A quicker pace means no peace in the Valley; Netscape-aided 'Internet time' runs creation of high-technology products

Article Abstract:

The growth of the Internet has increased the development demands of high-technology companies throughout Silicon Valley and the entire computer industry, compelling companies to issue product upgrades at unprecedented intervals. Use of the World Wide Web for the transmission of software upgrades has increased users' expectancy regarding the timetable for delivery of new products. Startup companies with the flexibility to create and release products quickly are forcing more established software and hardware manufacturers to abbreviate development cycles in order to stay competitive. This has increased the rate of product obsolescence throughout the industry, minimizing long-term profits associated with any single product. The shortened development cycles have also substantially increased the working demands placed on product designers.

Production management, Forecasts and trends, Industry trend, Product development, Netscape Communications Corp., NSCP, Production control, Time to market

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Unsung success in revamping software holds a clue to the turnaround at Apple

Article Abstract:

The financial resurgence at Apple Computer Inc. has more to do with the company's improvement in its existing Macintosh software operating system than with the computer maker's reinvented design, new products or fashionable marketing. The results are largely due to the efforts of Avidis Tevanian Jr., the chief software manager at Apple. While much of the credit for the company's turnaround has been attributed to the return of Steve Jobs as 'acting' chief executive in July 1997, the continued improvements in Apple's operating systems is the unreported story behind Apple's two consecutive profitable years and the increases in its market share and stock price.

United States, Strategy & planning, Management, Computer software industry, Software industry, Operating system, Operating systems (Software), Marketing, AAPL, Company marketing practices, Company technology development, Jobs, Steven, Apple Inc., Tevanian, Avidis, Jr.

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