For I.B.M., a template for change in a spinoff

Article Abstract:

Lexmark International Inc, a laser-printer company which was spun off from IBM in 1991, has successfully made changes in management, marketing and corporate culture to make it more competitive and nimble. The company's spectacular operating earnings has enabled it to cut down to $700 million its debt of $1.15 billion when it was sold by IBM; it is also repaying its loans ahead of schedule. Lexmark has also managed to cut development time for new laser printers from three years to 18 months without having to increase its design staff. This, despite its initial jobs cutback of 3,000 employees, mostly in management and manufacturing. Lexmark's success is attributed to its changing its corporate culture to one of teamwork, wherein work is organized into hundreds of teams with representatives from various departments. Lexmark's success story is one that IBM can emulate.

Office machines, not elsewhere classified, Management, Computer peripherals industry, Lexmark International Group Inc., Company Profile, Spinoffs (Corporate), Performance improvement (Computers), Management Style, Team Approach, Performance Improvement, Spinoff Company

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Software giant aiming at the office

Article Abstract:

Microsoft Corp is attempting to create the digital office by coming up with software called Microsoft at Work, that will tie up the functions of office machines into one seamless operation. To achieve such a vision, the company has signed up about 50 office equipment manufacturers, including Xerox, HP, Northern Telecom, Canon, Ricoh, Ericsson, NEC and Compaq, to supply the components of the plan. Microsoft at Work is designed to be a technological interpreter that will allow various office machines to work together. It will integrate for the first time paper and electronic media. Businesses are awaiting the advent of the digital office because of the productivity gains it promises. Fax machines that use Microsoft's new program are expected to begin shipping by the end of 1993.

Planning, Product development, Product introduction, Office automation, Strategic Planning, Digital Computers, New Technique

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A Front-Runner Without a Race

Article Abstract:

Microsoft senior vice president Eric Rudder is currently the front-runner to replace Bill Gates and Steven A. Ballmer, but it is not likely that they will step down anytime in the near future.

United States, Labor force information, Executive changes & profiles, Personnel administration, Officials and employees, Human resource management, Employment, Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, MSFT, Company personnel management, Rudder, Eric

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