New version of Be OS will target Intel

A new version of the Be OS was demonstrated this morning running on Intelhardware. Until now, the Be OS ran only on the faltering PowerPC platform. According to Jean-Louis Gassee, Be's president and CEO, the Intel versionof the Be OS will ship in January. If released on schedule, their Intel OSwill beat Apple's Intel version of Rhapsody by at least six months, castingfurther doubt on Apple's decision to buy Next.

The problem for Be, however, is creating a viable OS alternative to Windowsin an age of Microsoft domination. Windows controls over 90% of all computersnow in service. Gassee claims that Windows and Be can co-exist, since theBe OS can replace Macintosh as the new platform for creative types.

"I understand that people are going to believe that we are aiming at Windows--you can't write a line of code without butting heads with Microsoft," said Gassee. "[But] we want to capture the opportunities that are afforded by digital media."

The Intel version of the Be OS will support one, two, and four processorsystems and will work with Pentium, Pentium Pro and Pentium II systems. Asfor those who would expect the Be OS to run slower on Intel CPUs, Gasseedemonstrated the ability to take the same source code and recompile it for both the Intel and PowerPC platforms. The application operated identically on comparable system using both types of CPUs.

For more information about Be and the Be OS, visit the Be Web site