Industry News
By Mike Menkedick
Microsoft Operating System Update
Microsoft has officially slipped the release date of Windows 98 to May 1998. Windows NT version 5.0 is now available in beta. According to Bill Gates, Microsoft founder, making PCs easier to manage is a top Microsoft priority. Gates said that many issues currently facing network managers will be addressed by NT 5.0.
Novell
Novell, the pioneer of PC networking and once dominant player in PC networks, has been struck with reduced sales revenues and lost profits. According to industry experts, Novell is losing network business to Microsoft’s NT. As the Internet has evolved, Novell has been left behind, primarily because of their lack of native support for IP networking. It appears a major turnaround is necessary in order for this company to survive.
Compaq to Release NetPC
Compaq is due to announce this week the release of it’s NetPC. The NetPC is designed as a dedicated network PC terminal with no end user expansion slots. It is intended to reduce the cost of PC ownership for large companies running Windows operating systems. The NetPC is based upon a specification proposed by Microsoft.
IBM to Introduce New ASIC Technology
IBM Microelectronics plans to introduce the next generation of application-specific integrated circuits (ASIC) based upon a 0.20 micron technology. This technology will allow IBM to produce IC’s that will run faster and cooler. This technology will also allow them to put more circuitry and functionality on a single IC.