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Apple Unveils Mac OS X Strategy at Worldwide Developer Conference

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

Apple Computer, Inc. ignited the personal computer revolution in the 1970s with the Apple II and reinvented the personal computer in the 1980s with the Macintosh. At the Company's annual Worldwide Developer Conference (WWDC), Apple outlined its operating system software strategy, including continuing to enhance Apple's popular Mac OS 8 in releases scheduled for the Fall of 1998 and 1999. In addition, Apple announced Mac OS X (ten), a new advanced version of the Mac OS which will be available to developers in early 1999 and ship in the Fall of 1999. Mac OS X will feature preemptive multitasking, memory protection, and advanced virtual memory, and will be fully optimized for Apple's PowerPC G3 based computers.

Key Takeaways:

  • Apple's Mac OS X strategy includes continuing to enhance Mac OS 8 in releases scheduled for Fall 1998 and 1999, with a new advanced version of the Mac OS available to developers in early 1999.
  • Mac OS X will feature preemptive multitasking, memory protection, and advanced virtual memory, and will be fully optimized for Apple's PowerPC G3 based computers.
  • Apple announces that almost all current Macintosh applications will run unaltered on Mac OS X without a "tune-up," ensuring a smooth transition to the operating system for both developers and customers.
  • Steve Jobs, Apple's Interim CEO, stated that Mac developers have created over 12,000 software applications for the 25 million Macintosh customers worldwide, and that the software strategy builds on this incredible foundation.
  • Apple introduces new services for developers that will allow them to begin development for Mac OS X, and provides a microkernel-based core OS and an advanced software development environment in the first customer release of Rhapsody later this year.
  • Norm Meyrowitz, President, Macromedia Products, and Ben Waldman, General Manager of the Macintosh Business Unit at Microsoft, both expressed enthusiasm for Apple's OS strategy and look forward to continued collaboration with Apple on products that meet the needs of their mutual customers.

Statistics:

  • Over 12,000 software applications for the 25 million Macintosh customers worldwide have been created by Mac developers.
  • Apple introduces new services for developers that will allow them to begin development for Mac OS X, and provides a microkernel-based core OS and an advanced software development environment in the first customer release of Rhapsody later this year.
  • Rhapsody contains technologies key to Mac OS X, including a microkernel-based core OS and an advanced software development environment.

Sources:

  • Apple Computer, Inc.
  • PR Newswire (http://www.prnewswire.com)
  • Apple's website (http://www.apple.com/pr/)
  • Niehaus Ryan Wong PR agency (650-827-7041)

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