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The Spokesman-Review Newspaper
Spokane, Washington  Est. May 19, 1883

Perhaps You’ve Already Heard: Windows 95 Is Being Released

Compilied By Business Staff

“Soft wars” will erupt this week with the extremely tardy and controversial release of Microsoft’s ubiquitous operating software for personal computers - Windows 95.

The product’s release is so overdue it once could have been named Windows 94. And Microsoft is still the target of a Justice Department investigation into antitrust violations.

But analysts say the delays and publicity have worked to Microsoft’s advantage, building up interest in the product, which will sell from $90 to $180 depending on whether its an upgrade or completely new package.

Microsoft is expected to spend $300 million promoting the product in a media blitz that includes painting the Windows 95 logo on fields and ocean barges so airline passengers can see them.

“It’s been a well-orchestrated strip tease,” said Stephen Jones, senior vice president of the Burson-Marsteller advertising agency in San Francisco.

Microsoft hopes Windows 95 will become the standard for computer users just as its MS-DOS became the most popular operating software.

But IBM, which sells the OS/2 Warp operating software, and online services such as Prodigy and American Online, hope Windows 95 crashes. Windows 95 will include a built-in online service.

In other events this week:

Today

U.S. Department of Treasury releases July federal budget figures.

U.S. Department of Treasury releases July federal budget figures.

Tuesday

Federal Reserve’s Open Market Committee meets.

Wednesday

Washington Department of Natural Resources holds public hearing at 7 p.m. in the Mattawa, Wash., Town Hall concerning plans to acquire farm land in Grant County. Call 360-902-1645.

Commerce Department releases figures on state per-capita income.

Thursday

Spokane Restaurant & Hospitality Association hosts a breakfast meeting on “Recognizing the Chemically Impaired Employee” at 7:30 a.m. at the Sheraton-Spokane Hotel. Cost: $10. Call 467-7744.

Arthur Levitt Jr., chairman of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission, speaks to the National Association of Investors Corp. in Nashville, Tenn.

Commerce Department reports July durable goods orders.

Friday

The much ballyhooed SuperMall of the Great Northwest - replete with eight discount anchors, 100 more retailers and a kitschy replica of Mount Rainier - opens in Auburn, Wash. The 1.2 million-square-foot mall will feature Nordstrom Rack, Off Fifth, an off-price offshoot of Saks Fifth Aveune, Incredible Universe, Oshman’s SuperSports USA and other stores.

Native American Pow-Wow begins in Riverfront Park, running through Sunday.

National Association of Realtors reports July existing home sales.

Federal Open Market Committee releases policy action record.

, DataTimes ILLUSTRATION: Graphic: Interest rates

MEMO: This sidebar appeared with the story: ON THE SHELF Forbes, Aug. 28: Lake Coeur d’Alene isn’t the only place where Jet Skis are creating controversy. Forbes says boat owners and sun lovers at popular waterfronts nationwide are in an uproar over the ubiquitous personal watercraft. Business Week, Aug. 21: Analysts expect the new Hewlett-Packard Pavilion line of home PCs to be well-received.

The pros’ picks The largest holdings of maximum-growth mutual funds, as ranked by Morningstar Inc. based on percent of net assets in 1994. Oracle Systems, 1.57 percent Applied Materials, 1.24 percent Compaq Computer, 1.19 percent ABB Brown Boveri, 1.11 percent Microsoft, 1.06 percent

This sidebar appeared with the story: ON THE SHELF Forbes, Aug. 28: Lake Coeur d’Alene isn’t the only place where Jet Skis are creating controversy. Forbes says boat owners and sun lovers at popular waterfronts nationwide are in an uproar over the ubiquitous personal watercraft. Business Week, Aug. 21: Analysts expect the new Hewlett-Packard Pavilion line of home PCs to be well-received.

The pros’ picks The largest holdings of maximum-growth mutual funds, as ranked by Morningstar Inc. based on percent of net assets in 1994. Oracle Systems, 1.57 percent Applied Materials, 1.24 percent Compaq Computer, 1.19 percent ABB Brown Boveri, 1.11 percent Microsoft, 1.06 percent