IBM's new database software takes aim at Web-based market

Article Abstract:

IBM is preparing the shipment of DB2 Universal Database, a powerful and user-friendly database program. IBM hopes the versatile software will boost its new plan to target businesses that access databases from World Wide Web browsers. IBM is touting the DB2 Universal Database not only as capable of handling business tasks as large as airline reservations, but also meeting the needs of small and medium-sized businesses. The DB2 Universal Database represents part of an IBM plan to widen its 30% share of the $5.7 billion business-database market, according to Dataquest calculations. Oracle leads the industry with a 30% share. Some early corporate customers are praising the database's multimedia capabilities, but others wonder whether a single database will meet the rising demand for Internet-based multimedia applications. IBM since the mid-1980s had focused on high-end clients, vacating the market segment that relied on desktop computers.

Computer software industry, Software industry, Product introduction, Product Announcement, Database management systems, DBMS software, DBMS, Networking software product introduction, DB2 Universal Database (DBMS)

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IBM to revamp struggling home-PC business

Article Abstract:

IBM is expected to announce that its home PC consumer division will be folded into the company's operation that manufactures business PCs. The restructuring will lay off hundreds of employees involved in several aspects of the combined division, according to industry executives. Big Blue has suffered from the increasing popularity of under-$1,000 PCs. IBM expects to lose more than $300 million in 1997 from its Aptiva home models, including hundreds of dollars per Aptiva sale. Consumer division GM James Firestone will still remain in charge of Aptiva marketing and sales, plus IBM's new consumer-software business. Firestone will gain and lose other responsibilities. IBM still has no model in an under-$1,000 price range, which now accounts for 40% of retail computer sales, according to Computer Intelligence. By comparison, the market totaled 9% in Feb 1997. IBM formed the consumer division in 1995.

Electronic computers, Electronic Computer Manufacturing, Analog & Hybrid Computers, Management, Microcomputers, Microcomputer industry, Reorganization and restructuring, Home Computer Market, Company Restructuring/Company Reorganization

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IBM's profit tops forecasts on soft sales

Article Abstract:

IBM earned $1.36 billion, or $1.38 a share, in 3rd qtr 1997 net income. The report compares to $1.29 billion, or $1.23 a share, for the 3rd qtr 1996. Analysts had projected net revenue of $1.36 a share for the 3rd qtr 1997, according to the First Call tracking service. Revenue over the same period increased to $18.6 billion, which represents a 3% growth over $18.1 billion in the 3rd qtr 1996. The results illustrated how IBM is faring well in financial management areas such as tax rates and share buybacks. IBM, meanwhile, is having difficulty in boosting revenues and profits from its principal businesses. Revenue from hardware was a flat $8.3 billion, while the company announced a 2% drop in software revenue to $3 billion and maintenance revenue dipped 9% to $1.6 billion. Computer services' 20% jump to $4.7 billion accounted for the lone strong service increase.

Computer Software, Software Publishers, Software, Finance, Company sales and earnings, Company Sales/Revenue, Company Earnings/Profit

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