NewWave
| Company type | Software product |
|---|---|
| Industry | Computer software |
| Founded | 1988 |
| Founder | Hewlett-Packard |
| Headquarters | Santa Clara , United States |
| Products | Graphical desktop environment, office productivity suite |
NewWave was an object-oriented graphical desktop environment and office productivity suite designed for PCs operating early versions of Microsoft Windows (beginning with Windows 2.0). Created by Hewlett-Packard and launched commercially in 1988, it was primarily deployed on HP Vectra models and other IBM-compatible personal computers.
Operating as an overlay on Windows, NewWave substituted the default Windows Desktop and Program Manager interfaces with its proprietary object-oriented desktop system. HP actively supported NewWave until the introduction of Windows 95, after which development halted due to compatibility issues. Its graphical user interface, along with the contemporary NeXTSTEP system, pioneered the shaded "3-D look and feel" that later became standard in many desktop environments.
HP motivated independent software vendors to create applications that utilized NewWave's object-oriented capabilities. For instance, Samna Corporation (which was later acquired by Lotus Software) produced "Ami Pro for NewWave," a specialized edition of their Windows word processor. On June 20, 1988, a joint announcement by Microsoft Corporation and Hewlett-Packard revealed plans to incorporate NewWave support into an upcoming version of Microsoft Excel.
Among its notable functionalities were icon-based navigation, scheduled scripts known as "agents," and dynamic "hot connects." HP incorporated NewWave into their cross-platform office automation solutions on proprietary systems such as MPE and HP-UX (UNIX) minicomputer operating systems. They developed a range of applications under the “HP NewWave Office” label, including email, database management, document handling, productivity tools, communications, and network administration software. This suite was previously branded as “Business System Plus.” The term “NewWave Office” also denoted the primary NewWave user interface.
Overview
In a press release dated November 1987, Hewlett-Packard introduced NewWave as “an application environment crafted to offer personal computer users a unified approach to accessing data and files from various sources across a company’s network.” Developed by HP’s Personal Software Division (PSD) based in Santa Clara, California, the project aligned with HP’s strategy for distributed computing following three years of development involving more than 100 staff members.
The initial release of NewWave operated on IBM-compatible PCs requiring at least MS-DOS 3.2 and Windows 2.0 or newer.
Highlighted features included:
- A user interface centered on icons.
- An Object Management Facility (OMF) that supplanted the conventional MS-DOS/Windows file system.
- “Hot connects,” which automatically synchronized related files when data was updated.
- AI-driven Agents capable of automating processes such as generating sales reports by learning and reproducing user-defined workflows.
Pricing
- HP NewWave Developers Kit (February 1988): $895 (US)
- HP NewWave end-user edition (released in the latter half of 1988): $195 (US)
Object Management Facility (OMF)
HP marketed OMF as a technology that linked applications and data into cohesive “objects,” facilitating compound documents and improved integration.
Contextual online help
Beyond the conventional indexed help system, NewWave introduced a context-aware help feature that let users enter a ‘help mode.’ In this mode, clicking any interface component brought up a targeted assistance pop-up, significantly enhancing the effectiveness of user support.
Computer-based training
Embedded within the NewWave Agent, NewWave's computer-based training allowed developers to incorporate interactive tutorials directly into desktop environments and applications. This approach enabled users to practice with live software in a safe, non-destructive setting. Nonetheless, this functionality was phased out in subsequent releases due to its substantial disk space requirements, which surpassed the limited storage capacities of personal computers at that time.
Agent
The NewWave Agent served as a cross-application task recorder and executor. It enabled users to capture sequences of actions performed within NewWave, producing BASIC-like source code that could either be run immediately or customized to develop sophisticated automated and interactive workflows.
Built-in and bridged applications
NewWave included native applications fully integrated with its Object Management Facility, Agent, Online Help, and training systems. Applications not originally designed for NewWave were incorporated via “advanced bridges,” which embedded live data into compound documents. The standard HP NewWave suite came with bridges for HP’s own PC software (such as HP Graphics Gallery) and widely used third-party programs like Microsoft Windows utilities (calculator, calendar, notepad). Users had the option to create their own bridges using the Bridge Builder tool, export them for use on other platforms, and distribute them within the NewWave user community.
NewWave Write
HP marketed NewWave Write as a WYSIWYG word processor aimed at basic to intermediate users, supporting the creation of compound documents.
NewWave Mail
Offered as an independent native application, NewWave Mail functioned as a client for HP’s proprietary DeskManager and OpenMail email servers.
