Microsoft link key for Sequent's new computer. (Microsoft Corp.; Sequent Computer Systems Inc.)

After eight months of top-secret development work, Portland-based Sequent Computer Systems Inc. this week revealed its plans to develop a line of computers using Microsoft Corp.'s much-awaited Windows NT operating system software.

Sequent chairman and CEO Casey Powell says his company will have a working prototype of a Sequent machine running Windows NT at an August conference. The Portland company is the only computer maker to have such a head start, Powell claims.

Moving to Windows NT (for New Technology) is a momentous strategic change for Sequent. It moves the company more firmly than ever into the desktop computer arena and away from its traditional minicomputer niche. Sequent hopes to sell its machine as a server …