Nearing the $500 computer for Internet use

Article Abstract:

Acorn Computer Group plans to make a stripped-down version of its A-7000 computer for use as an Internet access tool, and Oracle is reported to be interested in the information appliance. Acorn plans to take away the A-7000's color monitor and hard disk drive and add a high-speed modem to create a product that could sell at retail for under $500. The new device, called the Netsurfer, would perform most typical personal computer tasks as well as allow Internet access. Although neither Acorn or Oracle will confirm that the two companies are collaborating, Oracle Chmn and CEO Lawrence J. Ellison will say that the company will probably use a $20 microprocessor produced by Advanced RISC Machines, Acorn's sister company. Acorn further reduces costs by using its own operating system, read-only memory chips and incorporating a process that allows high-quality text display on televisions.

Electronic Computer Manufacturing, Computers & Auxiliary Equip, Planning, Product information, Oracle Corp., ORCL, Company product planning, Acorn Computer Group PLC

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Dreamworks and Silicon seek computer animation system

Article Abstract:

Dreamworks SKG and Silicon Graphics Inc are planning to jointly develop a new computer animation system for film production. The companies will spend about $50 million for development and hardware and software costs. The development of such a system will help Silicon Graphics hold its position as a leader in providing technology for special effects in the movie industry. The deal will also help Dreamworks by giving the company access to the latest technological advances in movie special effects. The new system would be called the digital animation dream (DAD) machine and would be developed in conjunction with an animation software company called Cambridge Animation. The companies would eventually make the system available to the whole entertainment industry and expect to eventually see a $1 billion market for the product.

Computer Graphics Systems, Software, Cooperative agreement for product development, Alliances and partnerships, Computer animation, Dreamworks SKG

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Silicon seeks new believers on Wall St

Article Abstract:

Silicon Graphics' introduction of new products is expected to reverse the trend of the last five quarters in which its results have consistently disappointed industry analysts. The new products include the O2, a $7500 workstation, and the Origin 2000 line of expandable servers, priced from $12,000 to $4 million. Although Silicon Graphics' graphics work stations and servers are admired as innovative and well-designed, many analysts believe the products are attractive only to a small niche market. Silicon Graphics is vulnerable to competition from Pentium Pro-based desktop computers, but the company contends that its architecture linking the processor and memory give it an advantage. Optimism about the new products was evident in Silicon Graphics' stock price, which rose to $26.625 on Jan 3, 1997.

Microcomputers, Hardware product development, Computer hardware, MIPS-based system, MIPS (Processor performance), Silicon Graphics O2 (MIPS-based system), Silicon Graphics Origin2000 (MIPS-based system)

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