MOSCONE CENTER / BOOTH 563, SAN FRANCISCO - (August 9, 2005) - CodeWeavers, Inc., the leading Windows-to-Linux software developer, today announced its development and product roadmap for CrossOver Office, CodeWeavers' software that enables Windows applications to run natively on Linux, at LinuxWorld Expo 2005 in San Francisco. With the debut of Version 5.0 next month and Version 6.0 later this year, CodeWeavers will enable increasing numbers of popular Windows applications, including games, utilities, and the most critical workplace applications, to operate cleanly on Linux desktops.
In addition, due to Apple Computer's recent announcement that it will be moving to Intel x86 chips for its Macintosh PC products next year, CodeWeavers looks forward to making CrossOver Office available for Windows-to-Mac application porting in 2006.
CodeWeavers is the primary corporate backer of The Wine Project, the well-known open source initiative to re-implement the Win32 API under Unix. CrossOver Office, built on Wine and packaged for enterprise and individual use, has made a significant impact on Linux desktop deployment for millions of users around the world.
Version 5.0 of CrossOver Office, to be released in September, will include Linux support for Microsoft Office 2003 as well as bottles, a programming concept that enables enterprises to manage and isolate deployments of one or more Windows applications on a customized basis throughout an enterprise. CrossOver Office 5.0 also offers major improvements to the software's MS Installer (Microsoft Installer) and COM (Component Object Model) portions, increasing by threefold the likely successful first-time Linux installs of applications from the vast Windows universe.
Finally, CrossOver Office 5.0 will provide better support for the DirectX API and exhibit dramatically improved overall performance, particularly in the visual realm where glitches have been significantly reduced.
New Gaming Support
CrossOver Office Version 6.0, expected to debut in Q4, will add even more capability to the
world's leading and most reliable Windows-to-Linux application solution. Among the many computer improvements
and new capabilities planned for 6.0 are support for Windows versions of many popular games; new copy protection
protocols will also be supported that will enable users to reliably operate games along with products like
Photoshop CS and Macromedia Dreamweaver MX 2004.
"CrossOver Office and Wine are both maturing in their capabilities and reliability, which bodes well for demanding users everywhere," noted Jeremy White, chief executive officer of CodeWeavers. "The Windows-to-Linux revolution is alive and well, bringing new practicalities to the Linux desktop. Enterprises and individuals alike can look forward to an ever-broadening range of Windows applications that they can use in Linux, the world's most dependable operating system."
Mac OS Support
Despite the fact that both CrossOver Office and Apple's Mac OS X are built atop Unix, CrossOver
Office has been restricted to Linux because CrossOver Office requires Intel CPUs for optimal operation.
Currently, Apple desktops use IBM PowerPC chipsets exclusively.
With the move by Apple to the Intel chips in 2006, CodeWeavers will be providing a version
of CrossOver Office for Macintosh users as well as extending its porting services to the Macintosh for
Windows software developers. With this change, users and developers will be able to step over the applications
barrier to entry and more freely choose their platforms, enabling a richer and more market driven computing
landscape.
Users Direct Future
CodeWeavers' CrossOver Compatibility Center, which will also see expansion this year, gives Linux
users of all types the ability to direct the future course of CrossOver Office development. By registering
in the Compatibility Center of the CodeWeavers web site (www.codeweavers.com),
customers can vote for the next Windows applications they would most like CodeWeavers to address via operability
testing. Compatibility Center participants can even pledge time and money to see their favorite or essential
Windows applications certified for the Linux desktop.
As part of the Compatibility Center, CodeWeavers will be unveiling a new bug reporting and repair
mechanism that enables users to either notify CodeWeavers with performance bugs for specific Windows applications, or to
assist in their resolution.
During LinuxWorld Expo 2005, CodeWeavers is demonstrating CrossOver Office 5.0 from its exhibit at
Booth 563 at the Moscone Center. For more information about CodeWeavers, CrossOver Office, and The Wine Project,
visit www.codeweavers.com and
www.winehq.org.
About CodeWeavers, Inc.:
Founded in 1996 as a general software consultancy, CodeWeavers today focuses on the development of Wine and other Linux programming solutions. The company's goal is to bring expanded market opportunities for Windows software developers by making it easier, faster, and more painless to port Windows software to Linux. CodeWeavers is recognized as a leader in open-source Windows porting technology, and maintains development offices in Minnesota, California, the Netherlands, and Germany. The company is privately held. For more information about CodeWeavers, log on to www.codeweavers.com.
CrossOver Office is a trademark of CodeWeavers, Inc. All other technologies and brand names are used for information only and remain trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective companies.
