IBM is ending Olympics deal in cost dispute

Article Abstract:

IBM ended its sponsorship of the Olympic Games after failing to reach an eight-year pact with the International Olympic Committee (IOC). Discussions broke down over how much money IBM and local organizing committees should pay to continue the 38-year relationship, IBM said. The development also illustrates the high cost of corporate marketing and sports. IBM spent more than $100 million and donated much of the technology as one of 11 sponsors at the 1998 Winter Games in Nagano, Japan. The IOC angered IBM by deciding to solicit separate sponsorship for handling Internet services and Web sites for the Games. IBM has handled the two key responsibilities for the 1998 Nagano Games and the 1996 Atlanta Games. The Guinness Book of World Records has officially credited the IBM Internet site for establishing two world records as the Most Popular Internet Event Ever Recorded and Most Hits On An Internet Site In One Minute, IBM said. IBM received 634,716,480 hits over 16 days and 110,414 hits in one minute respectively at the Nagano Games.

Services, Contracts, Company Web site/Web page, Web sites (World Wide Web), Contract agreement, Company services, International Olympic Committee

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IBM retreats from selling simple NetPCs

Article Abstract:

IBM has decided to discontinue plans for selling NetPCs, or less-powerful versions of desktop machines that will compete with network computers for corporate customers. The move follows IBM's NetPC prototype demonstration in Jun 1997. IBM, which also manufactures network computers, thereby departs from NetPC backers such as Intel and Microsoft. IBM said a growing number of corporate users have preferred to maintain PCs' built-in network management capabilities that facilitate end use. NetPCs, which lack drives for floppy disks and CD-ROMs, are under the control of network managers. IBM is acknowledging that most of its current users do not want to surrender PC computing power. NetPCs were designed as a lower-price alternative for companies whose workers who do not require conventional PCs. Falling hardware prices are placing additional pressure on NetPC prices that average $1,000.

Hardware product development, Product development, Computer hardware, Network computers, Network computer, Information appliances, Product discontinuation

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IBM to name MCI's Maine finance chief

Article Abstract:

IBM will name MCI's chief financial officer, Douglas L. Maine, as its finance chief. An announcement could be made within the week, according to insiders. Maine will succeed G. Richard Thoman, who departed IBM in Jun 1997 to become pres of Xerox. The 48-year-old Maine has been CIO at MCI since 1992, and prior to that served as the telephone company's controller and a senior vice pres of finance. Maine, who has been with MCI since 1978, also headed a 14-state operating division. Questions surrounding Maine include his lack of operational or international experience, as well as his close connection with MCI's failed attempt to merge with British Telecommunications (BT). Maine was CFO of Concert PLC, the combined BT-MCI entity. Lawrence Ricciardi, IBM's interim financial chief, will resume his regular duties as senior vice pres and general counsel.

Management, Officials and employees, MCI Communications Corp., MCIC, Company executive, Computer executives, Company Business Management

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