Acorn squeezed out of personal computer market

Article Abstract:

Acorn, the UK based computer manufacturer, has announced that it is to stop development of its new computer, the Risc 2. Competition in the market for personal computers from larger rival groups has forced the decision, which is feared will lead to the Acorn brand of personal computers disappearing in total. However, the company is intending to continue to supply and provide support for existing users of its other products. The decision to stop development of Risc 2 means that around a third of its 175 employees will be made redundant. Some 60 of its non engineering staff will be made redundant and a further 15 will be transferred to Xemplar, its US joint venture company. With it limited funds the company has decided to move out of the personal computer market and more into the digital television market. By the year 2006 some 75% of homes in the UK will have digital set top boxes, and these boxes will require huge computing power, and Acorn is keen to be involved in the providing of this power. In order to do this the company is considering plans to form joint ventures with semiconductor manufacturers and consumer electronics companies.

Comment:

Announces to stop development of its new personal computer product, Risc 2

Product discontinued, Acorn Computer Group PLC

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UK: FREE PC INITIATIVE FROM BALTIMORE CHAIRMAN

Article Abstract:

Professor Henry Beker, chairman and founder of the UK-based hi-tech company Baltimore Technologies, has revealed plans to offer free personal computers to every school-age child in the UK over the age of four. The initiative is expected to cost around GB[pound] 8bn, and Prof. Beker hopes to raise the sum through charity. He already has the commitment of Microsoft to offer GB[pound] 1mn to the 'E-Learning Foundation', and he is negotiating with the UK Education Minister for a further GB[pound] 1mn with which to launch the scheme. The government has expressed its concern that the initiative should be directed primarily towards the socially disadvantaged.

Electronic computers, Public affairs, Computer industry, Donations, Beker, Henry, Baltimore Technologies PLC, BLM

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Compel wins 75m BBC supply

Article Abstract:

Following the increasing trend for companies to outsource all their computer requirements to a single supplier to reduce costs and streamline IT departments, it is understood that the BBC has awarded a contract to Compel. Compel is a UK based computer distribution group which has a value of GB 125mn. The contract is said to be worth between GB 18mn and GB 25mn per year for three years, although it could be extended to seven years by the BBC.

Comment:

Wins contract worth between GBP18 mil & GBP25 mil per year for three years from BBC for BBC's computer requirements

Capital expenditures, New orders received, Radio & TV Broadcasting, Radio and Television Broadcasting, British Broadcasting Corp., Broadcasting industry, Broadcasting, Compel Group PLC

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