Windows95 Debut Delayed Again

Microsoft Corp. said Tuesday that it will delay introduction of its latest Windows software until August of next year, sending its stock price sliding and disappointing analysts who hope the Windows95 software will give the whole industry a boost.

The Redmond, Wash., software giant said it wants to be sure it has worked out most of the bugs in the product--a highly sensitive issue in the computer industry right now in light of Intel’s problems with its Pentium microprocessor. Microsoft appeared to be trying to show that it understands consumer requirements and won’t fall into the same trap as Intel.

The postponed introduction will not only delay sales for Microsoft, but for the multibillion-dollar industry that creates compatible software products for Windows95. Tuesday’s announcement is the latest in a series of delays for the software, which promises to be much easier to use than Windows and will boast a variety of built-in features, including an interfacer to Microsoft’s new on-line service.

“We don’t think it bodes ill,” said J. Neil, computer analyst at Hambrecht & Quist Inc. “But unfortunately, it’s a pattern with Microsoft where they aggressively project availability dates for what proves to be very complicated technology.”

Weintraut predicted September as the most likely introduction date for the new Windows.