I.B.M. to offer new minicomputers; competition heats up in midrange computers
Article Abstract:
IBM introduces new minicomputers and software products. IBM aims to revivify its midrange computer business, which is roughly defined as inclusive of machines priced from $15,000 to $1 million. Rival companies such as HP, DEC and NCR Corp sell minicomputers that run Unix, which is an industry standard 'open' operating system. New companies such as Sequent Computer Systems Inc and Pyramid Technologies Corp offer machines built with low-cost microprocessor technology, which also are open. IBM's machines use a proprietary operating system. IBM's AS-400 minicomputers have an advantage because a large base of programs is available for them. IBM currently controls the largest share of the market, with about 22 percent. In 1992, IBM reported sales of AS-400 machines and operating software of $5 billion, with pretax operating profits of more than $1 billion. IBM's new AS-400 models improve performance by 30 to 60 percent.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1993
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Electronics replacing coaches' clipboards
Article Abstract:
Mobile computing comes of age in the sports arena as basketball teams, such as the New York Knicks, the Los Angeles Lakers and the Chicago Bulls, track team performance, analyze statistics and create models to predict their competitors' moves via notebook computers, fax modems and specialized software. The primary platform for mobile computing is the notebook computer, with a market share of about 13 percent of the global microcomputer market. Analysts predict that the notebook market segment will grow to 25 percent in the mid-1990s and eventually outsell desktop machines by the end of the century with the proliferation of the hand-held personal digital assistants (PDA). Meanwhile, 27 basketball teams use IBM's Thinkpad notebooks while a number are experimenting with the pen-based Thinkpad 700T.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1993
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Record store of near future: computers replace the racks
Article Abstract:
IBM and Blockbuster Entertainment Corp are jointly developing a new retail distribution technology for video and music recordings that will eliminate costly inventories for retailers and allow customers unlimited and quick access to videos or records of their choice. Essentially, the technology is envisioned to let customers choose titles from digital files and copy their choices to blank compact disks or videocassettes. To achieve this vision, IBM and Blockbuster have set up Fairway Technology Associates, the company that will run the system and negotiate with movie studios, game makers and record companies to sell their products. The proposed technology is met with chilly reception from such companies as Sony Music, which has expressed concerns about electronic distribution of its recordings.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1993
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