Taligent Operating System: A Challenge to Microsoft's Dominance

Strategic Insights -

The Taligent operating system, a collaboration between Apple, IBM, and Hewlett-Packard, made its public debut last week. The consortium is gearing up to release the first development kits in July, with the system expected to hit the market next year. Taligent's object-oriented technology and reusable components aim to rival Microsoft's Cairo and NeXT Computer's NeXTStep system.

The Taligent taskforce, led by Joe Guglielmi, has shifted its strategy from a standalone operating system to a modular system that can run on various operating systems, including AIX, HP/UX, and OS/2. This move has led to the departure of several managers and developers. Microsoft has expressed concerns that the new system may struggle to gain industry support due to its limited developer base in Windows.

Meanwhile, Microsoft showcased its Windows update, Chicago, at the United States Seybold Show in Boston. Vodafone has also expanded its international roaming facility to countries in Europe, Asia, and the Pacific, allowing its subscribers to use their digital mobile phones overseas with minimal additional charges.

Microsoft has announced an upgrade to its database management system, FoxPro 2.6, which features a graphical interface and advanced automation functions. The system will be available in April for $795 and $1095 for the professional edition. The Business Software Association of Australia (BSAA) has successfully shut down another pirate bulletin board system, Meltdown, and has vowed to pursue similar operations with the "full force of the law".

A new version of the popular personal accounting package, Quicken, has been released for the Macintosh, featuring an automatic fill-out function and expanded investment tracking capabilities.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Taligent operating system is a collaborative effort between Apple, IBM, and Hewlett-Packard, aiming to challenge Microsoft's dominance in the market.
  • The system is expected to be released next year, with the first development kits available in July.
  • Taligent's object-oriented technology and reusable components aim to rival Microsoft's Cairo and NeXT Computer's NeXTStep system.
  • Joe Guglielmi leads the Taligent taskforce, which has shifted its strategy from a standalone operating system to a modular system that can run on various operating systems.
  • Microsoft has expressed concerns that the new system may struggle to gain industry support due to its limited developer base in Windows.
  • Microsoft has announced an upgrade to its database management system, FoxPro 2.6, featuring a graphical interface and advanced automation functions.
  • Vodafone has expanded its international roaming facility to countries in Europe, Asia, and the Pacific, allowing its subscribers to use their digital mobile phones overseas with minimal additional charges.
  • The Business Software Association of Australia (BSAA) has successfully shut down another pirate bulletin board system, Meltdown.
  • A new version of the popular personal accounting package, Quicken, has been released for the Macintosh, featuring an automatic fill-out function and expanded investment tracking capabilities.

Statistics:

  • The Taligent operating system is expected to be released next year.
  • The first development kits will be available in July.
  • FoxPro 2.6 will be available in April for $795 and $1095 for the professional edition.
  • Vodafone has expanded its international roaming facility to countries in Europe, Asia, and the Pacific.
  • The Business Software Association of Australia (BSAA) has shut down three pirate bulletin board systems, including Meltdown.

Sources:

  • "THE TALIGENT operating system", New York Times, 1993 (an excerpt)
  • Vodafone press release, 1993
  • Microsoft press release, 1993
  • Business Software Association of Australia (BSAA) press release, 1993
  • Quicken for Macintosh press release, 1993