A shakeout for software: retailers seem reluctant to face facts and continue to open stores despite a glut
Article Abstract:
Software is now sold in more than 12,000 stores, resulting in $5 billion in annual sales in 1988. But after five years of unchecked growth, the day of reckoning has come for the software retailer. Consolidation has already begun with the merger of Micro D and Ingram Inc distributors. Operating margins were down 22 percent in 2nd qtr 1989 compared to 1988. And the profits are not all that large to begin with: one explanation is the sheer volume of inventory in the distribution channel. Forecasters predict the success of high-volume sellers and niche stores, such as Babbage's Inc and Soft Warehouse Inc, that offer specialty merchandise or superior service and the demise of those not large enough to offer huge selections and low prices. Those stores that do face in-between status, such as Egghead Discount Software Inc, will have to find a balance between service and prices that will keep them in business.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1989
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Business meetings by keyboard: the idea is to cut out the politicking and solve the problem as quickly as possible
Article Abstract:
Jay F. Nunamaker, a professor of management information systems at the University of Arizona is working with IBM to perfect computer software that makes it possible to hold 'electronic meetings.' Such meetings tend to follow a superficially similar pattern: a leader poses a question or a problem; participants spend an hour typing their ideas; a computer searches the material for common themes, topics and ideas, grouping them into rough categories; and there follows a discussion based on the computer sort. At some point, ideas are ranked in order of their importance, there is further discussion, and finally, there is a vote to decide whether particular ideas should be implemented. Nunamaker's software, which will soon be available on the market, is causing dozens of companies to send representatives to Tucson, AZ, or one of IBM's meeting room facilities to test the concept.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1990
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Treasuring the technology guru; with an eye on new products and profits, companies embrace technology experts
Article Abstract:
Nomenclature and details of the job vary, but the position of technology expert is an increasingly important one. A 'technology guru', typically, maintains a liaison between a business's management and its laboratories or its computer operations. Often called 'chief technology officer,' these persons can help incorporate technology into strategic plans; transfer technology among autonomous divisions; and interact with universities, laboratories and scientific groups. Multibillion dollar companies are searching for such people and offering compensation packages as high as half a million dollars.
Publication Name: The New York Times
Subject: News, opinion and commentary
ISSN: 0362-4331
Year: 1990
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