Innovation, a casualty at IBM

Article Abstract:

IBM and XyQuest Inc sign an agreement to jointly develop a word processing software package, but the product has been postponed indefinitely. The delay exemplifies how large corporations stifle the creativity of innovative start-ups. XyQuest founder David Erickson developed the XyWrite word processing product in Jun 1982 and decided, together with John Hild, to market it. Erickson was working on XyWrite IV in 1989, but realized that without proper marketing, the product would never become a mainstream success. While XyWrite offered sophisticated features such as automatic footnoting and two on-screen windows, it was difficult to learn and many did not even know it existed. IBM was in need of a word processor to market since its own Display Write 5 was not a strong rival to such products as Microsoft Corp's Word and WordPerfect. The agreement between IBM and XyQuest called for the development of a new program called Signature, to be modeled on XyWrite IV. Signature has undergone a series of delays, and IBM may abandon it entirely.

Prepackaged software, Product development, International Business Machines Corp., Contracts, Partnerships, Word processing software, Organization Structure, Cooperative Agreements, XYQUEST Inc., Product Delay, Product introduction delays, Partnership, XyWrite IV (Word processing software), Signature (Word processing software)

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McDonnell Douglas Corp. agrees to sell international computer data division

Article Abstract:

McDonnell Douglas agrees to sell McDonnell Douglas Information Systems International of Hemel Hempstead, UK, to London-based Baring Capital Investors Ltd. The profitable division posted an estimated revenue of $272 million for 1992. The division was the last part of McDonnell Douglas' information systems subsidiary, which posted peak revenues of $1.3 billion in 1988 before being broken up. Analysts, working with a paucity of financial information about the division, could only guess at the sale price. The division has about 1,800 employees worldwide in 35 offices. The sale is seen as part of an effort by McDonnell Douglas to re-focus on its core aerospace operations. The corporation recently decided to outsource its internal data processing operations to IBM.

Guided missiles and space vehicles, Aircraft, Mergers, acquisitions and divestments, Computer services industry, Information technology services industry, Aerospace industry, Divestiture, McDonnell Douglas Corp., MD, Divestment, Computer Services, Baring Capital Investors Ltd.

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