Atari founder seeks to break ground with new software; startup firm is to launch product linking phones and desktop computers

Article Abstract:

Nolan Bushnell, who invented Pong, the first commercially successful computer game, and later founded video-game manufacturer Atari Corp, is the chairman of a small start-up company in San Diego, CA, called Octus Inc that plans to unveil its first major software package in early Feb 1993 and begin selling it in 2nd qtr 1993. The Octus software will allow co-workers to exchange on-screen messages about phone calls, transfer calls via computer, pass calls to voice-mail systems and perform other functions. The software will be sold by makers and vendors of telecommunications and computing hardware to corporations with moderate to heavy telephone traffic. Bushnell, while reticent on the prospects for his firm's software, says the new market for products that link computers to telephone systems will be worth billions of dollars within a few years. A Jan 1993 initial public offering raised about $12 million for Octus, Bushnell says.

Management, Computer networks, Product development, Telecommunications systems, Telephone management software, Telephone management systems, Bushnell, Nolan, New Product, New Company, Octus Inc.

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Microsoft to change support policy to charge for calls about Windows

Article Abstract:

Microsoft Corp begins to charge customers who call for technical support for Microsoft Windows. The company also proposes technical support programs ranging from charging customers by the minute on 900 calls to an annual plan costing $20,000 for 24-hour comprehensive service. Software companies are servicing a growing number of users, and the prices of their products are declining, as are their profit margins. More companies are expected to view technical support as a way to create revenue. Free support for Windows is now restricted to the first 90 days after purchase. Thereafter users must choose from a variety of service options that come with a fee. Microsoft maintains that the fees are not intended to earn a profit but rather to enable the company to broaden its services. Application software product technical support remains free for the time being.

Microsoft Corp., Services, Customer service, MSFT, Microsoft Windows (GUI), GUI, Graphical user interfaces, Graphical user interface, Support Services

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