Big Blue cultivates new markets by thinking small; eschewing the 'do-it-ourselves' approach, IBM buys into niche players

Article Abstract:

Since early 1988, IBM Corp has acquired more than $500 of equity in small US businesses. Analysts regard this as an attempt by the computer giant to forge new revenue by expanding into niche markets. Some analysts also view this as an indication that IBM has finally recognized that if it is to remain as a market leader, it must to ensure leading business applications are tailored to IBM computers. IBM even has a separate business unit, the Application Solutions Division, to ensure that the company has an application for every major segment of every major market. Software publishers look upon an alliance with IBM as a ready-made way to boost unit sales. IBM investment in a company is often viewed by analysts as a marketing technique, showing the industry that it is serious about a specific product line or planned development.

Investments, Small business, Stockholder, Strategic Planning, Computer Industry, Stock

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Groupe Bull says it's considering link in technology with IBM or Hewlett

Article Abstract:

Groupe Bull is negotiating with both IBM and Hewlett-Packard Co about the possibility of a technology agreement. Bull is especially interested in reduced instruction set computing (RISC) technology. According to Bull's chairman, Francis Lorentz, any final agreement will require the company involved to make a small equity investment in Bull. Lorentz adds that a final agreement will require time because any proposals must be submitted to the French government for approval. Both IBM and Hewlett-Packard are said to be interested in a possible agreement with Bull to open outlets for marketing their products in Europe.

Office machines, not elsewhere classified, Instruments to measure electricity, Planning, Product development, France, Hewlett-Packard Co., HWP, Business planning, Compagnie des Machines Bull, Technology transfer, RISC based computers, Cooperative Agreements, RISC, RISC processors, Reduced-instruction-set computers

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