Computer industry group appears set to unveil advanced standards

Article Abstract:

Twenty computer companies band together to form the Advanced Computing Environment (ACE) group, which aims to create a new standard for advanced computers. Members of ACE all pledge to support microprocessors manufactured by Mips Computer Systems Inc. Members will either write software or build computers around the reduced-instruction-set-computing (RISC) processors that Mips makes. ACE, which includes such heavyweight companies as DEC Microsoft Corp and Compaq, will reveal details of its plans on Apr 9, 1991. There is apparently some question about the depth of Ace members' commitments. Microsoft, for example, will will support chips from Mips, but Microsoft also promises support for chips made by Intel. Compaq will develop software that will run on both Mips-based and Intel-based computers. An executive with ACE says that Microsoft and Compaq have made concessions to Intel because neither company is certain about the future of a market for Mips' chips.

Semiconductors and related devices, Semiconductor industry, Management, Microprocessor, Product information, CPUs (Central processing units), Microprocessors, MIPS Computer Systems Inc., MIPS, Advanced Computing Environment

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Rival groups break off merger talks in battle over UNIX operating system

Article Abstract:

UNIX International and the Open Software Foundation (OSF) will not merge their groups and have agreed to go separate ways. As an indicator of the vast area that separates the groups, both claim victory over the parting. The groups, each supporting a different operating system standard for industry acceptance, have been arguing over a merger since 1988. At issue is standardization of the UNIX operating system, which is available in a variety of slightly different versions. UNIX International, backed by AT and T and Sun Microsystems Inc, has control over UNIX's development. AT and T is the creator of the operating system. Several computer manufacturers, including IBM and DEC, formed the OSF because manufacturers feared that AT and T had too much control over the UNIX marketplace. The newest OSF release is considered to be superior to its rival.

Prepackaged software, Mergers, acquisitions and divestments, Consortia, Merger, Consortium, Open Software Foundation, Unix International

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Peace may break out in Unix war

Article Abstract:

AT and T and Sun Microsystems appear to have calmed the confusion in the Unix market by coming up with a new version of the operating system that incorporates the best features of the most popular versions. The new version is being hailed as a possible industry wide standard. AT and T's competition, including IBM, are still several years away from a full-fledged alternative to the new Unix and seem more willing to cooperate with AT and T. Helping matters along is AT and T's plan to sell equity interests in its Unix division. Competitors are claiming that the new Unix may be satisfactory for now, but will need major revisions in a few years. They want assurance from AT and T that they will have some say over Unix's future direction.

T, Sun Microsystems Inc., SUNW, American Telephone and Telegraph Co., Competition

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