Novell expands commitment to OpenDoc for Windows; Opendoc will support all current and planned versions of Microsoft's Windows operating systems.

LAS VEGAS--(BUSINESS WIRE)--Nov. 14, 1994--AT FALL COMDEX/ Advancing the industry toward component software, Novell Inc. today announced their commitment to develop OpenDoc for Windows for current and future versions of the Microsoft Windows operating system.

The leader in the transition to component software on the Windows platform, WordPerfect, the Novell Applications Group is simultaneously developing three versions of OpenDoc: OpenDoc for Windows 95, OpenDoc for Windows NT 3.5 and OpenDoc for Windows 3.1. All three versions of OpenDoc will meet Microsoft's platform-specific compliance requirements. The company also committed to delivering Opendoc interoperability to all other future Microsoft Windows operating systems.

This new level of support for Windows, combined with announced plans from IBM and Apple to incorporate OpenDoc technology in their future operating systems, make it the most widely supported architecture for component software. ISVs and IS organizations will be able to make an incremental transition to component software with the assurance of support for most current and future operating systems, including Apple Computer's Mac(TM) OS; IBM's ATX, AS400, HP-UX, MVS, OS/2, and OS/2 for PowerPC; and Microsoft's Windows 3.1, Windows NT and Windows 95.

"We are developing three versions of OpenDoc for Windows to meet the needs of developers, end users and corporate decision makers whose enterprise commitments include plans to support a heterogeneous Windows environment," explained Bill Kesselring, OpenDoc Product Manager for Novell Inc. Those with plans to follow the Windows path to the future will be able to experience the benefits of component software with OpenDoc for Windows 95 or OpenDoc for Windows NT 3.5 early next year. This version will take full advantage of the more robust, 32-bit operating system, utilizing advanced features including multitasking, multithreading, a flat memory model and a document-centric user interface. OpenDoc for Windows 95 will meet Microsoft's requirements for Windows 95 compatibility.

Because transitioning to Windows 95 could require system upgrades and increased training requirements, WordPerfect will also be developing OpenDoc for Windows 3.1. "We want to introduce all Windows users to the benefits of component software," said Kesselring. "Everyone is talking about Windows 95, but in reality, most people won't be able to upgrade to Microsoft's new operating system right away. OpenDoc for Windows 3.1 will allow these users to take advantage of the increased functionality and flexibility of component software, while protecting their current hardware, software and training investments." The OpenDoc for Windows 3.1 SDK is scheduled to ship in mid-1995.

OpenDoc Opens Windows

WordPerfect is also developing ComponentGlue Technology (TM) (ComponentGT), to provide true interoperability between OpenDoc components and Microsoft's OLE 2.0 objects. Through ComponentGT, the OpenDoc architecture will enhance OLEs basic features, providing an easier API for developers, a more consistent user interface and compatibility with other operating systems across the enterprise.

"We realize that Microsoft's technologies are crucial for Windows developers," said Dave Moon, vice president of development for Novell Inc. "As Windows developers ourselves, we are committed to support OLE as a key technology for today's applications, but we are counting on OpenDoc to advance the industry to component software. By ensuring that the technologies co-exist, we can protect developers from having to choose between the two, while providing them with a clear path to a component future."

Developers will be able to deliver products faster, at a reduced cost, by developing to OLE 2.0 through OpenDoc's simpler set of APIs. OpenDoc for Windows provides full OLE 2.0 container/server support, using the published OLE 2.0 specifications in its design. This meets Microsoft's requirements for Windows 95 compatibility. Developers who write to the OpenDoc architecture will be protected from any future changes to the OLE APIs since WordPerfect will maintain interoperability -- regardless of how the technologies evolve.

Both technologies enable users to create complex, compound documents by embedding and linking data created in different applications in one document on the desktop. In addition to providing this basic level of desktop application integration, OpenDoc's component software model meets the needs of the enterprise through advanced distributed features and cross-platform interoperability.

OpenDoc Makes Software Work Together

A revolutionary transition in the software industry, OpenDoc component software offers increased functionality and flexibility to users and developers, while protecting current investments in software. Users will be able to view and edit text, graphics and multi-media content within documents, without having to invoke separate applications. Developers will focus on their areas of expertise and begin converting code for existing application modules into OpenDoc components, delivering more integrated products with quicker time to market. Organizations will benefit in strategic ways: re-engineering business processes, mining their companies' information assets, managing work-flow and helping teams be more productive.

OpenDoc, the vendor-neutral standard for component software is currently being developed for Macintosh, OS/2 and Windows by Apple Computer Inc., IBM Corporation and WordPerfect respectively. Promoted by independent software vendors through Component Integration Laboratories Inc. (CI Labs), OpenDoc will benefit the industry by delivering the benefits of component software to numerous operating systems in an incremental manner. Supporters of CI Labs include Adobe Systems Inc.; Apple Computer Inc.; IBM Corporation; Lotus Corporation; Novell Inc.; and the Object Management Group (OMG).

The OpenDoc Software Development Kit (SDK) for Windows 95, Windows NT 3.5, Mac (TM) OS and OS/2 will be available early next year. OpenDoc for Windows 3.1 will be available approximately 6 to 8 weeks later. IBM plans to ship OpenDoc for AIX in Q4 1995. Apple Computer and IBM Corporation will also make the OpenDoc technology a key piece of the Mac OS and OS/2 operating systems in future versions.

WordPerfect, the Novell Applications Group

WordPerfect, the Novell Applications Group, is a worldwide leader in providing business, workgroup, consumer and electronic publishing software and delivering network applications that dramatically improve the way people work and communicate. WordPerfect is widely recognized for its multilingual and cross-platform software solutions and is the industry's premier provider of customer support.

Novell Inc.'s (NASDAQ:NOVL) business is connecting people to other people and the information they need, enabling them to act on it anytime, anyplace. Novell is the world's leading network solutions provider. The company's software products provide the distributed infrastructure, network services, advanced network access and network applications required to make networked information and pervasive computing an integral part of everyone's daily life.

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Note to Editors: WordPerfect, the Novell Applications Group acknowledges that trademarks all belong to their respective owners.

CONTACT: WordPerfect

              Dan Cook, Corporate Communications, 801/228-5014
                        Internet: [e-mail]
              Bill Kesselring, OpenDoc Product Manager, 801/222-5823
                        Internet: [e-mail]
              For PRESS Information Regarding CI Labs and
              OpenDoc development:
              Niehaus Ryan Haller Public Relations Inc.
              Tamara Ireland, 415/615-7892
                        Fax: [phone]
                        [e-mail]
              Ed Niehaus, 415/615-7908
                        Fax: [phone]
                        [e-mail]
              OpenDoc for Macintosh:
              Apple Computer Inc./Regis McKenna Inc.
              Janet Spinks, 415/354-4509
                            fax: [phone]
                            [e-mail]
              OpenDoc for OS/2 and AIX:
              IBM Corporation; Seed Communications
              Nancy Raff, 415/776-1547
                            fax: [phone]
                            [e-mail]
              For more information on OpenDoc development
              and CI Labs contact:
              Component Integration Laboratories, Inc., 408/864-0300
                            Internet: [e-mail]