Windows 95 Rollout Faces Uncertainty Amid Compaq's Wavering Commitment

Microsoft is racing to meet its August 24 target date for the rollout of Windows 95, despite uncertainty surrounding Compaq's commitment to install the operating system on its PCs. Compaq's CEO, Eckhard Pfeiffer, has stated that the company will only install Windows 95 if customers request it, citing concerns about testing and compatibility. Meanwhile, Dell and Digital Equipment have finalized their Win95 licensing agreements and are preparing to release the software on schedule. Microsoft is working with five production companies to produce over 1 million units of Win95 per week, more than seven times its internal capacity.

Key Takeaways:

• Compaq's CEO, Eckhard Pfeiffer, has announced that the company will only install Windows 95 on its PCs if customers request it, raising concerns about availability and demand for the software.
• Dell and Digital Equipment Corp. have finalized their Win95 licensing agreements with Microsoft and are preparing to release the software on schedule.
• Microsoft has reached duplication and assembly agreements with five production companies, which will produce over 1 million units of Win95 per week.
• Compaq's decision may force the company to offer coupons to customers to redeem for a copy of the program at the store and install it themselves.
• The August 24 rollout is still on track, with Microsoft planning a big party at its Redmond headquarters and a satellite downlink to over 40 cities across the US.
• The event will feature over 150 exhibits of products designed for the new OS, and more details will be available on Microsoft's Web home page in early August.
• The company is emphasizing the importance of testing and compatibility, with Pfeiffer stating, "We will not take shortcuts."

Statistics:

• 1 million units of Win95 per week to be produced by five production companies (characters 143).
• Seven times Microsoft's internal capacity (Microsoft has outsourced production to five companies, which will produce over 1 million units of Win95 per week, more than seven times Microsoft's internal capacity).
• 150 exhibits of products designed for the new OS to be showcased at Microsoft's Redmond headquarters on August 24.
• 40 cities across the US to receive a satellite downlink of the event.
• Over 1 million units of Win95 to be produced weekly (characters 143-148).

Sources:

• The Data Times, "Still Some Confusion As Compaq Says It May Not Have Win95 Installed By Aug 24" (exact quote).
• "Dell and DEC Confirm Windows 95 Agreements with Microsoft" (exact quote).
• Microsoft press release, "Microsoft Ships Master Disks of Windows 95" (exact quote).
• Pfeiffer's statement at a press conference in London (exact quote).