Silicon Graphics to buy makers of special-effects software tools

Article Abstract:

Silicon Graphics Inc acquires Alias Research Inc and Wavefront Technologies Inc, two special-effects software companies, for a stock swap worth $500 million. Alias Research cost Silicon Graphics $3365 million, while Wavefront was bought for $135 million. Alias' shares rose 20% on Nasdaq, closing at $26 a share, while Wavefront's shares went up by 12.5 cents, to $14.25 a share, when the news spread. Silicon Graphics' shares, on the other hand, closed at $31 a share, down 62.5 cents, on the New York Stock Exchange. Analysts say the acquisition makes strategic sense since it will catapult Silicon Graphics into a major role in the $125 million entertainment software market. It will also give the company a major ammunition against the competitive threat of Microsoft, which bought Softimage Inc, Alias' main rival, in early 1994.

Software Publishers, Graphics Software Pkgs (Micro), Microcomputers, Computer software industry, Computer industry, Software industry, Mergers, acquisitions and divestments, Silicon Graphics Inc., SGI, Graphics software, Wavefront Technologies Inc., Alias Research Inc., ADDDF, Company Acquisition Merger

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CyberSource begins to offer software of Symantec and others on the Internet

Article Abstract:

CyberSource Corp claims it has become the first company to distribute other developers' software titles, such as Symantec Corp's popular Norton Utilities program, via the Internet. Users can download free versions of nearly 20 titles to try them out. At the end of 30 days, the customer must call and pay for the software or it will delete itself from storage. Software developers are taking advantage of the free trial method to access millions of potential Internet customers, saying the risk of having their programs stolen is worth the exposure. Until recently, attempts have been made by companies to market individual products. Through the signing of a prominent vendor such as Symantec, CyberSource is aiming to push Internet distribution to the mainstream commercial audience.

On-Line Information Services, Communication services, not elsewhere classified, Home TV Data Service, Applications Software, Software, Product information, Internet, Marketing, Distribution, Company marketing practices, Product distribution, CyberSource Corp., Videotex systems

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