IBM, Apple outline plan, but questions remain on products, rivals' response

Article Abstract:

Apple and IBM announce their new partnership, but questions linger about how they will develop products and whether other companies will accept their efforts as standards. The two computer manufacturers aim to boost their influence in the microcomputer market and decrease Intel Corp and Microsoft Corp's industry dominance over hardware and software. In recent years, IBM has been dependent on both competitors for supplies; Apple has paved its own road, but has been pressured to increase uniformity in its products. IBM and Apple did not name a top manager for Taligent, the new company formed to battle Microsoft in system software. The two companies did promise to make their products available to competitors in an effort to promote them as commercial standards, but they were vague about how they would reach this goal. The joint venture must still be approved by the US Federal Trade Commission.

Electronic computers, Office machines, not elsewhere classified, Commercial physical research, Computer integrated systems design, Computers, peripherals & software, Management, Product information, Intel Corp., INTC, Standard, Standardization, Joint ventures, International Business Machines Corp., IBM, AAPL, Contracts, MSFT, Leadership, Apple Inc., Industry Analysis, Competition, Joint Venture, New Company, Taligent Inc.

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FTC to hold Feb. 5 meeting on Microsoft; commission will decide whether it will take any antitrust actions

Article Abstract:

The US Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will meet Feb 5, 1993, to decide what antitrust action it will take, if any, against Microsoft Corp, the world's biggest software company. Investors seem unconcerned about the investigation; Microsoft's stock is near a 52-week high. The 2-1/2 year investigation has looked into whether Microsoft's control of the basic operating system for personal computers has allowed it to unfairly dominate competitors. FTC staff lawyers are recommending that the commission seek an injunction against Microsoft on those charges. The FTC could also bar Microsoft units from sharing information with each other in a way that gives them an unfair advantage over competitors. Or, the FTC could decide to take no action. A breakup of Microsoft is not being contemplated.

Computer software industry, Software industry, Investigations, Antitrust law, United States. Federal Trade Commission, Investigation, Antitrust Issue

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Technology

Article Abstract:

Software that is developed according to evolution is in the works. The software would 'grow' slowly, adapting around bugs and becoming smarter with each succeeding generation. The software is being developed at the University of California at Los Angeles; so far, the software is only compatible with sophisticated, expensive neural computers. NV Philips will introduce microprocessors that can handle multiple instructions. The Philips chip, which will use the long-word structure of multiple operation, will cost between $100 and $200 each in batches of 10,000. Touch screens are becoming popular in service, industrial and office sites. Shipments of touch screens increased 24 percent to 226,000 in 1989.

Innovations, Product development, Microprocessor, CPUs (Central processing units), Computer viruses, Algorithms, Product introduction, Algorithm, Virus, Touch screens, Philips Gloeilampenfabrieken N.V., New Product, Computer Industry, Software Design, New Technique, Touch Screen

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