Catching on to the coat tails of the downsizing rush just in time, CA said that it was surprised by the demands from its users for it to develop migratory and Unix-based applications - a far cry it admits from its traditional stronghold in the mainframe market.

Windows Vista and Windows 7 Enterprise and Ultimate Editions also contain the Services for Unix components, now called the Subsystem for UNIX-based applications (SUA), and Client for NFS v3.

Third parties offer Active Directory integration for Unix platforms (including UNIX, Linux, Mac OS X, and a number of Java and UNIX-based applications), including:

Following its decision to move into the Unix arena (UX No 317), Computer Associates International, is angling to get its first batch of Unix-based applications out the door by the end of the year.

They also formed strong partnerships with SCO's value-added reseller market and started laying the groundwork for OEM sales of Unix-based vertical applications.

Unisys executives said that the machines were aimed at the commercial market for Unix-based applications.

The API toolkit, developed for Unix-based applications, will allow existing software to be front-ended with a traditional OfficePower look and feel.

Dun & Bradstreet will work with Hewlett and Data General to develop Unix-based applications for its 12,000 corporate customers.

UI says Application Linking capabilities will significantly enhance the attractiveness of Unix-based applications in general-use environments.