Microsoft and Texas Instruments Join Forces to Develop Custom Software Repository

Strategic Insights -

Microsoft Corp. and Texas Instruments Inc. are teaming up to create an open repository of software application components aimed at making it easier for developers to create custom applications for businesses. This joint effort marks a significant departure from traditional industry collaborations, with both companies leveraging their respective strengths to reshape the future of application development. The partnership will enable developers to enlarge or shrink applications to fit specific needs, addressing the growing demand for enterprise computing products in response to shifting market conditions and the increasing adoption of client-server computer environments.

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft and Texas Instruments are developing an open repository of software application components to ease the creation of custom software applications for businesses.
  • The repository will be based on new technology that allows applications to be enlarged or shrunk to fit specific needs.
  • The joint venture represents a significant push by Microsoft into enterprise computing, allowing large and mid-sized businesses to integrate desktop applications with companywide databases and forms.
  • Texas Instruments aims to expand its client base to smaller companies by extending its reach from the mainframe world to the desktop computer.
  • The partnership does not involve any exchange of cash or equity, but both companies will have rights to sell the repository to their customers.
  • Independent software vendors will be invited to Microsoft's Redmond, Wash., headquarters in the fall to contribute their suggestions for designing the new repository.
  • The joint design effort has already begun, with both companies investing millions of dollars in the project.
  • Texas Instruments has a software development tool called Information Engineering Facility, which has been marketed since 1987, but has been a disappointing financial drain.

Statistics:

  • Millions of dollars: The amount spent by both Microsoft and Texas Instruments on the joint effort.
  • 1987: The year Texas Instruments began marketing its software development tool, Information Engineering Facility.
  • $1 billion: The target sales revenue for TI's software business.
  • Over 200: The number of jobs to be cut by TI as a result of its decision to sell off smaller software ventures.

Sources:

  • "Microsoft, TI team up on software repository" (Associated Press)
  • "Microsoft and TI Join Forces on Custom Software Repository" (Dallas Business Journal)
  • "Information Engineering Facility" (Texas Instruments)