A nimble PC maker, adapting to a culture, makes hay in Brazil; CEO George St. Laurent III, eccentric but effective, establishes Vitech brand; 'We're so weird and alien.' (Vitech America) (Company Business and Marketing)

Article Abstract:

Vitech America's success in the Brazil illustrates how local computer makers can challenge multinationals in large emerging economies. Total immersion in Brazil's $2.7 billion annual PC market and successful reaction to the shifting national rules has enabled Vitech to establish a powerful presence. Miami-based Vitech holds an 8% share in the 1st half 1998, trailing only Compaq's 9.5%, according to IDC. A continuation of recent trends would allow Vitech to overtake Compaq by 1999. One unusual Vitech tactic comprises selling computers on credit in poor neighborhoods despite Brazil's four-digit inflation as recently as 1994. By comparison, the company would have no opportunity to compete in the US or other mature markets. An eccentric 37-year-old American, Georges St. Laurent III, is Vitech's chmn and CEO. Other local companies have experienced similar success in China and Russia.

Electronic Computer Manufacturing, Analog & Hybrid Computers, Planning, Microcomputers, Microcomputer industry, Brazil, Market share, Company market share, Company business planning, St. Laurent, Georges, III, Vitech America Inc., VTCH

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Data General's co-founder, de Castro, to give day-to-day authority to Skates

Article Abstract:

Data General Corp founder Edson de Castro will step down to become chmn and chief scientist, making way for financial specialist Ronald Skates to take over day-to-day operations of the minicomputer manufacturer. Skates, formerly executive VP and COO, will become pres and CEO. Skates will have the responsibility of 'cleaning up' Data General's financial situation. Data General grew quickly in the 1970s, but slowed and began losing money during the microcomputer revolution of the early 1980s. Data General and other minicomputer manufacturers are now attempting to adapt from producing proprietary systems to producing products based on standard designs. For FY 1989 ended Sep 30, Data General will post a loss of $119.7 million on revenue of $1.3 billion. In 1988, the company had losses of $15.5 million on revenue of $1.36 billion.

Officials and employees, Appointments, resignations and dismissals, Minicomputers, Data General, Executive, Computer Industry, Minicomputer, Reorganization, Losses, DGN, De Castro, Edson, Skates, Ronald

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Nintendo, Fidelity to develop jointly financial software

Article Abstract:

Nintendo Co, the video game concern, agrees with Fidelity Investments, a brokerage house, to cooperate in development and marketing of a home-trading system for financial services. The planned system would allow users of Nintendo machines to trade stocks, update portfolios or check on market information. Fidelity will develop software. Nintendo will develop and manufacture a modem and a controller to be used with standard Nintendo machines. This program is part of a broad Nintendo effort involving interactive entertainment and information products. Nintendo's Nintendo of America Inc subsidiary is talking with AT&T about plans for a US network. So far, no agreement has been reached.

DEPOSITORY INSTITUTIONS, Information retrieval services, Product development, Financial services industry, Financial services, Stockbrokers, Contracts, Information services, Fidelity Investments Inc., Nintendo Company Ltd., Interactive computer systems, Interactive media, Securities industry, Interactive Systems, Cooperative Agreements

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