Computer vaccines or snake oil?

Article Abstract:

Anxiety levels will be high on this Columbus Day holiday, Oct 12, 1989, and on the Friday the 13th that follows, because of rumors about the so-called Columbus Day virus, also known as the Friday the 13th virus. Some entrepreneurs claim a cure: they offer software products that prevent viral infections and products that detect, identify and remove viruses. Harold Highland, a professor emeritus at the State University of New York and editor of the journal Computers & Security calls the virus threat 'low probability, high consequence': as with lightning, he says, the chances of getting hit are small, but if lightning strikes, it can be calamitous. Highland warns that most anti-virus products have been produced quickly and are inadequately tested. Other industry observers note that some industry consultants and vaccine vendors employ price-gouging and other exploitative practices.

Prepackaged software, Computer software industry, Software industry, Safety and security measures, Prevention, College faculty, Beliefs, opinions and attitudes, Computer viruses, Virus, State University of New York, Evaluation, Security, Entrepreneur, New York, State University of, Computers and Security (periodical), Highland, Harold

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Computer firm injects freedom into franchising

Article Abstract:

Intelligent Electronics founder Richard Sanford has a different approach to computer store franchising. Traditional franchisers offer products and services to franchisees in exchange for a percentage of gross sales. Sanford's Intelligent Electronics, on the other hand, sells computer products to franchisees and makes its profit, not from royalties, but from middleman mark-ups. Service is provided for an additional fee. Although technically a franchiser, Intelligent Electronics functions more as a distributor. Dealers have the option of buying products and services from other sources and are not obligated to buy either. They are Intelligent Electronics franchisees only in the sense that the products they do buy must come from certain manufacturers.

Computer and software stores, Management, Innovations, Computer stores, Distribution channels, Franchises, Retail/Reseller Channel, Franchise, Sanford, Richard, Intelligent Electronics Inc., INEL

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Baby Bells rattle small long-distance phone concerns; jittery resellers prepare to tap new niches to counter the looming threat

Article Abstract:

The RBOCs pose a considerable threat to the viability of numerous small long-distance telephone carriers, but the consumers may ultimately be the beneficiary of the increased competition with better service and lower rates. The RBOCs are using their leverage with cellular customers as an opportunity to offer long-distance service to a large number of customers, and the RBOCs are also aggressively targeting the long-distance niche markets that AT&T largely ignored. The result is positive for consumers and challenging for the smaller long-distance carriers, as they must increasingly sell customers on their ability to add valuable and unique services and technical assistance unavailable with the RBOCs.

Wired Telecommunications Carriers, Telephone Communication, Telephone Communications, Planning, Telecommunications services industry, Telecommunications industry, Forecasts and trends, Industry trend, Telephone services, Long distance telephone services, Market trend/market analysis, Long-distance telephone service

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