The outsider's new in crowd: five IBM lifers

Article Abstract:

IBM Chmn Louis V. Gerstner appoints five company veterans to his inner circle in a major reorganization of the computer company. The appointments are viewed by industry analysts as an attempt to accelerate revenue flow in the wake of a generally positive financial situation. Newly appointed senior VPs are Nicholas Donofrio, a mainframe specialist who has expanded his expertise to include other lucrative profit centers such as midrange systems and workstations. John M. Thompson will undertake the mission of making IBM a major marketing force in the software business. New senior VP Ned Lautenbach will have charge of IBM's recently trimmed and reorganized worldwide sales force. James C. McGroddy will be in charge of IBM's research and development activities, with an emphasis upon getting products from the development stage to the marketplace. New GM Dennie Welsh, formerly head of IBM's consulting operations, will stress integration in his management of the company.

Planning, Officials and employees, Computer industry, Appointments, resignations and dismissals, Gerstner, Louis V., Jr., Thompson, John M., New Appointment, Donofrio, Nicholas, Lautenbach, Ned, Company Restructuring Company Reorganization, Company Operations, McGroddy, James C., Welsh, Dennie

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Abstractionist practically reinvents the keyboard

Article Abstract:

IBM research scientist Dr Ted Selker developed a remarkable innovation for computer keyboards when he created the TrackPoint pointing device, which became the key selling point of IBM's ThinkPad line of notebook PCs. The TrackPoint is a tiny device about the size of a pencil eraser, located in the center of the keyboard, that functions like a mouse. The motivation for Selker's TrackPoint came after he read it takes one second for the hand to move from the keyboard to the mouse and another second to move back. The device is designed to be manipulated by the thumb and forefinger, which have the greatest sensory and motor control next to the tongue. The TrackPoint is the first change in keyboard layout in 100 years. Dr Selker is continuing his work developing TrackPoint improvements, including a comet trail that makes it easier to see where the cursor is going.

Other Computer Peripheral Equipment Manufacturing, Display Control Mouses, Technology development, Mouse devices (Computers), Mice (Computer peripherals), Mouse, Technology Information

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Innovations for carpal-tunnel syndrome prospering: products to aid computer keyboard users more than doubled since '91

Article Abstract:

A variety of companies are introducing new products designed to help avoid or soothe the symptoms of carpal tunnel syndrome. Carpal tunnel is a nerve disorder that afflicts people who use computer keyboards on a daily basis. Kinesis Corp's product line was designed to prevent carpal tunnel syndrome by introducing keyboards that are easy to use. Other companies are manufacturing elbow and wrist rest pads that reduce the stress on these body parts. Since 1991, there has been a 150 percent increase in the number of products developed to address this health issue. In 1990, 185,400 cases of cumulative-trauma disorders were reported, an eight-fold jump from 1982. The increasing use of keyboards in the work place will probably yield more sufferers and more product innovations. Analysts estimate that carpal tunnel costs employers over $1 billion annually.

Computer programming services, Product information, Repetition strain injury, Carpal tunnel syndrome, End users, User Need, Trends, Occupational Health, Market Analysis, Repetitive Stress Injury, Kinesis Corp.

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