Despite U.S. ban, Russia buys I.B.M. computers for atomlab

Article Abstract:

A Russian nuclear weapons laboratory violated US export rules by secretly acquiring 16 advanced IBM computers in late 1996, according to US and Russian officials. American officials and executives say a Federal grand jury is investigating whether IBM or its representatives illegally sold computers to nuclear weapons installations. IBM-employed technicians installed the RS-6000 computers in Arzamas-16, where Russia constructed its hydrogen bomb, US officials and the executives say. The event, which included Moscow-based middlemen, took place after the Federal government rejected IBM's request to sell similar computers to the lab. Russian and US officials say the Russian purchase stems from confusion over a 1996 bilateral accord that completely bans nuclear tests. Russian officials now claim the test ban included hints that would allow them to purchase high-performance US computers, but American officials say they extended no such offer.

Computers, Electronic Computer Manufacturing, Computer industry, International trade, Government trade agreement and tariff regulation

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I.B.M. names Gerstner associate as new counsel

Article Abstract:

IBM CEO Louis Gerstner has appointed Lawrence Ricciardi to the position of chief counsel and senior vice president at the company. Ricciardi served as Gerstner's general counsel when he was running both American Express and RJR Nabisco and his selection is representative of a series of appointments at IBM in which former Gerstner associates have been chosen to fill high-profile jobs. Gerstner has hired a number of people from outside his circle of associates during his tenure at IBM but he has also built a group of loyalists at the company, which has been difficult for career IBM employees who are used to seeing the company hire from within. Ricciardi spent most of his career at American Express and has minimal technology experience, although he says he is interested in learning about technology.

Microcomputers, Officials and employees, Computer software industry, Software industry, Appointments, resignations and dismissals, Company Operations, Company Employee, Ricciardi, Lawrence R.

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