Microsoft Announces Support for Compaq's Easy-to-Manage Systems and Launches New Line of FirePower Systems

Strategic Insights -

Microsoft has announced support for Compaq's line of new COMPAQ DESKPRO and ProLinea computers by incorporating Compaq's easy-to-manage systems into the Microsoft Systems Management Server. This integration will simplify network management on personal computers by providing a more advanced level of inventory capability. Microsoft also launched FrontOffice, a new product designed to bridge the gap between groupware and document management, and added FirePower Systems to the Microsoft Windows NT Hardware Compatibility list.

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft Systems Management Server will support Compaq's easy-to-manage systems, including asset tags, hard drive serial numbers, and system-board revisions, to simplify network management.
  • The integration will be available on the Windows 3.x operating system environment, scheduled to be available in the second quarter of this year, and will be extended to Windows 95, Windows NT, and OS/2.
  • Compaq's features supported by Microsoft Systems Management Server include Asset Tags, System Board Revision Levels, and Component identifications for the monitor, hard drive, and system.
  • Microsoft plans to use the Desktop Management Interface (DMI) specification, an industry-standard for systems management, when referencing inventory features in its user interface.
  • FrontOffice, a new product from Third Wave Technologies, integrates with Microsoft BackOffice and provides a robust document-management system, conferencing with database-level security, and replication of electronic forms.
  • The list price of the FrontOffice enterprise version is $595 per seat, and a single-server version is available at $495 per seat.
  • FirePower Systems has announced its advanced line of Powerized desktop systems based on the 604 microprocessor, which are among the first PowerPC-based products on the Microsoft Windows NT operating system version 3.51 Hardware Compatibility list.
  • FirePower Systems earns the "Certified for Windows NT" logo on the ES380 and ES4100 systems, demonstrating their compatibility with the Windows NT operating system.
  • The Powerized ES line has recently been announced in three microprocessor configurations: the ES380, ES3100, and ES4100, which are scheduled to be available in the second quarter of this year.
  • The systems are designed to allow OEM customers to offer highly integrated, high-performance Windows NT-based RISC systems at estimated end-user street prices starting below $3,000.

Statistics:

  • The estimated end-user street prices for FirePower Systems start below $3,000.
  • The list price of the FrontOffice enterprise version is $595 per seat.
  • The single-server version of FrontOffice is available at $495 per seat.
  • The three microprocessor configurations of FirePower Systems are the ES380, ES3100, and ES4100.
  • The PowerPC-based products from FirePower Systems are among the first on the Microsoft Windows NT operating system version 3.51 Hardware Compatibility list.
  • The Windows NT 3.51 CD-ROM includes a complete native build for PowerPC-based systems.

Sources:

  • Microsoft Corp. (MSFT)
  • Compaq Computer Corp.
  • Third Wave Technologies Inc.
  • FirePower Systems
  • Desktop Management Task Force (DMTF)
  • International Business Machines Corp.
  • CompuServe (go msnews)