Desktop Computing Strategy

for 1/95 - 6/96

Concerns/Issues:

Windows 3.1x
- Will be discontinued when Windows 95 appears
- 16 bit technology with not future development

Windows 95
- consider adoption in mid-96 if strategic to information technology plans
- wait for realease 1.1 or better to avoid early adoptiion problems
- use next 18 months to evaluate the strategic value of this OS for Potsdam

Intel technology
- avoid investing in P5 or higher CISC technology until/if we adopt an Intel-based OS that requires it
- avoid purchasing Pentium machines which will need to have the P5 chip replaced.
- avoid purchasing high-priced technology which only offers a minimal return value in processing power for older OS's (DOS, Windows 3.1)

PowerPC technology
- use only for Macintosh OS until PReP standard is available
- consider purchase of PReP-based PowerPC technology when available
- provides broader opportunities for considering other desktop OS's

Macintosh OS

OS/2
- Will not be adopted for the desktop at Potsdam during this time period (too expensive to consider changing; extremely limited support/market share in the industry), but may be evaluated by CIS and DC

Unix/Linux
- Will not be adopted for the desktop at Potsdam during this time period, but may be necessary for CIS

Other
- Purchasing Strategy
  - 1/95 - 12/95
    - Microsoft/Intel strategy
      - No Pentiums purchased
      - PowerMacs with 486/66 cards for high-end DOS/Windows users allows us to minimize what becomes obsolete (only the card) if/when we move onto higher-end Intel technology
      - the PowerMac can be moved to another Mac user when not longer useful to the DOS/Windows user
Macintosh/PowerPC strategy 1/96 - 6/96 Microsoft/Intel strategy Consider Pentium purchases if it is clear we will adopt an Intel-based OS (e.g., Windows 95) ensure that no OLD flawed Pentium technology is purchased that has to be replaced Maintain support for Windows 3.1x Continuing '95 Microsoft/Intel purchasing strategy for low-end DOS/Windows users Macintosh/PowerPC strategy Consider purchase of PReP-based PowerPC technology when available Consider Intel cards or Intel-compatible PReP machines (e.g., PowerPC 615 chip) for PowerMac if it is clear wewill adopt an Intel-based OS PowerMac purchased for Mac users