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Microsoft Corp.

The End of Personal Computing as We Know It?

Strategic Insights

— 1 min read

This could be a pivotal moment in the history of personal computing as major players in the industry announce game-changing technologies that might make Microsoft obsolete. Sun Microsystems has finalized a deal to acquire Star Division and its flagship product, Star Office, which it plans to release in a web-accessible version in October. Meanwhile, Sun has also introduced the Sun Ray system, a desktop machine that runs applications on a server, making expensive system upgrades a thing of the past. The Sega Dreamcast, a next-generation games console, is also set to shake up the industry, offering users the ability to connect to the web, send email, and chat online.

Key Takeaways:

  • Sun Microsystems has acquired Star Division and its flagship product, Star Office, making it available for free with a web-accessible version to be released in October.
  • The Sun Ray system is a desktop machine that runs applications on a server, eliminating the need for expensive system upgrades and making it an attractive option for corporate users.
  • The Sega Dreamcast is a next-generation games console that will allow users to connect to the web, send email, and chat online, making it a potential alternative to home PCs for gaming and other tasks.
  • Linux support is growing daily and may soon become a popular alternative to Microsoft's operating system.
  • BeOS, another operating system, will be available on High Street chains by Christmas, offering a budget-friendly alternative to Microsoft's products.
  • Companies like Sun and Sega are offering leasing deals and free versions of their products, making them more affordable and competitive with Microsoft's offerings.

Statistics:

  • The Sun Ray system costs $499 per machine.
  • The cost of Microsoft's budget product is £50 per machine.
  • The Sega Dreamcast is a $6 billion industry.
  • Linux support is growing daily, with no specific numbers provided.
  • The Sun Ray system can be leased, requiring no upfront cost.
  • BeOS will be available on High Street chains by Christmas.

Sources:

  • The Times, 1999

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