DRIVING STANDARDS.

The article reports on the impact of Windows operating system from Microsoft Corp. on hardware makers and their customers in the U.S. It is noted that without a standard software platform to build on, OEM were forced to build not only their machines but also components specific to the various programs out on the market. The evolution of Windows has created a standard operating environment that has enabled computer manufacturers to stop having to worry about ensuring that every box has the necessary drivers compatible with every program out there. According to Keith Brown, director of software for IBM's xSeries family of Intel Corp.-based servers, Windows freed systems makers to concentrate on what they do best, build boxes and the supporting software.