The migrations of a behemoth's soul and software; Computer Associates must juggle bitter customers and their software needs

Article Abstract:

Charles B. Wang started Computer Associates (CA) in the mid-1980s and has built the company into one of the computer industry's largest and most successful enterprises. CA earned a record $163 million on revenues of $1.51 billion in its fiscal year ending March 31, 1992. The major growth that catapulted the company in the late 1980s has given way to slower growth. Mainframes sales have slowed due to the recession and the trend toward using networked desktop microcomputers. Wall Street analysts believe the company has been very successful at selecting and acquiring large competitors. CA licenses mainframe software to large companies. Most of these companies feel too dependent on CA's services, but they are locked into using CA software because a switch to another system would be expensive and time-consuming. CA is in the middle of a fraud and antitrust lawsuit that could be worth hundreds of millions.

Prepackaged software, Growth (Physiology), Company Profile, Wang, Charles B., Growth, Computer Associates International Inc. Micro Products Div.

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A copier that does a lot more

Article Abstract:

Xerox Corp introduces the Docutech Production Publisher ($220,000), saying the two-ton device is the most versatile office machine in history. The Docutech not only copies, but also receives and stores electronic document-images from remote computers, allows the images to be edited and shared on computer networks, and rapidly generates high-quality printed copies. Docutech aims to uite the copier more fully with electronic office equipment. It is an example of a 'multifunctional' electronic office machine that Xerox hopes will compensate for slow growth in its sales of stand-alone copiers, thus reviving company profits. Xerox's will market the Docutech to companies that have big in-house printing needs. According to David H. Goodstein of Interconsult, a market research firm, there are 60,000 companies with in-plant printing operations big enough to justify a purchase of the Docutech.

Office equipment and supplies, Office supplies, Office equipment and supplies industry, Product introduction, Copying, product announcement, Marketing Strategy, Xerox DocuTech Production Publisher (Copying equipment)

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Leading the enigma called Xerox: its new chief faces Wall Street skeptics

Article Abstract:

Paul A. Allaire will assume chief executive responsibilities at Xerox Corp in Aug 1990. Allaire seems enigmatic and mysterious to Wall Street analysts who follow Xerox, trying to forecast the company's fortunes. Xerox itself is a puzzlement: the company lost parts of the copier market to foreign competitors, but has seized back market share by designing better products and cutting costs. Xerox is remembered both for research achievements that included the first personal computer and for letting other companies build and dominate markets based on such early achievements. Analysts anticipate strong leadership from Allaire, but it will require a considerable effort on his part to overcome Wall Street's anxieties. According to one observer: 'Xerox has a track record of screwing up, so it's hard to bet against them doing it again.'

Chief executive officers, Allaire, Paul A., Computer Industry, Stock

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