Microsoft Says Software Will Reshape Offices : Computers: Latest technology aims to save steps by linking PCs to telephones, fax machines, printers and copiers.

Dozens of office equipment makers and Microsoft Corp. on Wednesday introduced software that simplifies communication between personal computers, fax machines, printers, copiers, scanners and telephones.

The new software, which will be available within a few months, could transform the role of such machinery in offices and homes and help boost productivity, the leaders of several manufacturing companies said.

Microsoft Chairman Bill Gates said the development represents the convergence of communications and computer technologies.

“The office will be the first place where products based on digital convergence will appear,” Gates said in introducing his company’s software standard, called Microsoft at Work.

In a series of videos that incorporate animation, Microsoft demonstrated ways in which PCs will link fax machines, copiers, telephones and other products that have a computer chip.

“We’re allowing any company to come in and adopt this architecture and develop products that add value,” Gates said.

Microsoft will issue “developers’ kits” to other software companies and to makers of office products to ease their work in creating products compatible with the new system.

Microsoft, the world’s leading computer software publisher, has developed software standards--or interfaces--that allow office machinery to be run from PCs using its Windows operating system.

A worker writing a document on a computer, for instance, could click on a Windows copying machine icon and instantly order 100 copies.

Executives from Compaq Computer Corp., Hewlett-Packard Co., Ricoh Co., Muratec, NEC, Northern Telecom Ltd. and Xerox Corp. appeared with Gates.

The first machines equipped with the standard will be ready by late this year and most companies will ship products before next summer, Gates said.

For small or home offices, the technology will eliminate the overlapping functions of three separate pieces of equipment, Gates said. People will soon be able to buy a personal computer and one device that prints, faxes and copies.

For larger workplaces, the technology offers opportunities to customize office equipment functions, he said. The output of a law firm’s fax machine, for instance, could be reflected on a PC that automatically bills clients.

“To me, it’s kind of amazing this hasn’t happened before,” Gates said.

The Digital Office

Microsoft, the leading software maker, is introducing a product that will allow different devices in any office, including those shown below, to be controlled through personal computers. The idea is to increase efficiency by cutting down on time and paper.

Personal Computer

Phone: PC stores hundreds of phone numbers and dials them.

Personal Communicator: Salesperson in the field uses hand-held communicator to send an order to PC via cellular hookup. Salesperson checks stock of ordered goods from computerized inventory.

Copier: PC sends document to copier, including commands on number of copies, size, collating, etc.

Fax: PC sends document to outgoing fax machine. Incoming fax goes straight to PC.

Source: Microsoft