Microsoft Creates a Unit for Mac Software

Microsoft Corp. said it has formed a unit to write software for Apple Computer Inc.’s computers in an effort to reassure Apple customers that it will continue to support the Macintosh platform. The world’s largest software maker said it has allocated 100 programmers and engineers to work specifically on Macintosh products. Redmond, Wash.-based Microsoft also released the latest Macintosh version of its suite of desktop-productivity software, Microsoft Office. Cupertino, Calif.-based Apple said it will begin including Microsoft Office with its computers in the U.S. for the first time. It also agreed to ship Microsoft’s Internet Explorer with its computers, but it also will ship Netscape Communications Corp.’s rival Internet-browsing software. . . . In a separate development, Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Co. sued Microsoft, alleging that a Microsoft software program due out later this month infringes its Post-It notes trademark. Microsoft’s new Office 97 program will include a computer representation of yellow notes that can be repositioned on the screen and attached to computer documents. The feature, similar to 3M’s popular adhesive-backed notes and a software version introduced in March, can be accessed by typing “Post-It” or “3M Post-It,” 3M charged in federal court in St. Paul, Minn., where the company is based. 3M wants an injunction that would force Microsoft to remove any reference to Post-It or any similar mark from its products. Microsoft countered that it doesn’t use “Post-It” to refer to Office 97’s new notes function.