I.B.M. and Microsoft settle fight on operating systems

Article Abstract:

IBM and Microsoft have a reached a 'divorce settlement' in their long-standing battle for control of operating-system design. The agreement allows the two firms to share development and marketing of existing operating systems while allowing them to take diverging paths in their future operating-systems design strategies. IBM and Microsoft began feuding in Sep 1990 when they broke the alliance under which the companies were jointly working on development of IBM's OS/2; Microsoft preferred to concentrate on its popular Windows graphical user interface. Windows currently runs on top of DOS, while OS/2 is an independent operating system. The new agreement permits each firm to use the operating systems that have already been developed by the other through Sep 1993. Microsoft is working on Windows NT, a complete operating system that will not require DOS and will compete directly with OS/2, and expects to have it completed by the specified date. Microsoft will also pay IBM an undisclosed amount of money. The two firms have also reached an agreement over royalties under which each will pay the other for the use of its products; neither will discuss details. Each will also be free to incorporate the other's specifications for new operating systems in order to maintain compatibility.

Computer peripheral equipment, not elsewhere classified, Microsoft Corp., MSFT

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I.B.M. and Apple give up rivalry to preserve grip on their industry

Article Abstract:

IBM and Apple Computer Inc have signed a letter of intent to cooperate in the development of a new operating system and other computing technology. Charles R. Wolf, an industry analyst at the First Boston Corp, calls the agreement 'the deal of the decade,' adding that IBM and Apple working together will change the landscape of the computer industry. Cooperation between IBM and Apple is seen as a particular threat to Microsoft Corp, which dominates the market for microcomputer operating systems. The alliance between IBM and Apple signifies that no company - not even a company as large as IBM - can control the microcomputer market alone. Industry observers differ in their opinions about how effective IBM and Apple, together, will be. The companies will form a joint venture to develop a new operating system. Additionally, Apple will use a version of IBM's RS/6000 microprocessor in a new Apple Macintosh. The main products from the partnership will probably not be available for two or three years.

AAPL, Negotiations, Technology transfer, Apple Inc., Market Analysis, Negotiation

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I.B.M. in health systems venture

Article Abstract:

IBM agrees with the Baxter Healthcare Corp to form a partnership to sell computer software to hospitals and physicians. IBM and Baxter say their products and services could hold down medical expenditures and increase efficiency. Demand for health-care information services has been growing by more than 10 percent annually, but according to Mark Elliott, IBM's director of applications, the real opportunity for growth is in the clinical side of the business, delivering care to patients. The American market for health-care information services is currently estimated at about $6 billion. Combined revenues for IBM and Baxter are expected to exceed $1 billion in 1990.

Hospitals, Software, Medical care, Health facilities, Technology application, Health Care, Computer Software Industry, Baxter Healthcare Corp., Marketing Agreements

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