Microsoft to Release MS-DOS Upgrade, Lotus and BT Partnership Announcements

Strategic Insights -

Microsoft has announced plans to release an upgraded version of MS-DOS, version 7.0, in the coming months. This move comes despite the company's decision to focus on Windows 95, indicating a effort to cater to the still substantial base of custom-written applications for the aging operating system. Meanwhile, Lotus has decided to implement advanced features in its applications for Windows 3.1, Windows 95, and OS/2, rendering upgrades to Windows 95 unnecessary for customers to access the latest functionality. In other news, British Telecom has signed a $440 million partnership with the Australian government to develop local companies and relocate some of its regional headquarters functions to Sydney.

Key Takeaways:

  • Microsoft plans to release an upgraded version of MS-DOS, version 7.0, in the coming months, despite focusing on Windows 95.
  • Lotus will implement advanced features in its applications for Windows 3.1, Windows 95, and OS/2, making upgrades to Windows 95 unnecessary for customers to access the latest functionality.
  • The upgraded MS-DOS version will likely be sold as a standalone product without a graphical interface.
  • IBM is expected to release a 32-bit version of their PC-DOS early next year.
  • British Telecom's partnership with the Australian government includes relocation of regional headquarters functions to Sydney and funding of joint research with Australian universities.

Statistics:

  • $440 million: the value of the partnership program between British Telecom and the Australian government.
  • 16-bit: the architecture of the current Lotus application versions.
  • 32-bit: the architecture of the upcoming IBM PC-DOS version.
  • 7.0: the planned version number of the MS-DOS upgrade.

Sources:

  • PC Week, a US industry magazine.
  • Lotus, the company providing advanced features in its applications for various OS platforms.
  • British Telecom, the UK communications giant partnering with the Australian government.
  • Concentric Research Corp., a Bay City, Michigan-based on-line information and telecommunications company helping Santa with his email.