APRIL is proving a big month in the software industry, marking as it does the arrival of the preview edition of Windows 95.
In what amounts to one of the largest beta tests of the final pre-release version of Microsoft's next generation of desktop operating system, Windows 95 promises to revolutionise the type of software products that companies develop. It should also change the way people interact with their computers.
Through all the hype that Windows 95 has generated has been the sometimes spoken promise that a robust operating system such as Windows 95 should eliminate the need for many of the utilities now common in our decade-old DOS, and, more recently, the Windows 3.1 environments.
But, according to Symantec president and chief executive officer Gordon Eubanks, Windows 95 will likely prove a boon to those companies focused on utilities software.
In fact, Mr Eubanks expects an extremely strong performance by Windows 95, contrary to many analysts' expectations.
'Windows 95 will be a big success, because it is the best front end to a network,' Mr Eubanks said. 'It will appear easier for people, especially for individual users. I think a big percentage of people is going to use it.' In addition, Mr Eubanks feels that the installed hardware base is more prepared for Windows 95 than it was when Microsoft rolled out Windows 3.1.
'The biggest problem with Windows 95 is going to be whether the distributors have enough cash to buy inventory,' he said.
