The Open Software Foundation reckons its Architecture-Neutral Distribution Format approach to the shrink-wrapped software issue is so revolutionary that it is planning to change its Request for Technology process to accommodate the novelty. It is understood that the consortium has already secretly picked the winner of the Request for Technology, but according to research and development vice-president Ira Goldstein, it does not going to go any further until the world’s top five computer vendors agree to sign off on the idea and effectively agree to do something about it, starting with the establishment of task groups. Goldstein identifies the critical manufacturers as IBM, DEC, Hewlett-Packard and NCR, with maybe Bull or Siemens-Nixdorf at number five. He figures he’s got a pretty good shot at getting what he wants.
