CompuServe Thread

#Mac/Win crosspltform Dev

7 messages in this thread
#163843From: David F. JohnsonMar 14, 1994 8:44 AM
Neil, Your comments are worthy of great consideration. However, my initial reaction is that most applications are not as platform-dependent as XPress. There is _tremendous_ value in getting the right kinds of applications up and running on both Macintosh and Windows. If MSVC 2 helps to do that in a cost effective, unobstructive way then I think it's the greatest technology to hit the development areana in a long, long time. David
#163868From: Reede StocktonMar 14, 1994 11:04 AM
David, —> If MSVC 2 helps to do that in a cost effective, unobstructive way then I think it's the greatest technology to hit the development areana in a long, long time. <— Blue sky guess time. Where do you think MSVC 2 will have it's greatest value: commercial apps or corporate apps (Fortune 1000)? Reede
#163973From: David F. JohnsonMar 14, 1994 10:04 PM
Reede, "Where do you think MSVC 2 will have it's greatest value: commercial apps or corporate apps (Fortune 1000)?" Initially with corporate apps (Fortune 1000). Commercial applications are too competitive to leave off platform-specific features. However, once this problem is solved commercial apps will use it too. David
#163949From: Neil Ticktin/MacTech MagMar 14, 1994 7:48 PM
David, >> There is _tremendous_ value in getting the right kinds of applications up and running on both Macintosh and Windows. It all comes down to whether you, as a developer, develop commodities or software that is a cut above the rest. If it relies on technologies like AOCE, QuickDraw GX, AppleScript, or whatever in order to make it stand out, then by making the cross platform jump, you're screwed. I believe that most Macintosh developers are not interested in developing commodities — otherwise they would have been developing for Windows. Macintosh is about doing things better — not like everyone else. Thanks, Neil Ticktin Editor-in-Chief MacTech Magazine (formerly MacTutor)
#163977From: David F. JohnsonMar 14, 1994 10:04 PM
Neil, "It all comes down to whether you, as a developer, develop commodities or software that is a cut above the rest. If it relies on technologies like AOCE, QuickDraw GX, AppleScript, or whatever in order to make it stand out, then by making the cross platform jump, you're screwed." Your point is valid and well taken. However, I think there's a way to make it happen. Of course, that way may not make enough sense to use. "I believe that most Macintosh developers are not interested in developing commodities — otherwise they would have been developing for Windows. Macintosh is about doing things better — not like everyone else." I believe most Mac develops better start learning how to program Windows. David
#164008From: Reede StocktonMar 15, 1994 1:19 AM
—> I believe most Mac develops better start learning how to program Windows. <— Religious war time!!! ;-> Seriously, I tend to agree with you. It's become clear that most apps which have significant market appeal are going to end up on both platforms. At the very least, good developers on both sides of the fence need to understand the issues involved in crossing over. Reede
#164163From: Neil Ticktin/MacTech MagMar 16, 1994 3:04 AM
David, >>I believe most Mac develops better start learning how to program Windows. Your defensive stance makes you sound like an Intel commercial trying to battle Power Macintosh — a clearly superior machine. I've heard several Windows users planning to make the switch to Power Macintosh simply because Intel is clearly "very concerned" as evidenced by their comments — that's a sign that Intel users see as the beginning of the end of PCs and Pentium. Good luck on your Windows development — we'll concentrate on Macintosh. Thanks, Neil Ticktin Editor-in-Chief MacTech Magazine (formerly MacTutor)