Microsoft Dominates Melbourne PC User Group's Melba Awards

Microsoft's products took the top honors in six categories in the Melbourne PC User Group's inaugural Melba Awards, which were based on a survey of 7300 group members. The awards, presented last week, reflect user choice in software, hardware, and other categories. Hewlett-Packard and Symantec also fared well, with several products winning certificates. Borland received a special plaque for outstanding service to user groups, and dBASE for Windows launched on the evening and received a rousing reception.

Key Takeaways:

• Microsoft dominated the Melba Awards, winning six categories with products such as Word for Windows 6.0, Microsoft Mail, and Microsoft PowerPoint.
• The awards were based on a survey of 7300 Melbourne PC User Group members, who voted on their preferences in software, hardware, and other categories.
• Hewlett-Packard took home six first place Melbas, including four in the laser printer and inkjet printer categories.
• Symantec was the favorite supplier of utilities software, with Norton Utilities, Norton Backup, Xtree Gold, and CP Backup all winning certificates.
• Borland received a special plaque for outstanding service to user groups, and dBASE for Windows launched with a rousing reception.
• Novell WordPerfect QuattroPro won the award for the best spreadsheet, a surprise given the prevalence of Microsoft Excel and Lotus 1-2-3 in the marketplace.
• Artisoft's LANtastic won the network category, with Microsoft Windows for Workgroups and Novell NetWare as joint runners-up.
• Computer Age's editor, Charles Wright, was judged the best newspaper computer columnist.

Statistics:

• 7300 Melbourne PC User Group members participated in the survey that determined the Melba Awards.
• Microsoft won six categories, including Word for Windows 6.0, Microsoft Mail, and Microsoft PowerPoint.

Sources:

• Melbourne PC User Group magazine
• "Special awards for PC suppliers" (no date)