Third-party applications
Following the launch of the NewWave Software Developer’s Kit (SDK) in February 1988, HP successfully cultivated a third-party developer ecosystem. Prominent third-party software available for NewWave included:
| Application | Vendor | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2-3 Version 2.2 | Lotus Development Corporation | Spreadsheet software |
| ABC FlowCharter | Roykore Inc | Tool for creating flowcharts |
| Ami and Ami Professional | Samna Corporation | Word processing packages ranging from intermediate to advanced levels |
| Business Session | Tymlabs Corporation | Terminal emulation with scripting capabilities |
| Charisma | Micrografx Inc. | Software for business charting and graphing |
| Da Vinci eMAIL | Da Vinci Systems | LAN-based electronic mail solution |
| DynaComm | Future Soft Engineering Inc. | PC-to-host communications featuring script automation |
| Excel | Microsoft Corporation | Spreadsheet application |
| Forest & Trees | Channel Computing | Intelligent database management software |
| IconArtist | AimTech Corporation | Graphics painting program |
| IconAuthor | AimTech Corporation | Multimedia development tool based on icons |
| INERTIA | Modern Computer Aided Engineering Inc. | Computer-aided engineering (CAE) software solution |
| MicroView Fax | Microview Inc. | Networked multi-user fax system |
| PowerPlay | Cognos Corporation | Graphical tool for management reporting |
| Transactor | Systems Interface Inc. | UNIX communications and decision support software |
| VideoWindows NW | New media Graphics | Integration of full-motion video |
Integration with Third-Party Software
The NewWave user edition featured connectors to widely used third-party programs, improving interoperability:
| Software | Provider | Overview |
|---|---|---|
| 1-2-3 Rel.2.01 | Lotus Development Corporation | Spreadsheet application |
| Ami 1.0 | Samna Corporation | Word processing software |
| Excel 2.1 | Microsoft Corporation | Spreadsheet program |
| MultiMate Advantage II 1.0 | Multimate International | Word processing suite |
| PageMaker 3.0 | Adobe Systems | Desktop publishing tool |
| Paint | Microsoft Corporation | Basic graphics editor |
| Quattro | Borland Software Corporation | Spreadsheet software |
| VP Planner Plus | Stephenson Software Inc. | Database management software |
| WordPerfect 4.2 / 5.0 / 5.1 | WordPerfect Corporation | Word processing suite |
| WordStar Professional 5.0 / 5.5 | MicroPro | Word processing suite |
| Write 2.1 and Word 4.0 | Microsoft Corporation | Entry-level and advanced word processors |
Development History
Throughout its eight-year tenure, HP NewWave experienced multiple enhancements both in functionality and appearance, including a redesign of the desktop interface and the elimination of the integrated Computer Based Training module.
Legal Challenge from Apple
NewWave faced a failed "look and feel" lawsuit initiated by Apple due to its perceived resemblance to the Classic Mac OS interface (refer to Apple v. Microsoft).
Critical Response
In 1988, Stewart Alsop II recognized HP's earnest attempt to create a comprehensive, object-oriented graphical user interface for Windows but expressed doubts about widespread developer endorsement. He pointed out that HP lacked a reputation as an industry standard bearer, while IBM and Microsoft pursued rival desktop solutions, and existing applications would need substantial reworking to fully utilize NewWave's capabilities.
Although NewWave did not achieve broad adoption among general users, it was deployed by various corporate clients for office automation initiatives, such as:
- BT BoaT – a significant office automation program at British Telecom.
- Royal Insurance – a desktop computing project based in Liverpool.
- N&P – National and Provincial building society located in Bradford.
- TSB Trust Company – implementation of desktop infrastructure.
Additionally, HP licensed NewWave technology to other hardware vendors:
- Data General incorporated it into their CEO Object Office, an add-on for their CEO Office system.
- NCR Corporation developed their Cooperation software building on NewWave technology.
Impact and Legacy
In January 1990, HP revealed intentions to expand NewWave's functionality to Unix with Motif support and on OS/2 via Presentation Manager. Although these versions never materialized, HP contributed elements of NewWave technology to projects managed by the Open Software Foundation, where it held membership.
Version Release Timeline
| Version | Release Date | HP Product # | Internal Version | Distribution Format | Remarks |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1987 | 5¼-inch / 3½-inch floppy disks | Alpha and beta pre-release versions | |||
| February 1988 | 5¼-inch / 3½-inch floppy disks | Software Development Kit (SDK) | |||
| 1.0 | Late 1988 | D1704 | 5¼-inch / 3½-inch floppy disks | Initial end-user launch | |
| 2.0 | 1989 | ||||
| 3.0 | 1990 | D1704B | 5¼-inch / 3½-inch floppy disks | Option AA8 for 3½-inch; Option AA9 for 5¼-inch disks | |
| 4.0 | 1992 | Evaluation release: HP NewWave 4 Working Model | |||
| 4.0 | 1992 | ||||
| 4.1 | 1992 | D1704D | C.02.00 | Marketed as HP NewWave Office 4.1 | |
| 4.5 | 1995 | C.03.00 | Available only in English language edition | ||
| 4.5 patch | July 1995 | C.03.04 | US English language version exclusively |
Further reading
The August 1989 edition of the Hewlett-Packard Journal (volume 40, issue 4) contains the following articles:
- Ian J. Fuller’s "A Comprehensive Introduction to the HP NewWave Environment."
- Peter S. Showman’s "Object-Oriented User Interface Design within the HP NewWave Environment."
- John A. Dysart’s "Managing Objects in the NewWave Environment."
- Beatrice Lam, Scott A. Hanson, and Anthony J. Day’s "Tools and Techniques of the NewWave Office User Interface."
- Glenn R. Stearns’ "HP NewWave Application Programming Interface and Agents."
- Barbara B. Packard and Charles H. Whelan’s "Developing Scripts Using an Extensible Agent Task Language in Hewlett-Packard NewWave."
- Vicky Spilman and Eugene J. Wong’s "Help System Features in the HP NewWave Environment."
- Lawrence A. Lynch-Freshner, R. Thomas Watson, Brian B. Egan, and John J. Jencek’s "Development Tools for Computer-Based Training in NewWave."
- William M. Crow’s "Application Encapsulation Techniques in the NewWave Environment."
- Thomas F. Kraemer’s "Object-Oriented Software Technology in Product Development."