In June, sales of Unix systems and software to UK computer dealers outstripped those of MS-DOS, claims a new report from Twickenham, Middlesex-based Wharton Information Systems Ltd. MS-DOS generated UKP106.3m, and Unix, when the full system is configured and priced, generated UKP152.7m. According to the report, the two spectacular performers were Sun Microsystems Inc and ICL Plc, which dominated sales of workstations and servers respectively. However, the growth of workstation business, which accounted for 67% of Unix sales – servers took 14% – is matched by the relative decline in sales of multi-user systems, which represented only 7% of systems sold in that period, with Altos Computer Systems taking top spot in that sector. Personal computers accounted for 12% of Unix sales, with IBM Corp leading Compaq Computer Corp in shipments. Unix System Laboratories Inc’s Unix System V is the dominant operating choice, with Sun’s Sparc RISC chip the preferred processor. Interestingly, two years ago, only 4% of single-user personal computers sold by the dealers on Wharton’s panel were shipped with Unix where the figure now is over 20%. Of Wharton’s dealer panel, which is surveyed every month, half said that they have reduced staffing levels, product ranges and promotional budgets and are heading for niche markets as fast as they can in response to the current recession in the UK. However, while the other half have frozen or reduced staff levels, they have increased both the product ranges offered and their promotional budgets in pursuit of the box-shifting market.
