Comdisco follows industry fancy in computer choice: lessor plots shift to smaller machines and networks from IBM mainframes

Article Abstract:

Comdisco Inc, the nation's largest lessor of computers, is following the trends of users by increasing the emphasis it places on smaller machines. Comdisco's growth in the 1980s was based on leasing IBM mainframes and peripherals to Fortune 500 customers. Comdisco's profits have been fluctuating since mid-1990, as more and more companies have moved to smaller, networked computers. Recent revenues have grown slightly, from $2.17 billion in 1991 to $2.21 billion in 1992, while net income fell from $69.0 million in 1991 to a $9.0 million loss in 1992. On Jan 7, 1992, Comdisco's stock on the New York Stock Exchange closed at $14.50, down 41 percent from its 1992 high of $24.625. Comdisco faces litigation from IBM, its biggest competitor; investors also fret about the effect of problems at IBM's mainframe division on Comdisco.

Computers, peripherals & software, Computer rental & leasing, Computer services industry, Information technology services industry, Business planning, Company Profile, Computer system conversion, Comdisco Inc., Financial Analysis Software, System Conversion

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Blue-green laser chip developed by 3M increases the storage capacity of discs

Article Abstract:

Minnesota Mining & Manufacturing Co (3M) reports development of a blue-green laser diode. The device is described as 'a major breakthrough in laser technology.' It is expected to triple or quadruple the data that can be stored on an optical disc. 3M says it will probably be two years before the company's 'semiconductor diode' will result in commercial products because some technical hurdles still remain. The new diode uses zinc selenide as a semiconducting material and takes advantages of 'doping,' a chemical treatments that makes the compound more effective. Semiconductor diodes become capable of storing more information as the wavelengths they generate become shorter. 3M's laser diode reportedly generates the shortest wavelength so far achieved.

Surgical appliances and supplies, Optical instruments and lenses, Research, 3M Co., MMM, Industrial research, Compact discs, Optical disks (Storage media), Product introduction, LEDs, Lasers, Optoelectronic devices, CD-ROM disks, Optical disk drives, Laser, Optical disks, Diodes, Semiconductor, Semiconductor diodes, Research and Development, New Technique, Light-Emitting Diodes, Optical Disk Drive, CD-ROM Technology

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Compumat net in third period to rise slightly

Article Abstract:

Compumat Inc will report that its net income rose between 1/7 percent and 12% during its 3rd qtr ended Aug 31, 1989, despite a 68 percent leap in sales. Even though sales are strong, computer resellers' profit margins are traditionally thin, compressed even further by stiff competition. Compumat's net income will range from $190,000 to $210,000, about 9 to 11 cents per share on a $25 million revenue. In 1988, Compumat had net of $186.774, or 10 cents per share, on revenue of $14.9 million. Compumat reports that its earnings would have been around 3 cents a share higher, but the company accumulated expenses during a recently failed agreement to be acquired by an investment firm.

Computer integrated systems design, Profits, VARs (Value added resellers), Value-added resellers, Competition, Third Quarter, Profit, Compumat Inc., CPT

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