New data standard may help Internet compete with TV

Article Abstract:

Netscape, Progressive Networks and 36 other computer hardware and software companies endorse the Real Time Streaming Protocol (RTSP) that configures Internet-based audio and video data to appear on televisions or other consumer electronics devices. RTSP will allow computer companies to compete with traditional radio and television broadcasters by increasing the usability and accessibility of Internet-based data. Companies developing Internet receivers, small devices that display Internet data, indicate the protocol allows the products to forgo a hard drive because data is displayed as its is received instead of being loaded onto a storage device before display. Netscape VP Marc Andreessen reports the RTSP protocol has the same significance as the FM, AM and Hypertext Transport Protocol standards. The technology can be used by telecommunication companies, ISPs and other service providers for broadcasting Internet-based digital audio and video data.

Communications Software NEC, Standards, Computer industry, Internet, Standard, Standardization, Technology development, Telecommunications software, Communications technology, Telecommunications

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Intelligent software finding niche; commercial, not military, applications drive expansion

Article Abstract:

The entertainment and consumer electronics industries have become increasingly interested in advanced artificial intelligence research. At the First International Conference on Autonomous Agents in Feb 1997 a number of autonomous software programs were on display, performing tasks such as information retrieval over the Internet and electronic shopping. Executives from IBM, AT&T and Microsoft met with a number of other executives while at the conference to begin establishing industry standards for autonomous agents. The Internet's popularity is a driving force behind the recent interest in commercializing artificial intelligence, according to a growing group of entrepreneurs and researchers. One of the reasons artificial intelligence has shifted away from the military and the research labs of large corporations is that simplifying computing frequently requires substantially more computer power.

Artificial Intelligence Software, Software, Artificial intelligence, TECHNOLOGY DEVELOPMENT

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A struggling Adobe rejects bid by Quark; hostile takeover move remains a possibility

Article Abstract:

Quark announced that rival graphic software publisher Adobe Systems had rejected its acquisition bid. The Quark offer sought to purchase Adobe at a premium to Adobe's current stock price. The privately-held Quark said it would not rule out a hostile tender offer for Adobe, whose current market value totals $1.65 billion. Analysts questioned whether Quark can acquire its larger but struggling public rival, which is facing a significant reorganization and industry shift away from its Macintosh foundation. Quark proposed in a letter to Adobe executives that it could gather the necessary financial support as well as ease regulatory concerns by divesting some of Adobe's products. Adobe's Pagemaker competes against Quark's QuarkXPress. Adobe announced in mid-Aug 1998 that it would slash up to $50 million to $60 million in expenses and lay off between 240 and 300 employees and contractors.

Graphics Software Pkgs (Micro), Mergers, acquisitions and divestments, Company acquisition/merger, Adobe Systems Inc., ADBE, Graphics software, Quark Inc.

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