OpenStep Specification Released, Enabling Industry-Wide Object Standard

NeXT Computer Inc. and SunSoft Inc. have jointly released the final specification for OpenStep, a publicly available application programming interface (API) for the operating system-independent object standard. This milestone demonstrates the commitment of both companies to creating an open object standard. OpenStep is based on NeXT's proven NEXTSTEP object-oriented software and aims to enable applications to be portable across all OpenStep implementations, regardless of the underlying operating system.

Key Takeaways:

• OpenStep is an industry-endorsed specification for an operating system-independent object standard.
• The OpenStep specification is now available to the public via anonymous FTP from NeXT's archive server: ftp.next.com.
• Applications written to the OpenStep specification are portable across all OpenStep implementations, regardless of the underlying operating system.
• NeXT, SunSoft Inc., Hewlett-Packard Co., and Digital Equipment Corp. intend to ship OpenStep-compliant products in 1995.
• Sixty-eight percent (68%) of the UNIX marketplace has endorsed OpenStep (a).
• SunSoft is committed to delivering a robust enterprise object environment with Project DOE, based on the Solaris operating environment.
• NeXT is developing a test suite to validate independent implementations of the OpenStep API.
• The OpenStep specification will be submitted to an international standards body by NeXT for consideration in early 1995.

Statistics:

• 68% of the UNIX marketplace has endorsed OpenStep (a).
• 1995 is the target year for NeXT, SunSoft Inc., Hewlett-Packard Co., and Digital Equipment Corp. to ship OpenStep-compliant products.
• NeXT has developed a test suite to validate independent implementations of the OpenStep API.

Sources:

• NeXT Computer Inc.
• SunSoft Inc.
• International Data Corp. study, 1993
• Experts: Steven P. Jobs, Chairman and CEO, NeXT Computer Inc.; Edward J. Zander, President, SunSoft Inc.