Early version of Windows NT introduced at largest Developers Conference ever
Mayor declares week of July 6 Software Developer Week
San Francisco -- July 6, 1992 -- (Business Wire) -- Monday, a capacity audience of more than 4,000 software developers from around the world gathered at the Microsoft* Win32* Professional Developers Conference for a first look at the Windows NT* operating system.
In honor of the event, San Francisco mayor Frank Jordan declared the week of July 6 Software Developer Week.
Windows NT, the new 32-bit operating system from Microsoft, creates new opportunities for Windows by coupling the ease of use of the Windows* 3.1 operating system with the computing power of today's workstation, mini and mainframe systems.
Designed for advanced users with high-end computing needs, Windows NT is expected to be released by the end of this year.
All conference attendees will receive the Win32 API preliminary Software Developers Kit (SDK) for Windows NT. It contains all the software tools and documentation that independent software vendors (ISVs) and corporate developers need to design applications to run on the Microsoft advanced Windows NT operating system, and it includes an early release of the Windows NT operating system itself.
"The Win32 SDK marks a tremendous opportunity for developers, and a major milestone for Microsoft," said Paul Maritz, senior vice president of the systems division at Microsoft. "We expect thousands of developers to make the commitment to 32-bit Windows NT because it is the most powerful, easy-to-use and scalable platform for an enormous range of applications.
Thanks to this kit and other software tools announced at the developer's conference this week, there should be a wide array of advanced software ready when Windows NT is released."
Extending Windows to Broader Capabilities
The Win32 API preliminary SDK for Windows NT provides application developers with access to the broader capabilities of the Windows 32-bit application programming interface (API).
Using the Win32 preliminary SDK, developers can write mission-critical, line-of-business and workgroup software to run on the desktop. These applications will perform complex tasks such as inventory management, financial trading and modeling, and online transaction processing, which were previously limited to mini and mainframe computing.
The Win32 SDK provides all the advanced features - such as preemptive multitasking, multi-threading, 32-bit flat memory, interprocess communication, scalability and security - that developers of these sophisticated applications require.
Scalability/Compatibility
The Windows NT operating system is designed to run on a wide range of computer systems and networks, including powerful, symmetrical multiprocessing servers. Applications written to the Win32 API will be source-compatible between 32-bit Intel* systems, RISC systems and multiprocessor systems.
This compatibility allows developers to offer a scalable Windows- based solution for the variety of hardware that commonly exists in today's distributed computing environment - from laptops to the most sophisticated PCs.
Existing applications for Windows and MS-DOS* will also run under Windows NT, transparently taking advantage of the increased processing power.
Familiar, Consistent Environment for Development and Use
Programmers of applications for Windows 3.1 will immediately be familiar with the Win32 API and development environment. The Win32 API offers a widened, 32-bit implementation of the Windows 3.1 API, and the development environment is based on Microsoft C/C++ 7.0.
Because it is consistent, the development environment makes it simple to transition 16-bit Windows-based applications into 32-bit Windows-based applications. In addition, in the 32-bit environment, developers create new applications more quickly and easily, helping to increase their productivity.
Applications written for Windows NT also maintain the familiar interface of the Windows operating system, with its graphical design and ease of use. Users and developers can continue to take advantage of the thousands of applications and software tools and utilities developed for Windows.
By continuing to use the familiar Windows environment, organizations need not incur the additional costs associated with training for and supporting a new computing environment.
SDK Contents, System Requirements, Availability and Pricing
The Win32 preliminary SDK for Windows NT includes preliminary versions of the Win32 SDK tools, a C/C++ compiler, and the Windows NT operating system software.
Free updates to the Win32 SDK tools and to the Windows NT operating system will be sent automatically when completed. The Win32 SDK is available only on CD-ROM.
Due to the greater computing power needed for designing and testing software, developer system requirements include an 80386 33 MHz CPU (or higher), 12 MB total RAM (16 MB recommended), a CD-ROM drive, and a total of 100 MB available hard disk space for complete installation of the operating system, tools and compilers.
The Win32 SDK is available today to conference attendees. Developers not attending the conference may order the Win32 SDK, for shipment starting July 15. The cost of the Win32 SDK with printed documentation is $399; with documentation in electronic form only, the cost is $69.
For U.S. orders, call Microsoft Developer Services at 800/227-4679. In Canada, call 800/563-9048. In all other countries, contact your local Microsoft representative.
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.
Note to Editors: Microsoft and MS-DOS are registered trademarks and Windows, Windows NT and Win32 are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
Intel is a registered trademark of Intel Corporation.
All prices listed are U.S. suggested retail prices.
