Lotus ads take blunt pokes at Microsoft
Article Abstract:
Lotus Development Corp has been targeting Microsoft Corp and its founder in a series of aggressive advertisements that compare the software giant to the story of the emperor's new clothes. In 1992, Microsoft ads targeted Lotus' long-popular 1-2-3 spreadsheet program. Lotus' new campaign appears to have riled Microsoft, though, which has sent out a letter demanding an end to the mocking ads. A Microsoft spokeswoman calls the Lotus ads 'inaccurate and misleading.' Lotus' ad agency is Hill Holliday Connors Cosmopulos. Lotus, which has less than one-third of Microsoft's revenues, has responded by promising a new round of anti-Microsoft ads. One observer says computer ads tend to be more combative than most because buyers are highly knowledgable and have access to lots of information. Still, the new Lotus effort appears to be raising computer advertising to a new level of abrasiveness.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1993
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Computer screen saver becomes latest medium for the message
Article Abstract:
Advertising may soon appear on screen savers, those ubiquitous programs that spin across inactive computer screens. Home Run Software Productions of Claremont, CA, and Modeum Media of Westport, CT, are among the firms pitching advertising agencies and clients with the idea of putting ads on screen savers. Home Run has already put together a prototype program for Nike. Ads might include sweepstakes and sports schedules. Home Run is developing screen-savers for Minnesota Mining and Manufacturing, which will include the programs in each 10-pack of diskettes that 3M sells. 3M and an advertiser would pay Home Run a royalty. The potential market for screen-savers with advertising is huge, but even their most ardent proponents admit that users might quickly become annoyed. Advertising executives say that careful planning must be done to make the new medium effective.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1993
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IBM puts its PC advertising up for grabs
Article Abstract:
IBM places its $20 million account for advertising up for review. The account has been handled by Interpublic Group's Lintas: New York. The change comes consequent to IBM's move granting IBM Personal Computer Co autonomy over its own advertising. The overseas microcomputer account is also placed in review. Lintas had managed the European business jointly with Switzerland's GGK. Only microcomputer advertising is in question. Lintas also handles advertising for other IBM products. Lintas recently received IBM's microcomputer advertising in Mexico, and the agency handles IBM accounts in about 10 other countries including Italy, France and Germany.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1993
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Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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