Memory chip prices take the up stairs again; was it a fire at an obscure Japanese epoxy plant that caused the panic?

Article Abstract:

Microcomputer users who need more memory to run Microsoft Windows or multimedia applications should purchase their upgrades now before prices climb from the current $150 to about $300 for 4Mbytes of DRAM (dynamic random access memory) over the next few months, unless they can wait until Mar 1994 for prices to drop back down. The July 4 explosion and fire that destroyed a Sumitomo plant in Japan where 60 percent of the world's chip-packaging epoxy was produced has sent DRAM integrated circuit prices skyrocketing once again. The 4M-bit DRAM chips in most demand by memory-board and microcomputer manufacturers now sell for $20 each on the spot market, up from about $11 before the catastrophe. No shortage of epoxy is expected until at least Feb 1994, however. What has really sent spot prices up is the increased base memory consumers are demanding in their microcomputers, which makes smaller vendors anxious about any threat to their memory-chip supply.

Semiconductors and related devices, Semiconductor industry, Purchasing, Integrated circuits, Equipment and supplies, Supply and demand, Computer memory, Integrated circuit fabrication, Fires, Dynamic random access memory, DRAM (Dynamic random access memory), DRAM, Memory boards/cards, Memory cards (Expansion boards), Purchases, Demand, Supply, Upgrading, Semiconductor Memory, Price Increases

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Liberating machines from keyboards: a stylus-based machine has emerged, but software lags

Article Abstract:

Computer manufacturers and software publishers are developing input-output and cursor control devices that are alternatives to the traditional keyboard. The need for keyboard data entry holds back workers of all levels from becoming computer literate. Many people do not know how to type and the work environment of some, for example those who must stand, does not lend itself to the typical microcomputer/terminal with keyboard arrangement. Companies such as Gridpad Systems Inc, Canon Inc, Sony Corp, and IBM in conjunction with Go Corp, are developing electronic notepads with pen-like styluses that can be used on flat screens to print letters and numbers. Some software permits a stylus to be used like a mouse to move icons around the screen. Future product development may include even more user-friendly systems that can interpret ordinary handwriting.

Usage, Product development, Keyboards (Electronics), Keyboards (Computers), Input devices (Computers), I/O devices, column, Future Technologies, Keyboard, I/O Device, User-Friendliness, Cursor Control Devices, Input Device

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Where does the 600-pound gorilla write data bases?

Article Abstract:

Microsoft Corp's proposed acquisition of Fox Software Inc, maker of Foxpro data base management system (DBMS), will allow the software giant to enter the mainstream DBMS developer market. It will also pit Microsoft against Borland International Inc, which acquired Ashton-Tate, the creator of dBASE. dBASE is the market leader among business users while Foxpro is a fast 'clone.' Companies use either of the two products not only to store and retrieve information but also to develop custom applications. Fox Software is a privately owned company in Perrysburg, OH. If the acquisition pushes through, Microsoft will compete with Borland over the dBASE customer base. Borland is expected to release Paradox for Windows and dBASE for Windows in 1992 while Microsoft will ship a Windows DBMS product, code-named Cirrus, and a Windows version of Foxpro.

Prepackaged software, Mergers, acquisitions and divestments, Microsoft Corp., Marketing, Design and construction, Database management systems, DBMS software, MSFT, DBMS, Borland International Inc., Competition, Market Entry, Borland dBASE (DBMS), Fox Software Inc., BORL, FoxPro (Database application development software)

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