CONTACT: Microsoft Corp. Collins Hemingway, 206/882-8080 or Waggener Edstrom Linda O'Neill, 503/245-0905 11:38 ET JUL 6, 1992
Copyright (c) 1992, Business Wire
The Microsoft(R) Windows NT(TM) operating system is designed to
support a broad range of hardware. This is a preliminary list of
hardware that we have run Windows NT on to date. This is a subset of
the hardware we expect to support in the final product.
The following hardware has undergone preliminary testing for this
release. We have not tested every machine and/or device in all
possible configurations. Microsoft makes no warranties express or
implied in this document.
Intel 80386/80486 Uniprocessor Systems
ACER (R) Power 486/33
ALR (R) BusinessVEISA 386/33
ALR BusinessVEISA 486/33
ALR MPS 486/33
ALR PowerFlex Flyer 386sx/25
ALR PowerPro
AST (R) Power Premium 4/33 Model 213V
AST Premium 386/33T
AST Premium 486/33E
AST Premium II 386/33 Model 213V
AST Premium II 486/33
AST Premium SE 4/33 Model 333
Compaq (R) Deskpro 386/20e
Compaq Deskpro 386/25
Compaq Deskpro 386/25e
Compaq Deskpro 386/33
Compaq Deskpro 386/33L
Compaq Deskpro 386s/20
Compaq Deskpro 486/25
Compaq Deskpro 486/33L
Compaq Deskpro 486/33M
Compaq Deskpro 486/50L
Compaq Portable 486c
Compaq SystemPro 486/33
Compaq SystemPro/LT 486sx/25
CompuAdd (R) 420s
CompuAdd 433
CompuAdd 433E
Dell (R) PowerLine System 433DE
Dell PowerLine System 433SE
Dell PowerLine System 450DE
Dell PowerLine System 450DE/2 DGX
Dell PowerLine System 450SE
Dell PowerLine System 486D/50
Dell System 325
Dell System 433e
Dell System 486D/33
Dell System 486P/33
Digital Equipment Corp. (R) DECpc 425ST (1)
Digital Equipment Corp. DECpc 433ST
Digital Equipment Corp. DECpc 433T
Digital Equipment Corp. DECpc 450ST (2)
Digital Equipment Corp. DECstation 425c
Epson (R) Equity EISA 486DX/50
Everex (R) Step 486/33 ISA
Everex Tempo 486sx/20
Gateway (R) 2000 386-33
Gateway 2000 386SX-20C
Gateway 2000 486/33C
Gateway 2000 486/33E
Gateway 2000 486DX2/50
Gateway 2000 486DX2/50E
GRiD (R) 486ei-33
HP (R) Vectra 386/25
HP Vectra 486/25T
HP Vectra 486/33T
HP Vectra 486S/20
HP Vectra RS/25C
IBM (R) PS/2 Model 70 386
IBM PS/2 Model 70 486
IBM PS/2 Model 80
IBM PS/2 Model 90 XP
IBM PS/2 Model 95 XP 486
IBM PS/2 Model P75
ICL (R) Alfaskop DS 458 Eisa
ICL CXe486s
Intel (R) 486DX Workstation
Intel LP 486/33E (3)
NCR (R) 3000 Model 3335
NCR 3000 Model 3345
NCR 3000 Model 3445
NCR 3000 Model 3447
NCR StarStation
NEC (R) Powermate 386/25S
NEC Powermate Express 486sx/25e
NEC Powermate Image 486/33
Northgate (R) Elegance 433i
Northgate Elegance SP 433
Olivetti (R) LSX5010
Olivetti M400-40
Olivetti M400-60
Tandy (R) 4820SX/T
Tandy 4833 LX/T
Toshiba (R) T4400SX
Wang (R) Microsystems EC 480/33C
Wang Microsystems PC 350/40C
Zenith (R) Data Systems Z-486/25E
Zenith Data Systems Z-486/33ET
Zenith Data Systems Z-486/SX 20
Zenith Data Systems Z-486/SX 25
Zenith Data Systems Z386/33 (4)
Zenith Data Systems Z386/33E (5)
Zenith Data Systems Z486/33E
ZEOS (R) 386DX-33CDT (6)
ZEOS 486-50CW
ZEOS 486DX-33 ISA
ZEOS 486DX-33CDT
ZEOS 486DX-33EISA
ZEOS 486DX-50
ZEOS 486SX-20DT
Intel 80486 Multiprocessor Systems
ACER (R) AcerFrame 3000 MP
ALR (R) PowerPro DMP
Compaq (R) SystemPro Dual 486/33
NCR (R) 3000 Model 3450
NCR 3000 Model 3550
Wyse (R) 7000i
MIPS ARC/R4000 Systems
ACER (R) ARC1
MIPS (R) ARCSystem 100
MIPS ARCSystem 150
Olivetti (R) M700-10
Olivetti PWS4000
Video Controllers
Video Mode
VGA Class
100% Register Compatible with IBM VGA 640x480x16
Super VGA Class
Headland Technology / Video 7
VRAM VGA, VRAM II 1024x768x16
800x600x16
Orchid
ProDesigner IIs 1024x768x16
800x600x16
TSENG Labs
ET4000 chipset 1024x768x16
800x600x16
Others
IBM XGA 1024x768x256
DELL DGX 1280x1024x256
Built-in Video on MIPS ARC/R4000 systems from 1280x1024x256
Acer, MIPS, Olivetti 1024x768x256
Note: Display support will be expanded greatly over time. Microsoft
plans to support 8514, S3, ATI, most SVGAs (including hi-res), and
coprocessor display boards in an update to the Win32(TM) SDK.
