VISUAL SOFTWARE TO BE AVAILABLE WORLDWIDE
By Adnews Staff
The products of U.S.-based Visual Software will be distributed worldwide when Visual is taken over by Micrografx Inc. of Richardson, Texas. Currently, 85% of Visual's revenues come from U.S. markets. The deal, announced last week, is subject to regulatory approval. Visual had $5 million(US) in revenues last year. The merger of the two companies will result in better graphics for Windows 95 and Windows NT, says Microgafx. California-based Visual makes software for 3D graphics and animation. Micrografx will integrate Visual's 3D technology into its own programs, including ABC Graphics Suite and Windows Draw. Meanwhile, Apple Computer of Cupertino, California and Microsoft Corp. of Redmond, Washington are working on competing technologies to sharpen 3-D graphics in computer games. Apple is attempting to make its QuickDraw 3D Rave technology a standard for computers using Microsoft operating systems, as well as for its Macintosh machines. Apple will ship the technology before the end of the month. Microsoft will begin shipping the Windows 95 version of its Direct3D technology in the second quarter, and will follow with versions for Windows NT and Macintosh by the end of the year.