I.B.M. and NEC near supercomputer pact

Article Abstract:

IBM and NEC Corp of Japan are nearing an agreement that would allow NEC to combine its SX-3 supercomputer with IBM mainframes and market the resulting systems in Japan. NEC has been unsuccessful in narrowing the lead that Cray Research Inc has had in the Japanese supercomputer market. The move follows pressure from the United States on Japan to open the supercomputer market. NEC's own SX-3 has not sold well in the United States, in part because of a shortage of available software. IBM denies that it will market the NEC system in the United States or that it is giving up on its own line of supercomputers. It is expected to release a new line of powerful mainframes that will compete against supercomputers. IBM has largely depended on marketing to the financial-services industry in Japan. In recent months this industry has almost completely stopped purchasing systems. The new supercomputer is expected to target computer-aided-design users in the car manufacturing and scientific areas.

United States, Computers, Japan, Digital computers, International aspects, Japanese foreign relations, NEC Corp., United States foreign relations, Product development, Computer-aided design, Computer aided design, Supercomputers, Mainframe computers, Supercomputer, Cray Research Inc., CYR, Computer Systems, Mainframe Computer, Marketing Agreements, NEC SX-3 (Supercomputer)

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Key technology might be sold to the Japanese

Article Abstract:

Nikon Corp is rumored to be the leading bidder to acquire Perkin-Elmer Corp's (P-E) semiconductor production equipment unit, leading the semiconductor industry to worry it will become dependent on Japanese companies for key equipment. No American buyer is stepping forward, and IBM, P-E's largest customer, reports it has no intention of acquiring the beleaguered company. IBM is responsible for helping finance many of P-E's advanced technology, including the top secret Tool X. Japanese excellence in engineering and manufacturing, as well as a more business-friendly financial system, is helping Japanese companies succeed where American corporations are failing. The high cost of sophisticated production equipment is overwhelming companies like P-E. President Bush will have final approval over the sale of P-E to a foreign company.

Electronic parts and equipment, Special industry machinery, not elsewhere classified, Semiconductor industry, Electronics industry, Divestiture, Divestment

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Nikon says it is not in Perkin-Elmer talks

Article Abstract:

Nikon Corp acknowledges that it has talked with Perkin-Elmer Corp about acquiring the semiconductor equipment company, but Nikon says it is not in negotiations with Perkin-Elmer. Nikon says that such discussions were not held because of concerns about American reaction to another Japanese company buying assets in the United States. Company officials believe that making such an acquisition would be difficult and might lead to a political backlash. No American company has made Perkin-Elmer an acceptable bid since the company announced in April 1989 that it would leave the semiconductor equipment business. Other Japanese companies have also been interested in the company.

Semiconductors and related devices, Microprocessor, CPUs (Central processing units), Printed circuit boards, Market Share, Computer Industry, Circuit Printing

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