IBM and Apple Unveil Common PowerPC Platform, Beta Testing for Windows 95 Underway

Strategic Insights -

As part of a major agreement between IBM and Apple, a common PowerPC hardware platform has been announced, with chip sets from IBM, Apple, and Motorola. The new design is expected to debut in 1996, allowing buyers to run Mac applications on the Macintosh operating system, as well as OS/2 and Windows applications, including those written for Windows 95. Apple is developing a chip, code-named Cuda, which will enable the Macintosh operating system to run on the new platform without major alterations.

Key Takeaways:

  • The common PowerPC platform will debut in 1996, with initial machines expected to run the Macintosh operating system, as well as OS/2 and Windows applications.
  • Apple's Copeland operating system, currently under development, is unlikely to ship before the beginning of 1996.
  • The platform will integrate system logic from IBM's Coral chip and peripheral component interconnect support from Motorola's Eagle chip set.
  • Apple is considering proposals to speed the gestation of Copeland, including dropping support for 680X0 processors.
  • Telstra is to trial Microsoft's Broadband Network Operating System (BNOS) for possible applications such as telecommuting, financial services, and interactive video shopping.
  • Optus's digital mobile network was shut down due to a software fault in Nortel switching equipment.
  • Microsoft has been engaged in sting operations to stop computer retail stores from pirating software, resulting in seven Melbourne retailers agreeing to $20,000 settlement terms.
  • Microsoft plans to charge $US30 for users to participate in its largest-ever beta test program for Windows 95.
  • Lotus and HP are forming a relationship that links their groupware and messaging products, with Lotus shipping Notes for HP's UX operating system.
  • Novell will only release one more significant version each of NetWare and UnixWare before beginning to merge the lines in 1996 using kernel technology from Chorus Systems.
  • Novell is reorganising its product groups following the acquisition of WordPerfect, forming the Information Access and Management Group (IAMG) with five divisions.

Statistics:

  • 400,000 testers are expected to participate in Microsoft's beta test program for Windows 95.
  • The trial of Microsoft's Broadband Network Operating System (BNOS) is being conducted by six telephone and cable companies worldwide.
  • Optus's GSM network was operating at less than five percent of normal capacity due to a software fault in Nortel switching equipment.
  • Microsoft's sting operations have resulted in the company avoiding estimated annual lost sales of $117 million due to software piracy.
  • The HP-Lotus deal is worth $US15 million for thousands of Notes, SmartSuite, and cc:Mail licences.
  • Novell plans to merge the lines of NetWare and UnixWare in 1996 using kernel technology from Chorus Systems.

Sources:

  • MacWeek
  • PC Week
  • Australian Financial Review
  • PC Week
  • PC Week
  • PC Week
  • Novell Press Release