Space software opens Windows

Integral Systems Inc., Lanham, Md., will release a version of its satellite management software for Microsoft Corp.'s Windows operating systems. Long run under Unix platforms, Epoch provides command, control and analysis functions to operate satellites.

The Windows platform will allow agencies to cut development costs of new systems by using cheaper, off-the-shelf software and hardware, said Steve Chamberlain, chief executive officer of Integral Systems. It could also streamline the transfer of data from Epoch to other programs that run on Windows, such as Excel or PowerPoint. The software will be available in the first quarter of 2004.