IBM 'help' plan for PC users angers dealers
Article Abstract:
IBM's intention to provide support services to users of its own and other manufacturers' equipment generates ill-feelings among the company's distributors and dealers. Agents and dealers feel that IBM is infringing on their markets. If IBM offers support services, the company will be competing against its own dealers. Support services are among the most cost effective 'products' that dealers offer; IBM's entry is considered a violation of the basic rule of business that a company should not compete against its distributor or any other part of its distribution channel. IBM believes that its new service will target a small segment of the microcomputer market and will not interfere with dealers' business. The difficulties come at the end of a year-long effort by IBM to improve relations with dealers by offering assistance, better communications and cooperative funding.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1989
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IBM said to plan computers for use in mobile systems
Article Abstract:
IBM is reportedly developing a microcomputer to be used as part of a mobile communications system that uses satellite links. IBM has declined to comment about the product, which one industry analyst says would be used mainly in the transportation industry to keep track of location and status of trucks, trains or airplanes. Terminals would be carried on board the vehicles and would communicate with information centers and terminals on other vehicles via satellite communications equipment. The market for such equipment was $50 million in 1989, but the market is expected to reach $4.15 billion by 1995. If IBM is able to be among the first to introduce the satellite terminal, company sales could be as high as $1 billion on the product by 1995. The terminal is rumoured to be debuting during 1st qtr 1990.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1990
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PC complexity confounds many dealers; 'server' lines put some buyers in frustration mode
Article Abstract:
Computer network users express concern and ambivalence over purchasing file servers at the Comdex/Fall 1990 computer conference. File servers work as traffic cops on computer networks but are becoming increasingly complex, especially considering that computer networks were first introduced to make things easier. The increasing complexity is making life difficult for the traditional microcomputer dealer since it requires much training and constant update to competently sell the products. Manufacturers are having trouble providing support since they have to keep costs down to compete in the price wars endemic to the industry.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1990
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