With sound, graphics - it's multimedia; I.B.M. is giving chase in an area where Apple and Commodore have a head start

Article Abstract:

IBM's Audio Visual Connection ($3,310) incorporates software and two plug-in boards that fit into Micro Channel expansion slots. One board captures audio signals; the other captures video. Using the new product, computer-based sales presentations or training programs are possible. Photos, video, animated diagrams, musical soundtracks, spoken narratives, text or data can be worked into arrangements that pull everything together using techniques borrowed from professional audio-visual productions. Further, computer multimedia can be 'interactive': a viewer can control the order of a presentation through keyboard or mouse commands. So far, neither IBM's Model 70, with its limited expansion slots, nor the Model 80, with its relatively slow microprocessor, is an ideal Audio Visual Connection machine. A faster Micro Channel machine, such as Advanced Logic Research's Microflex 3300, might be a better choice.

Evaluation, Product introduction, Equipment and supplies, Multimedia systems, Printed circuits, Printed circuit boards, Media programs, Media programs (Education), Interactive video systems, Interactive Video, Presentations, Video Systems, Audio Visual, Special-Purpose Adapter/Controller, Expansion boards, Multimedia Technology, Advanced Logic Research Microflex 3300 (Microcomputer)

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In a 3-sided battle, confusion reigns - of course

Article Abstract:

The introduction of powerful 32-bit operating systems, such as Microsoft Windows NT, OS/2 2.1 and some Unix derivatives, is creating confusion and some amount of agnosticism among corporate users. Among the commonly cited criteria for choosing the best operating systems for companies' needs are: reliability; networking capabilities, including security features; portability; application development tools and sufficient support among programmers. Of the many Unix versions in the market, the most impressive is Nextstep, to be introduced in Jun 1993. Nextstep is hailed by industry insiders as a technology leader but sees its chance at market leadership as very little. IBM's OS/2 2.1 may emerge as the best choice because of its notable server abilities, among others. Microsoft Windows NT can be irresistible only if Microsoft lowers the product's price to $99.

Computer software industry, Software industry, Marketing, Column, UNIX, Competition, Marketing Strategy, 32-Bit

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Weighing a new operating system? Call a timeout

Article Abstract:

The cost of upgrading to either IBM's OS/2 2.0 operating system or the Microsoft Windows 3.0 graphical user interface can be substantial for companies with many computers. Although both systems offer significant advantages over Microsoft DOS, they also require more processing power, disk space and memory. OS/2, the more demanding of the two systems, requires a minimum of 4Mbytes of RAM and 31Mbytes of hard disk space and a 386SX or higher microprocessor. Windows 3.0 requires a minimum of 2Mbytes of extended memory beyond the standard 640Kbytes, 10Mbytes of hard disk space and a 386SX processor. In addition, Windows 3.1 also requires a color graphics adapter, a monitor, a mouse, and DOS 5.0. While OS/2, being more powerful, should work better on server systems, Windows should be better suited for desktop computers.

Software, MSFT, GUI, Graphical user interfaces, Graphical user interface, Comparison, Software Design, Software Selection, Product selection, Configuration, Microsoft Windows 3.0 (GUI), OS/2 2.0 (Operating system), Cost of Operation

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