Personal computers may soon add TV's beauty

Article Abstract:

Apple Computer and IBM are investing heavily in multimedia technologies in an effort to keep ahead of Japanese competition. Multimedia computing, or desktop video, combines microcomputers with television to produce applications ranging from education to entertainment. IBM and Intel Corp have joined forces to develop a method of compressing images, sound and data onto compact disks. IBM is expected to release a $2,500 to $3,000 machine based on the technology by late 1990. Apple's product is expected to be more ambitious and is still several years away. Supporters of multimedia see it as a way of reaching people who are not interested in mastering microcomputers and software. Critics see the new technology as marketing hype. Some worry multimedia computing will limit the creative uses of micros and turn them into high-tech record players.

Intel Corp., INTC, AAPL, Portrayals, International competition (Economics), Multimedia systems, Digital video, CD-ROM disks, Future Technologies, Japanese Competition, CD-ROM, Desktop video, Multimedia Technology

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When I.B.M.'s big guns won't do

Article Abstract:

IBM faces a challenge: its computers are becoming commodities, selling at low prices and with narrow profit margins; and the most significant profits increasingly come from software products. Thus IBM now must evolve into an efficient producer of high-quality computer programs, especially since the breach. IBM, the world's largest computer company, finds that its size, which enables IBM to assign battalions of programmers to work as teams on any given problem, is not an advantage in writing good software. IBM now understands that an unconventional approach with hackers working in small, independent groups is the way to accomplish what is required. In addition to changing its style of managing programmers, IBM also is looking for new partnerships, with Apple Computer, for example.

Methods, Management, Computer software industry, Software industry, Computer programming, Software engineering, Employment, Computer hackers, Hacker, Management Style, Programmer, Computer Industry, Program Development Techniques

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New Apple chip in challenge to Intel

Article Abstract:

Apple Chmn John Sculley announces that the company is running on schedule in developing a new generation of microcomputers based on the Power PC chip. The Power PC is a joint development venture of Apple, IBM and Motorola and is intended to compete with Intel's microprocessor products. Sculley further discloses that 11 software publishers, including Microsoft, WordPerfect and Adobe, will write software for the new microcomputers. Apple will also begin marketing software that will allow Macintosh applications to run on Unix workstations from Sun Microsystems, IBM and HP. The software will be introduced by the end of 1993.

Semiconductors and related devices, Semiconductor industry, Usage, Microprocessor, CPUs (Central processing units), Microprocessors, Business planning, Competition, IBM PowerPC (Microprocessor)

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