Digital phones and games take to the air

Article Abstract:

In-Flight Phone Corp's FlightLink is an airline telecommunications system that offers a digital telephone service, a fax service and a video game service. The service, which has various advantages and disadvantages, is currently being used in 10 of USAir's Boeing 757s. FlightLink service is provided via video screens in front of passengers seats that light up when passengers remove a handset from their armrests. The service is clearly explained and easy to use, except that passengers must use a cursor to input one letter at a time when they want to type in a message. Payment, which is made by credit card, can be expensive for a telephone call, but passengers may send faxes for the relatively inexpensive rate of $1.50 each. Passengers may also receive stock quotes or play video games, which range from simple to overly complex. Quality of telephone connections is disappointing.

Electronic parts and equipment, Evaluation, Product information, Telecommunications systems, Telecommunication systems, Telecommunications Service, In-Flight Phone Corp., In-Flight Phone FlightLink (Telecommunications equipment)

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Wang Labs sees further growth in the Far East

Article Abstract:

Wang Laboratories predicts continued growth in Asian-Pacific sales in spite of domestic financial problems. Revenue from this market rose 20 percent from 1988 despite a FY 1989 overall loss of $424.3 million. Far East revenues make up only about 12 percent of Wang's FY 1989 revenue of $3.03 billion, but lower operating costs and higher profit margins from Asian-Pacific operations could raise that share considerable when placed against the flattened revenue growth in the US and Europe. Wang reports that no Asian manufacturing operations would close under the company's restructuring plans, nor would Wang's support of the Golden Gate Development and Investment Fund be affected. A possible agreement with Reliance Group of Bombay to manufacture microcomputers in India may open up even more Asian market growth.

Asia, International trade, Growth (Physiology), Forecasting, Sales, Wang Laboratories Inc., Growth, Computer Industry, Reorganization, Financial Report, WANC

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Off to South Africa: as U.S. firms return to land of apartheid, Lotus feels its way; business there isn't as usual, but Digital Equipment joins rush to invest, too: barring guns at the office

Article Abstract:

Lotus Development Corp has started doing business in South Africa, and DEC will open a subsidiary there on Jul 1, 1993. The moves come as the South African government prepares to hold multiracial elections and as the Clinton administration makes ready to lift its economic sanctions. Lotus says doing business in South Africa is different from doing business elsewhere. Political and social conditions remain tense, and threat of violence overshadows many aspects of life. The economy is slowed, and bureaucracies are inefficient. Overall, there hangs the moral issue of doing business in a society that still denies suffrage to 83 percent of its population. Lotus has encountered difficulties, but the company's experiences could make it easier for other companies that follow.

Prepackaged software, Computer peripheral equipment, not elsewhere classified, Computer integrated systems design, Computer software industry, Software industry, South Africa, Lotus Development Corp., Social conditions, Digital Equipment Corp., Social Issue, Social Responsibility

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