REDMOND, Wash., May 7, 1997 — Microsoft Corp. today announced the release of an updated Designed for Windows NT® and Windows® 95 Logo Handbook for software, including new recommendations and requirements to guide software developers in building Zero Administration for Windows features into their desktop applications in preparation for the next releases of the Windows 95 (code-named “Memphis”) and Windows NT operating systems.
Based on feedback from the computer industry, these guidelines assist developers in creating software that is more compatible, reliable and easier for consumers to install, use and remove, while making centralized installation and management easier and cheaper for system administrators.
“Adjusting our Logo program to reflect the most recent technical innovations demonstrates our commitment to working with the industry to make computing a better end user experience,” said Jonathan Roberts, director of Windows marketing for the personal business systems group at Microsoft Corp.
The new guidelines include the following:
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Application migration functionality for future Windows operating system upgrades
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Automated application installation and update features
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Effective use of the Windows registry and other key operating system files
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Enhanced accessibility requirements for people with disabilities
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Requirements for Java ™ applications and other software distributed over the network
“The 32-bit Windows environment fits Intergraph’s vision for the future of the technical desktop – a marriage of technical applications and personal productivity tools,” said Tommy Steele, president, Intergraph Software Solutions. “Imagineer Technical 2.0 carrying the Designed for Windows NT and Windows 95 and Office 97 Compatible Logos tells our customers that it has passed Microsoft’s stringent testing program, installs and uninstalls easily, and is guaranteed to take advantage of the latest technologies of Windows.”
Corporate customers and consumers value the fact that Logo products have been tested for Windows NT 4.0 and Windows 95 operating system compatibility, stability and reliability. With a mix of Windows NT Workstation and Windows 95 on many corporate desktops today, the Designed for Windows NT and Windows 95 Logo helps IT managers quickly identify applications that will be easy to install and will work well on both.
There are many examples of how the Microsoft® Windows Logo program has helped customers determine the best approach to their specific computing needs. For instance, Ford Motor Co. uses the Windows Logo program and has worked with Microsoft to help outline recommendations to reduce the cost of PC ownership in large organizations. Ford believes that the better this program is, the easier the environment is to manage, and it is encouraging its in-house development activities to follow these rules.
More than 1,100 applications have now passed testing with VeriTest Inc., the independent testing laboratory for the Windows Logo Program. The Designed for Microsoft Windows NT and Windows 95 Logo is licensed by top-selling desktop application vendors such as Adobe Systems Inc., Autodesk Inc., Corel Corp., Intergraph Corp., Lotus Development Corp., Macromedia Inc., Micrografx Inc. and Symantec Corp. (see the partial list of Windows Logo ISVs that follows).
Best-selling Windows-based games vendors such as Activision Inc., Blizzard Entertainment, GT Interactive, Sega Entertainment Inc., Sonic Foundry Inc., Virgin Interactive Entertainment Inc. and Westwood Studios Inc. are also participating in the Windows Logo Program. More than 100 games received the Logo in the fourth quarter of 1996 alone, an indication of the strength of the demand for 32-bit Windows-based games.
The Designed for Windows NT and Windows 95 Logo Handbook for software applications will be presented to Microsoft ISVs and press at a special event held tonight at Microsoft Tech Ed in Orlando, Fla.
To find out more about products that carry the Designed for Windows Logo or for more information about testing products for the Logo, visit the new Designed for Windows Logo Web site at http://www.microsoft.com/windows/thirdparty/ , or see the VeriTest Web site at (http://www.veritest.com/microsoft.htm) . To find out more about the Microsoft Zero Administration Initiative for Windows, see http://www.microsoft.com/windows/zaw/. For more information about the Designed for Microsoft BackOffice ™ Logo program, Microsoft’s Logo program for client/server applications running on Windows NT Server, see http://msdn.microsoft.com/certification/ .
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, Windows NT, Windows and BackOffice are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
Java is a trademark of Sun Microsystems Inc.
Other product and company names herein may be trademarks of their respective owners.
Note to editors : If you are interested in viewing additional information on Microsoft, please visit the Microsoft Web page at http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft’s corporate information pages.
Windows Logo ISV Quotes and Contact Info
“The Windows Logo program provides an important additional layer of quality assurance to our products. It ensures that our software will meet the expectations of the full spectrum of users of Windows.”
– David Pallmann
Manager of Application Software Development
Alpha Microsystems
(714) 641-6416
“We are proud to have recently passed the Designed for Windows NT and Windows 95 Logo testing for the majority of our EXTRA! product line. The Designed for Windows Logo is important to our customers because it helps their organizations reduce the total cost of ownership of PCs by ensuring a common desktop experience that lowers software support costs and reduces training.”
– Mike O’Neill
Product Marketing Manager EXTRA!
Attachmate Corp.
“When the news came down that we were awarded the Designed for Microsoft Windows NT and Windows 95 Logo, our office cheered as though we had won the Super Bowl! Getting the Designed for Microsoft Windows NT and Windows 95 Logo was the crowning achievement to our development effort. This logo allows customers to identify Final Draft as a cutting-edge product that is fully compatible with and takes advantage of the Windows 95 and Windows NT operating systems.”
– Marc Madnick
President
B.C. Software Inc.
(310) 636-4711
“Not only are we proud of the fact that we are fully compliant with all of the Windows NT and Windows 95 Logo requirements, but that we provide our developers with premier development tools for building their own Windows NT and Windows 95 Logo-compliant applications. Logo compliance extends ease of use to a great number of customers.”
– Diane Rogers
Group Manager, C++Builder and Delphi
Borland International Inc.
“Ford Motor Co. uses the Windows Logo program and has worked with Microsoft to help outline recommendations to reduce the cost of PC ownership in large organizations. Ford believes the better this program is, the easier the environment is to manage, and is encouraging its in-house development activities to follow these rules.
– Dave Principato
Public Affairs Manager
Ford Motor Company
(313) 390-3087
“Gremlin Interactive uses the Windows Logo program to ensure the quality for our customers and peace of mind for us. We wouldn’t consider releasing a Windows-based product without the logo.”
– Tim Heaton
Software Manager
Gremlin Interactive Ltd.
“The release of D.A. Pursuit of Justice marks our first use of the Microsoft Designed for Windows 95 Logo. We are excited to be part of this industrywide certification program benefiting developers and customers alike. The Logo adds another element to our already acknowledged reputation for high-quality entertainment products.”
– Ariella Lehrer
President and CEO
Legacy Software
(310) 448-0419
“Macromedia’s Director Multimedia Studio, Authorware Interactive Studio and Freehand Graphics Studio all are licensed to carry the Designed for Windows NT and Windows 95 Logo. Earning the logo is a valuable distinction that demonstrates Macromedia’s commitment to delivering products that take maximum advantage of advances in the Windows NT and Windows 95 platforms.”
– Leesa Lee
Product Manager, Director Product Line
Macromedia Inc.
(415) 252-2300
“Sound Forge XP from Sonic Foundry recently passed testing for the Designed for Windows NT and Windows 95 Logo program. In an increasingly competitive marketplace, the Windows Logo helps define our products as tested, reliable and compatible. It tells our customers that we use the most cutting-edge technology available on Windows NT and Windows 95.”
– Curtis J. Palmer
Chief Technology Officer
Sonic Foundry Inc.
