Notes is Lotus's ambitious network software that connects workers within an organization and allows them to share and organize information in ways not possible using conventional network software. The true power of 1-2-3-4's new networking features become apparent when the spreadsheet is shared within an environment created by Lotus's Notes program. Only one worker can modify the file at a given time, however. On a local area network with a shared file server, several workers can view the same 1-2-3 spreadsheet, including the different scenarios, at the same time.
In version manager she will find his explanation: "I think sales will be spectacular in the third quarter because the Sun is ascending in Taurus." The viewer can then choose a scenario or review them all.Ī separate comment box on the version manager window allows workers to add remarks on why they made changes or created scenarios. The version manager maintains a master copy of the spreadsheet and displays, in menu form, all the different scenarios and ranges associated with the file. In the old days, three different interpretations required three different spreadsheets.īut with 1-2-3-4, a single spreadsheet can provide multiple scenarios, each annotated with the name of the person who created it and the time and date it was most recently done. Bull" in marketing, on the other hand, may feel that sales will soar to record levels. Owl's dreary forecast far too optimistic. Bear," in the executive office, may feel the recession will re-emerge, making even Mr. Owl" may construct a spreadsheet showing past, current and projected sales of a company's products, while "Ms. The most important advance is something that Lotus calls version manager, which allows several different people in a group of workers to create their own versions of the same spreadsheet, without overwriting someone else's changes.įor example, in sales, "Mr. Yellow is the most eye-catching retail color, marketers note, and in the boring world of computer software packaging, Lotus will now stand out.īut such marketing details alone are not going to win the spreadsheet wars, and ultimately 1-2-3-4's new features will be the test of its appeal. Lotus has put 1-2-3-4 in a bright yellow box (a color that will be standard for all Lotus products from now on). The reasoning? The company says this puts the spreadsheet more in step with other Lotus products, but the real reason is probably that rival spreadsheets had higher numbers.
LOTUS 123 VIEWER SOFTWARE WINDOWS
While its previous version of 1-2-3 for Windows was Release 1, it decided to skip 2 and 3, and go straight to 4. To meet the market challenge, Lotus is trying some new tricks.
LOTUS 123 VIEWER SOFTWARE PRO
Of course the competition is not standing still at Comdex, Borland showed off a very impressive prototype of its next release of Quattro Pro for Windows, and Microsoft told of plans to bring out a new Excel this fall. Now Lotus finally has a Windows spreadsheet that holds its own with Excel and Quattro Pro, and even surpasses them in some areas. But Lotus fumbled the transition to Windows, arriving late and with an inferior product, and many users of the DOS version of 1-2-3 switched to the Microsoft Corporation's Excel or Borland International's Quattro Pro for Windows. Lotus 1-2-3 is believed to be the single most popular personal computer business application in the world, with millions of customers.
The Lotus Development Corporation has long espoused the gospel of work-group computing, but 1-2-3-4 is the first clear example of how the concept can be applied to basic business applications. Much easier to use than earlier versions of Lotus 1-2-3, this new version - why don't we call it 1-2-3-4 - adds features and powers that will be especially interesting for executives who frequently collaborate on financial plans with other workers.
The impressive new version of the spreadsheet will reach stores later this month after having been previewed at the recent Spring/Comdex computer show in Atlanta. LIKE Wayne Gretzky, Lotus 1-2-3 for Windows, Release 4, is emerging as a leading candidate for the Comeback of the Year award.
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