Red ink flows freely at makers of Unix systems
Article Abstract:
Several large computer companies have bet on Unix as the operating system of the future, but consultants are starting to question the strategy. If Unix is so great, they ask, why are so many companies losing money on it? AT&T, Machines Bull and various smaller companies have all lost money trying to establish businesses based on Unix. Computer companies, in fact, were not mistaken about Unix's popularity: International Data Corp (IDC), a market researcher, estimates that use of Unix will continue to grow at 29 percent a year for the next several years. IDC expects that 21 percent of the hardware sold in 1994 will run on Unix, compared to 10 percent in 1989. The problem is that too many computer companies have entered the market, intensifying competition. And Unix is a standard product, like a commodity, so that makers have few means of differentiating themselves except for a lowered price.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1990
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New Unisys hardware, software moves fill gaps in its Unix-system strategy
Article Abstract:
Unisys Corp announces several new hardware and software products that reinforce the firm's commitment to the Unix operating system. In order to ensure compatibility for its Unix software, Unisys has worked closely with some 30 publishers to make sure the packages can all work together. Unisys has also made the effort to see that software will run on all of its machines, from its workstations to its superminicomputers. On the hardware side, Unisys introduces a diskless workstation that will retail for $2,395. The firm also introduces several revised mid-sized and high-end systems with faster clock speeds, as well as some new machines based on Intel's 80486 microprocessor.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1990
User Contributions:
Comment about this article or add new information about this topic:
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