REDMOND, Wash., May 30, 1996 — Microsoft Corp. today announced a special limited-time offer to give developers the chance to license the Microsoft® Visual C++® development system Cross-Development Edition for Apple® Macintosh®
for only $199, which is 90 percent off the regular suggested price.
The move makes it possible for developers to make use of their existing Windows® operating system-based code when creating Macintosh applications. With Visual C++ for Macintosh, they can create native Macintosh applications with the familiar Macintosh interface by simply recompiling their source code written to the Win32®
API or Microsoft Foundation Classes (MFC). Microsoft further announced that the next version of the product will support ActiveX
™
controls, which is essential for developers creating Macintosh applications for use on the active Internet.
The $199 price is for a competitive upgrade, available to any developer with a Windows-or Macintosh-hosted C or C++ development system, or any existing cross-platform tool kit.
“This move will further strengthen the Macintosh platform by accelerating the movement of Windows-based apps to the Macintosh,”
said Heidi Roizen, vice president of developer relations at Apple.
“We’re delighted to see Macintosh tools become an even better value for developers.”
“This is a fantastic deal on a fantastic set of tools,”
said Jonathan Gay, vice president of development for FutureWave Software Inc.
“With Visual C++ Cross-Development Edition for Macintosh, we were able to bring the”
Eddy
”
-winning product SmartSketch
™for the Macintosh to market in a fraction of the time it would have taken for a native port.”
Visual C++ Cross-Development Edition for Macintosh supports OLE, ODBC and Win32 common controls. The tools allow for effortless inclusion of Macintosh Toolbox code, allowing developers to take advantage of Macintosh-only features such as QuickDraw
™
GX and Apple Events.
“We remain committed to the Macintosh platform – and to helping our developers for Windows gain maximum mileage from their Windows code,”
said Denis Gilbert, general manager of the visual languages business unit at Microsoft.
“This new price move demonstrates both.”
The competitive upgrade product is scheduled to be available in stores on June 14; the approximate price for the nonpromotional version remains $1,999.
Founded in 1975, Microsoft (NASDAQ
“MSFT”
) is the worldwide leader in software for personal computers. The company offers a wide range of products and services for business and personal use, each designed with the mission of making it easier and more enjoyable for people to take advantage of the full power of personal computing every day.
Microsoft, Visual C++, Windows, Win32 and ActiveX are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
Apple and Macintosh are registered trademarks and QuickDraw is a trademark of Apple Computer Inc.
SmartSketch is a trademark of FutureWave Software Inc.
