A funny thing happened at the 1995 Fall Comdex in Las Vegas, Nevada. While
vendors proudly announced their support of Windows 95, attendees were asking, "Does
it run on NT?" It seems that corporate users are embracing Windows NT
faster than expected. After Comdex, hardware and software companies who weren't
part of the first wave of NT solutions started planning and creating native NT
applications. This should lead to another wave of activity in the second half
1996 which will make the switch to NT even more compelling-and easier-than it is
today.
When will Microsoft stop focusing on Windows 95? 1 believe you'll hear about
more and more large organizations bypassing Windows 95 and migrating directly to
Windows NT Workstation. Security, scalability, and stability will top the list
of reasons. Microsoft's desktop message will still be a bit complex in 1996,
stating that either operating system will work in most cases. In 1997, however,
Microsoft's message will become clearer: Windows NT is for business; Windows 95
is for consumers. By then, even smaller business desktops will be "Ready
for NT."
Does the Windows 95 logo mean software runs natively on NT Workstation?
Maybe! To get the Windows 95 logo, vendors have to certify that their
application will run on NT unless there is an architectural difference.
According to Microsoft, about 900/o of the Windows 95 logo applications run on
NT today. Exceptions include applications that require TAPI, Unimodem support or
direct hardware access-an NT security violation. (Ironically, there's also an
NT-compatible logo that does not require an application run on Windows 95.)
The next version of NT, called the Shell Update Release, should accelerate
the acceptance of NT Workstation into the corporate world. The Shell will
contain the Windows 95 interface, written specifically for NT. In addition, it
will also have 486 emulation for 16-bit applications-currently, its 286
emulation-a native Exchange Client support for TAPI and Unimodem, and enhanced
PCMCIA support. Finally, the graphics engine will be moved into the kernel for
enhanced performance and scalability. By adding these features, Microsoft hopes
to increase the number of Windows 95 applications that will run natively on NT
Workstation. Two notable Windows 95 features that will still be missing are
plug-and-play support and power management for laptop users.
Another push toward NT Workstation will come from hardware manufacturers.
Windows 95 can't take advantage of all the power in the new P6-based machines;
it seems to peak with the Pentium/133-MHz machines. NT, however, takes advantage
of the P6, as well as the RISC chips. Soon. manufacturers will be shipping their
systems reconfigured with NT
This means that your investment in NT-based technology, solutions, and
training will become more valuable this year. New products and services will be
introduced on NT It will become more and more obvious that NT means business;
most of the innovative new software will be available exclusively on NT. 1996
promises to be an exciting year for Windows NT.
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