OPERATING SYSTEMS
MS-DOS is still used on 90% of IBM PC-compatibles. But DR DOS is doing better since Digital Research was bought by Novell. IBM’s OS/2, aimed at high-end applications, is expected to get to market many months before Microsoft’s own top-end New Technology package.
VVORD PROCESSING
Microsoft’s Word for Windows had the market virtually to itself. But in just three months, WordPerfect’s Windows package has grabbed 24% share.
LEGAL PROBLEMS
Apple’s suit, alleging that Windows violates its Macintosh software copyrights, is likely to go to trial this summer. The betting is that Microsoft will lose and pay damages. Meanwhile, the Federal Trade Commission is continuing its probe of Microsoft’s competitive practices.
NETWORKING
Novell remains king of the hill in networking software. Microsoft’s next move: Building networking into its forthcoming New Technology operating system.
SPREADSHEETS
Microsoft’s Excel has been gaining steadily on market leader Lotus. But Lotus now has started shipping a bug-free 1-2-3 for Windows, and Borland will have a Windows spreadsheet soon.
DATA BASES
Microsoft has yet to field a product for desktop PCs. With the acquisition of Ashton-Tate, Borland dominates this key market. Analysts figure Microsoft’s Cirrus, expected this summer, may be a money loser for years due to its high development costs.
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