, Stock, Market Entry

---

Bill Gates has a vision; can this man deliver?

Article Abstract:

James Allchin, chief programmer of Microsoft's distributed computing software development project code-named Cairo, is considered a legend within the operating system creators fraternity. Allchin, 41, was recruited by Microsoft Chmn Bill Gates from Banyan Systems, a Microsoft competitor which Allchin helped found. The Cairo project focuses on distributed processing technology which will allow more powerful but simpler information storage and retrieval capabilities into a microcomputer's basic command set. Essentially, the vision is for users to be able to browse through massive and disparate data bases and to sort information by similarities in word meaning or likenesses in graphic images or photos. If the Cairo project delivers on its promise, it will be the realization of Allchin's dream since the early 1980s, when as a graduate student at Georgia Institute of Technology, he worked with other researchers in developing a distributed computing prototype.

Officials and employees, Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Product development, Strategic Planning, Distributed Processing, Allchin, James

---

Soon: faster and wiser networks

Article Abstract:

Researchers at companies such as Digital Equipment Corp (DEC) and Silicon Graphics Inc, and at universities such as Carnegie-Mellon, are developing faster, smarter computer office networks. According to DEC's Robert Taylor, fast computer workstations running new graphical and video applications are already reaching the limits of the capabilities of today's local area networks (LANs). Very-high-speed computer networks are needed, and new designs that can manage new varieties of computing such as multimedia are also needed. A new style of network, called a 'virtual switched network,' typically consists of many fast switches, each of which can route data to many computers. Each computer connects to a separate switch, so there is no possibility of a single point of failure. Switches are connected by high-capacity fiber optic cabling, so that information can be transmitted at speeds as high as 100M-bps.

Colleges and universities, Research, Silicon Graphics Inc., SGI, Data communications, Telecommunications transmission technologies, Local area networks, Switches, Digital Equipment Corp., DEC, LAN, Carnegie Mellon University, Network architecture, Network architectures, column, Networks, Broadband, Carnegie-Mellon University, Virtual Circuits

Similar abstracts:

• Abstracts: Microsoft's Windows 3.1 smooths some bumps. Bells, whistles and alternatives
• Abstracts: Microsoft to pitch a new hardball. I.B.M. forces a reshuffling of the deck. The first draft of I.B.M.'s future
• Abstracts: Putting yourself into the picture. An instant librarian
• Abstracts: Microsoft confronts its success; primacy in software feeds a new inquiry. Microsoft says F.T.C. has expanded inquiry
• Abstracts: As price wars heat up, the victors seem to be customers. PC buyers will soon face choices among work stations: the technology is tempting; the investment is formidable

This website is not affiliated with document authors or copyright owners. This page is provided for informational purposes only. Unintentional errors are possible.