Saturn and Microsoft Dominate the Tech Scene

Strategic Insights -

Saturn, Sega's next-generation CD-based games console, has garnered significant attention with its early launch in Japan, selling over a million units, and is set to arrive in UK shops on July 8. Meanwhile, Microsoft Windows continues to solidify its position in the European desktop software market, boasting a nearly 90% market share. The US federal appeals court has also overturned a judge's decision, paving the way for Microsoft to continue operating under a consent decree negotiated with the US Justice Department. IBM's acquisition of Lotus Notes has sparked speculation about the future of its struggling desktop operating system, OS/2.

Key Takeaways:

  • Saturn, Sega's next-generation games console, has been launched in Japan and is set to arrive in the UK on July 8, with over a million units sold.
  • Microsoft Windows holds a nearly 90% market share in the European desktop software market, with revenues from Windows applications growing by 11% in the first quarter of the year.
  • The US federal appeals court has overturned a judge's decision, allowing Microsoft to continue operating under a consent decree negotiated with the US Justice Department.
  • IBM's acquisition of Lotus Notes may signal the end of support for its struggling desktop operating system, OS/2.
  • IBM is expected to licence MacOS from Apple for its new PowerPC-based machines, with Microsoft Windows NT being the primary operating system.
  • Time Warner has launched a new hockey game, "Wayne Gretzky: NHLPA All Stars," on the Sega MegaDrive, with other versions to follow.

Statistics:

  • Microsoft Windows holds a 90% market share in the European desktop software market.
  • Revenues from Windows applications grew by 11% in the first quarter of the year.
  • Sales of applications grew by 41% in unit terms, but only 4% by value.
  • Over a million units of Saturn have been sold in Japan.

Sources:

  • The Economist
  • The Wall Street Journal
  • Sega Corporation
  • Microsoft Corporation
  • IBM Corporation
  • Time Warner