Representatives from Unix-based computer manufacturers gathered at DEC’s western regional laboratory in Palo Alto to discuss their fears concerning the increasingly close relationship between Sun Microsystems and AT&T. The companies think that Sun will have an unfair advantage in product design because of the knowledge it will have concerning the direction of Unix through its work with AT&T. Employees from Apollo Computer, DEC, Hewlett-Packard, NCR, Unisys, Data General and Tandem last week signed a letter sent to AT&T asking for a meeting with Vittorio Cassoni, head of AT&T’s computer operations. The companies want to have their own technical staff helping AT&T and Sun with the development work. According to the Wall Street Journal some companies are suggesting that if AT&T will not let them become involved in the joint development effort with Sun, they may file a lawsuit charging restraint of trade and others are thinking of setting up their own Unix development group.
UNIX VENDORS EXPRESS DISMAY, THREATEN ACTION OVER AT&T-SUN AGREEMENT
