The videophone era may finally be near, bringing big changes

Article Abstract:

Videophones are beginning to enter the telecommunications market as a result of breakthroughs in microprocessors, small and reliable cameras and the technology involved with transmitting video and audio signals over phone lines. AT&T is introducing a $1,500 videophone that includes a small color screen and can plug into a regular wall jack. The technology required for videophones is produced in the US by two competing companies, PictureTel Corp and Compression Labs. Japanese companies introduced black and white models with still-picture frames during the 1980s but these met with no success. Hitachi America Ltd will sell a $7,000 videophone in Japan. Videophones will be available for rental to customers hesitant about purchasing the product. Industry analysts insist that the price must drop below $500 for the product to catch on. The technology that allows the transmission of audio and video through telephone lines is called signal compression. The market for business uses of the videophone may be more lucrative than the consumer market in the short term.

Product development, Telecommunications services industry, Telecommunications industry, Consumer electronics, T, American Telephone and Telegraph Co., Videoconferencing, Telephone systems, Telephone System, Video Systems, Market Entry

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Faxes prove to be a powerful tool for setting up electronic markets

Article Abstract:

Businesses are beginning to use facsimile machines to sell products, reach a larger market and speed up the transaction process. Fax transmission within an industry can standardize prices by speeding up sales and making information equally available to all people. The rising popularity of faxes is partially a reflection of the computer industry's lack of standards and inability to provide a solution for cheap, easy and fast communications equipment. Merchants involved with the diamond industry, fine arts industry and brokerage industry are all experimenting with offering services through the fax. Faxes will make international communications and trade more feasible with 24-hour access to prices, availability and market changes.

Usage, Fax equipment, Facsimile equipment, End users, User Need, Trends, Marketing Strategy, Fax Device, Fax machines

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Staples to purchase phone-system firm for $140 million

Article Abstract:

Staples Inc. will buy a telephone systems company, Claricom Holdings, Inc., for $140 million. The phone service will extend what Staples offers now, which is phones with up to four lines. The firm plans to look for other small related businesses to acquire in the future. The company will also relocate 58 of its older stores over the next couple years, a practice that has proved profitable in the past. Staples has 600 traditional stores, the newest of which are 20,000 square feet. The company's new Web site is doing so well that the firm expects to spin it off as a separate entity.

Comment:

To be acquired by Staples, Inc. for $140 million

United States, Telephone Apparatus Manufacturing, Asset sales & divestitures, Acquisitions & mergers, Telephone Sets NEC, Planning, Office equipment and supplies, Office supplies, Mergers, acquisitions and divestments, Abstract, Telephone, Telephony, Staples Inc., SPLS, Telephone equipment, Telephones, Stationery, Claricom Holdings, Inc

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