Disk Controllers
100% Register Compatible with WD1003 - ESDI, IDE, WD1003
Compaq Intelligent Drive Array
SCSI(R)
Adaptec
AHA-1540b
AHA-1542b
AHA-1640
AHA-1740
Future Domain
TMC-845
TMC-850, TMC-850M(ER)
MCS-700 (7)
TMC-1660 (8)
TMC-1680 (9)
TMC-7000EX
IBM
IBM SCSI Host Adapter (10)
Maynard
16 Bit SCSI Adapter (11)
NCR
NCR 53C700
Olivetti
ESC - 1 Adapter
Built-in SCSI on MIPS ARC/R4000 systems from :
Acer, MIPS and Olivetti
Network Adapters (12)
3Com(R)
Etherlink II (13)
Etherlink II / TP
Etherlink / MC
Etherlink 16
Etherlink II / 16
DEC(R)
EtherWORKS LC
EtherWORKS Turbo / TP
IBM
Token Ring 16/4 (14)
Token Ring 16/4A
Novell(R)
NE3200
SMC/Western Digital(R) (15)
EtherCard Plus Elite/A 8013EP/A (16)
Built-In Ethernet on MIPS ARC/R4000 systems from
Acer, MIPS and Olivetti
Tape Devices
Archive Python DAT (Maynstream 1300DAT)
Note: The SCSI tape functionality has been successfully tested with
the Adaptec 154X/174X, Maynard 16-Bit SCSI adapter and the built-in
SCSI adapters in the Acer, MIPS/Silicon Graphics and Olivetti MIPS
ARC/R4000. This is known to fail on other SCSI adapters at this
time.
CD-Rom Devices
CD Technology
CD Porta-Drive T-3301
Chinon
CDX-431
Denon(R)
DRD 253
Hitachi(R)
CDR-1750S
NEC
Intersect CDR-73(M)
Intersect CDR-84
Pioneer(R)
DRM-600
Sony(R)
CDU-541
CDU-6211
CDU-7211
Toshiba
XM-3201
TXM-3301
MultiMedia Sound Cards
Creative Labs
SoundBlaster
SoundBlaster Pro
Printers
Every driver that shipped with the Windows(TM) 3.1 retail package.
No plotter support included.
Keyboards
100% Compatible with :
101/102 key "enhanced" layout
84 key AT(R) layout
Mice
100% Compatible with Microsoft Mouse
Microsoft and MS-DOS are registered trademarks and Windows, Windows NT
and Win32 are trademarks of Microsoft Corporation.
(1) Requires an updated KEYBOARD.SYS driver to run existing MS-DOS and
Windows applications
(2) Same as Footnote 1
(3) Same as Footnote 1
(4) These machines currently have problems running existing MS-DOS and
Windows applications.
(5) Same as Footnote 4
(6) Same as Footnote 1
(7) A driver that supports both Setup and File I/O for the Future
Domain MCS-700, and TMC-16X0 series controllers will be posted to
CompuServe in the WINNT forum, Lib 2 "Fixes and Updates".
(8) Same as Footnote 7
(9) Same as Footnote 7
(10) Earlier versions of this controller have proven to have problems
with various CD-Rom drives. The Chinon CDX-431 and NEC Intersect
CDR-73 are known to work with this version of controller.
(11) The Maynard SCSI Adapter can be used as a general purpose SCSI
controller for all tasks but graphical setup.
(12) Full NDIS 3.0 conformance testing will be available this fall
through Microsoft Compatibility Labs
(13) These two adapters have been successfully tested in a
Multi-Processor environment.
(14) The IBM Token Ring 16/4 adapter has been successfully tested in
the MIPS ARC/R4000 systems
(15) There will be an updated driver for the SMC/WD 8003EP, 8013WB,
8013EWC net adapters posted on CompuServe in the WINNT forum, Lib 2
"Fixes and Updates"
(16) Same as footnote 13