SEATTLE, July 23, 1997 — Today at Microsoft Corp.’s Windows Platform Briefing, Paul Maritz, group vice president of platforms and applications, officially named the next version of the Microsoft® Windows® 95 operating system – Windows 98. The product, currently in beta testing, had been referred to by the code name “MEMPHIS.” Maritz also outlined Microsoft’s recommendations for businesses deploying Windows 98 and the Windows NT® Workstation operating system.
“We recognize that corporate customers have a wide variety of computing needs, and we expect to see customers deploying a mix of Windows-based systems designed for their specific user needs and system requirements,” said Maritz.
Windows 98 in Corporations
Designed to be compatible with existing applications, Windows 98 will allow corporations to support their prior investments in Windows and take advantage of a number of improvements in simplicity, performance and manageability for IT administrators. The new integrated Internet user interface in Windows 98 allows users not only the simplicity of surfing the Web, but also the ability to find and access information quickly on their local network or intranet. Performance tuning and functionality such as the new Disk Defragmentation Wizard, which lets users optimize their hard disk for the applications they use most often, makes computing in Windows faster. Windows 98 will be more manageable and self-maintaining with tools such as the system file checker, which can track system changes and help restore the system if necessary. In addition to these enhancements, Windows 98 will enable users to take advantage of innovative new hardware designs such as Universal Serial Bus.
Microsoft recommends that corporations migrate their systems to Windows 98 if they have 16-bit applications that are incompatible with Windows NT, older peripherals, or hardware that does not meet the requirements for Windows NT Workstation.
“I’m initially very impressed with the Windows 98 beta,” said Steve Spence, a systems engineer at Sequel Technology Corp. and a Windows beta tester. “I’ve found it to be incredibly stable, with significant improvement in terms of simplicity – Plug and Play looks great. In terms of performance, the Windows 98 beta is running smoother and faster than Windows 95. The additional features such as the FAT32 converter, USB, Multi-Monitor and two modems bound together let me have increased functionality with the equipment I already have.”
Windows NT Workstation in Corporations
Windows NT Workstation provides the most secure, robust and manageable platform in the Windows family and is the strategic direction for corporations. Corporations will benefit from high levels of manageability today and can realize the greatest reductions in total cost of ownership through the Zero Administration initiative for Windows.
For corporations that meet the hardware requirements and are not running 16-bit applications that are incompatible with Windows NT, Microsoft recommends migrating to Windows NT Workstation 4.0 today and planning for a migration to Windows NT Workstation 5.0 in the future for both their existing systems and new hardware purchases.
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 and Windows NT are either registered trademarks or trademarks of Microsoft Corp. in the United States and/or other countries.
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 http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/ on Microsoft’s corporate information pages.
