On the spot; at Digital Equipment, Ken Olsen is under pressure to produce; board asks that he bring in high-level outsiders, speed up restructuring; unfruitful talks with Apple

Article Abstract:

DEC Pres Ken Olsen receives heat for losing a potentially fruitful partnership with Apple and is being asked by DEC's board of directors to expedite the firm's restructuring by bringing in outside talents. In Apr 1991, Olsen secretly met with Apple CEO John Sculley to discuss a possible partnership. The discussion was inconclusive and eventually Apple joined forces with DEC's competitor, IBM. Olsen's domineering management style is being blamed for the removal of a number of talented staff from the company, as well for DEC's stagnation in a market that is rapidly moving toward microcomputer-based open environments. Although DEC is trying to catch up by bringing out a line of aggressively priced IBM-compatible PCs sold through mail-order, it is unlikely that the firm will quickly become a major force in PCs. For the year beginning on Jul 1, 1992, DEC will post a charge that may hit $1 billion. The firm will also layoff an estimated 10,000 to 15,000 employees.

Management, Chief executive officers, Negotiations, Forecasting, Layoffs, Digital Equipment Corp., DEC, Layoff, Management Style, Executive, Outlook, Conferences and Meetings, Reorganization, Financing, Negotiation, Board of Directors, Olsen, Kenneth H.

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Franklin Electric pins hope on digital book systems

Article Abstract:

Franklin Electronic Publishing Inc has proved electronic book publishing to be a lucrative market. Franklin's electronic books, which generally sell for less than $100, use integrated circuits and read-only memory (ROM). Users tap in queries on a keyboard, and the answer appears on a small screen. Franklin's products include dictionaries, language translators, Bibles, encyclopedias and other reference works. In FY 1993, ending Mar 31, Franklin posted net income of $7.1 million on $65.4 million in sales, up from $3.1 million and $53.8 million, respectively, in FY 1992. In Nov 1993 Franklin rolled out the Digital Book, which can read different databases stored on ROM cards. The Digital Book lists for $199.95, while the ROM cards list for $49.95 to $129.95. But Franklin's profitable niche could be challenged by big, ambitious competitors, such as Apple, Sony Corp and Seiko Instruments USA Inc.

Handheld computers, Financial Analysis Software, Hand-Held Computers, Market Analysis, Electronic Publishing Industry, Book, Franklin Electronic Publishers Inc., FPUB

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Canon unveils product 'seeds' in bid to grab a piece of computer market

Article Abstract:

Canon Inc unveils new technologies at the New York Tech Expo, including prototypes of memory technology, notebook computers and displays under development. The company hopes that the new products will enable it to expand beyond its niches in the copier and camera markets. Canon Pres Keizo Yamaji says the move into computers makes sense for a company that already makes such peripherals as printers. The company rolled out a family of desktop and notebook computers in Oct 1992, and soon plans to unveil a notebook computer with a built-in bubble jet printer, co-developed with IBM. Canon U.S.A. Inc, which posted a 12 percent increase in sales to $4.6 billion in 1992, expects at least a 10 percent jump in sales in 1993.

Microcomputers, Product development, Canon Inc., Microcomputer, Prototype, Market Entry

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