Taligent Inc. Challenges Microsoft's Dominance with "Object"-Based Software

Taligent Inc., a joint venture of Apple Computer and I.B.M., unveiled its software system aimed at challenging Microsoft Corporation's dominance in the computer software business. The Taligent system introduces "object"-based software, a new approach to writing programs and using computers, which could potentially change the way software developers create applications and users interact with machines. To succeed, Taligent must convince other software companies to invest in its technology, a feat that seems daunting given the widespread use of Microsoft's Windows operating system.

Key Takeaways:

• Taligent offers designers reusable components called objects that can be hooked together to create computer applications, a concept known as object-oriented programming.
• The company faces a significant challenge in winning the commitment of other software companies, which are currently deciding where to invest as they develop new software technology.
• Microsoft has already developed its own object-based system, Cairo, and has stated that its strategy requires new systems to remain compatible with its earlier software.
• Industry analysts believe Microsoft's strategy will hinder the adoption of new software approaches due to the need for compatibility.
• Joseph M. Guglielmi, chairman and chief executive of Taligent, asserts that 60 developers are already planning to work with an early release of the Taligent system, with a goal of expanding to 100 by the time the development kit is shipped.
• The Taligent system is based on developing a layer of software that will run on operating systems on I.B.M., Apple, and Hewlett-Packard computers, with compatibility with Microsoft's current Windows object-based software.
• Taligent is banking on its approach to software modules, called Frameworks, to be sufficiently compelling to attract a set of developers on its own.

Statistics:

• Over 500 attendees were present at a computer industry conference where Taligent's system was demoed, with only one developer raising their hand to indicate plans to use the system.
• 60 developers are already planning to work with an early release of the Taligent system.
• Taligent aims to expand this number to 100 by the time the development kit is shipped.

Sources:

• "Taligent Inc., joint venture of Apple Computer and I.B.M."
• "International Business Machines Corporation"
• "Apple Computer"
• "Hewlett-Packard Company"
• "Next Computer Inc. (Nextstep system)"
• "Sun Microsystems Inc."
• "Microsoft Corporation (Cairo system)"