It is now clear that companies interested in licensing Apple Computer Inc’s Macintosh System operating system are being offered three main options. First off, those that license the PowerOpen operating system for the PowerPC will get the Apple application engine bundled in. While Macintosh applications will run under standard PowerOpen, the Mac Finder interface will not be included – so there will be no bulging trashcan and so forth. The application engine will also be available for licensing separately from PowerOpen, which looks like a canny move on Apple’s part since it will broaden the range of systems on which Mac applications will run, without Apple giving away the Finder crown jewels. And yes, the whole Macintosh System including the Finder, is up for grabs, but you will need a very large cheque-book, the company warns.
