Software detente for I.B.M.; Microsoft rivalry being played down

Article Abstract:

IBM Corp has altered its combative stance against Microsoft Corp and Microsoft's successful Windows graphical user interface products by deciding instead to have its OS/2 operating system products work with rather than against Windows. Fernand B. Sarrat, IBM executive in charge of OS/2 marketing activities, is focusing on the corporate customers already involved in OS/2 2.0 field testing rather than attacking the Windows market directly. Windows currently has over 10 million users. Myriad programs have been written for use with Windows, including word processing and spreadsheets. OS/2, which was touted in the fall of 1991 as improving the performance of software written to work with Windows and MSDOS, a rival operating system, now aims at making the most out of hardware advancements, including multimedia technology. IBM likely will set OS/2 2.0's price as low as $49.95, which will turn the battle with Microsoft into a price war against the $149.95 Windows.

Office machines, not elsewhere classified, Computer integrated systems design, Management, Computer software industry, Software industry, Microsoft Corp., Prices and rates, Operating systems (Software), Operating systems, International Business Machines Corp., IBM, Market share, MSFT, Microsoft Windows (GUI), Operating System, Strategic Planning, Market Analysis, Competition, Market Penetration, Pricing Policy, OS/2 2.0 (Operating system)

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Where the cubicle is dead

Article Abstract:

Apple's new six-building research and development (R&D) campus provides common areas for informal meetings and private office spaces for each R&D employee. The building illustrates Apple's new approach to office set-ups: cubicles have given way to the so-called 'cave and commons' approach. Privacy is essential for programmers and designers; though there may be added costs to constructing private offices, Apple believes that the productivity benefits outweigh the expense involved. The buildings' common areas, which employees call user-definable areas, can serve as meeting-, eating- or sleeping rooms. Apple's concern about 'statement architecture' is evident in the neon lighting of the lobbies and corridors. Apple's Chmn John Sculley, who is an architect, liked the R&D building so much, he decided to move his offices there. He says that the move will allow more open lines of communication between designers and managers.

Computer industry, Industrial research, AAPL, Buildings and facilities, Industrial productivity, Apple Inc., Space Planning, Research and Development, Productivity, Employee Relations

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