Sony, getting into PC's, is planning a software operating system

Article Abstract:

Sony plans to develop an operating system (OS) for use with audiovisual programs, as the company strives to be the first Japanese firm to successfully challenge US domination in the OS market. The OS will not compete against the Microsoft platform, which Sony sees as office-oriented. Instead, it will provide video, audio and networking functions, and Sony says it will be ideal for use on the Internet and on the products formed from the merging of PCs and audiovisual products. Although the company gave no details about the OS, observers believe it will be based on the Apertos system that has been under development for several years. Apertos requires little memory, but users can add objects from a network to increase its capabilities. The Sony OS will face stiff competition from similar OSes in development at Apple and Microsoft and from Java, which already offers the same network functions that Sony hopes to create.

Systems Software Pkgs, Product development, Product information, Consumer electronics industry, Sony Corp., Company product planning

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Debate grows over the role an operating system plays

Article Abstract:

Questions about the definition and future role of the OS are complicating the Justice Department's antitrust lawsuit against Microsoft. First, no jurist or engineer can definitively outline essential OS features. OSes vary in the amount of available functions, according to Patrick Bridges, a doctoral student in computer science at the University of Arizona. Second, the Government remembers that its unsuccessful 13-year antitrust case against IBM in the 1970s and early 1980s dissolved as technology gains outpaced the judicial system. Third, Sun Microsystems's Jul 1998 introduction of its Jini distributed computing technology, designed to weaken the demand for OSes such as Windows, again could force the Government to deal with shifting technology. The Government claims that Microsoft is allegedly forcing the inclusion of its Internet Explorer Web browser into its Windows OS.

Systems Software Pkgs (Micro), Cases, Laws, regulations and rules, Microsoft Corp., Antitrust law, MSFT, United States. Department of Justice. Antitrust Division, Market domination, Market share, Government Regulation, Antitrust Issue

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Netscape plays it cool as rival is sued

Article Abstract:

Netscape says it is focusing on other projects while the Justice Department and 20 states filed antitrust suits against archrival Microsoft, amid a growing perception that Netscape requires Government assistance. Other Netscape announcements in late May 1998 include receiving a large contract to provide electronic commerce software for Citibank, as well as specifying its new strategy to compete with America Online and Yahoo as a Web-based information service. Another rumor among numerous industry publications portrays Netscape as possibly unable to maintain its independence. Downplaying the Microsoft antitrust battles can prevent Netscape from appearing as a complainer, however. Netscape, which now gives away its browser, still relies on the software as an integral part of its business.

Computer Software, Management, Netscape Communications Corp., NSCP, Company business planning

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