Computer Games Showing Off at Software 97

Employees at a Morrisville company are working around the clock on what could be some of the hottest new computer games ever, but Interactive Magic isn't the only software developer in the Triangle with its eyes on the prize this holiday season.

Some of the holiday's hottest new games are being tested at Interactive Magic in Morrisville as an army of employees works on developing its newest computer games.

Now the company is testing these games right before the holiday shopping season, but it still expects it will be able to get them on the store shelves right around thanksgiving. Lynne Beaman, media spokesperson for Interactive Magic, says there is still work to be done on the new products.

Games aren't the only software hitting the shelves. Dozens of new programs were on display at Software 97, an annual event for startups in the Triangle.

Jeff Barber is the president of the Council for Entrepreneurial Development. He says this is the only conference of its kind that he knows of.

One participating company is about to have its software tested by Microsoft and Compaq. Intrasoft makes a product that simplifies the management of settings for a whole network of computers.

Leonard Homer, vice president for development at Intrasoft, says networking is also an issue at the conference.

You can bet there are other success stories waiting to happen among this year's 28 Software 97 participants.

The Triangle's Council for Entrepreneurial Development says the software business in North Carolina is a $3 billion a year industry.

Photographer:Greg Clark