A separate peace: IBM and Apple open new front in PC wars with strategic alliance; old foes take on Microsoft, Intel with plan to foster increased compatibility; real gains may be distant

Article Abstract:

IBM and Apple Computer Inc announced an alliance, on Wednesday, Jul 3, 1991, which could rearrange the balance of power in the computer industry. IBM and Apple will develop a new operating system for their microcomputers, and they will share technology involving microprocessors and workstations. Their agreement challenges Microsoft Corp, which currently controls 90 percent of the market for operating systems that run on DOS-based microcomputers. It is hoped that the new agreement will vivify the computer industry by solving two pressing problems: lack of compatibility among microcomputer systems; and a lack of appealing and powerful uses for them. Both IBM and Apple are motivated by weakness: Apple is trying to increase its market share, and cutting its prices has not worked very well because of narrowed margins; IBM has been losing market share, being undersold by competitors.

International Business Machines Corp., IBM, Contracts, AAPL, Product development, Technology transfer, Apple Inc., Strategic Planning, Cooperative Agreements, Open Systems

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Commodore removes head of U.S. unit; James Dionne will succeed Copperman; up to 15% of employees will be cut

Article Abstract:

Commodore International Ltd replaces Harold Copperman, its president of US operations, with James Dionne. The computer maker also announces that it is planning to layoff between 10 percent and 15 percent of its 600-person US work force in an effort to boost profit margins. Copperman is one of a series of executives that have been dismissed by Commodore; his predecessors lasted anywhere from one to two years. Copperman will become a vice president of the parent company and his duties will include developing the Amiga computer line and creating a multimedia strategy. The company's stock closed at $9 on Dec 7, 1990, down $1.625 a share for that day.

Officials and employees, Human resource management, Appointments, resignations and dismissals, Business planning, Layoffs, Layoff, Commodore International Ltd., Executive, Reorganization, Resignation, CBU, Copperman, Harold, Dionne, James

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