IBM, in its dress shoes, chases software success

Article Abstract:

IBM Chief of Software John M. Thompson runs the largest software company in the world. The 53-year old Thompson has 29 years with IBM. Unlike his younger, more stylish and colorful peers Bill Gates and Larry Ellison, Thompson is humble, avoids confrontation and dresses traditionally in blue blazers and wingtips. IBM has traditionally viewed software as a means of selling hardware, and has been criticized for slow development cycles and poor support for platforms other than its own. Software sales were up 6% in 1995 from the year before, compared to Microsoft's 39% increase. Before taking charge of IBM's software, Thompson started IBM's service department, now its second biggest revenue producer. He later rejuvenated mainframe and midrange systems sales. These feats gained him admittance to CEO Lou Gerstner's cabinet of close advisors. Much of IBM's success in the consumer PC software market rests on the fate of Lotus Notes.

Computer Software, Software, Personality profile

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Virtual recruiter: software that reads resumes

Article Abstract:

Many organizations are using virtual recruitment software programs to facilitate their job placement needs. These programs allow employers to enter received resumes into a database that can be searched to fill current and future job vacancies. While this simplifies the placement process for companies, job seekers' efforts are slightly complicated. Job descriptions and qualifications must be written so that the computer recognizes an individual's abilities. Although resume tracking software searches for key words and helps give information some context, some analysts are concerned about granting such control to a computer. While the computer performs the review process more quickly, it may miss the subtleties and differences that make a good employee. On another level, the system benefits job seekers because their resumes will remain in the database if they miss one job opportunity.

Applications Software Pkgs NEC (Micro), Usage, Applications software, Human resource management software, Industry hiring, Human resource management systems, Human resource information systems, Human resources management software

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I.B.M. names 2 to fill vacancy at top of Lotus

Article Abstract:

IBM names Lotus employees Michael D. Zisman and Jeffrey Papows to serve as chief executive officer and chief operating officer, respectively, after the resignation of former Lotus CEO Jim P. Manzi. IBM's quick response to the unexpected resignation seems to have prevented the departure of top Lotus officials. Most notably, the company notes that Ray Ozzie, the chief Lotus Notes developer, plans to stay with IBM through the release of Notes 4.0. Ozzie had a close working relationship with Manzi, who strongly supported Notes. Zisman has been at Lotus one year and Papows approximately two years, but both have been primarily focused on the Notes product, making them ideal candidates for the new positions. The two will report to IBM Sr. VP John M. Thompson in a structure that analysts believe will allow for excellent communications between the IBM and its new acquisition.

Communications Software NEC, Telecommunications software, Company Operations, Company Employee, Company Employee Status Change

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