Taking aim

Article Abstract:

An interview with Sony Corporation of America director of communications products Michael Lang reveals details of Sony's plans to venture beyond the consumer electronics market and into the telecommunications arena. Lang sees that consumer electronics has reached its stable growth potential, but the revolutions in wireless communications has opened up a new and potentially major market for Sony. Telephone communications have seen the outgrowth from wired units to cordless telephones to cellular communications. The integration of new telecommunications technology with data communications is attractive to Sony. Lang sees Sony's Data Discman hand-held data device as Sony's first entry into this market. Sony has been venturing into pocket telephones in conjunction with BellSouth Corp, and the research results from their trial will be applied to new product entries. Sony is putting itself in competition with companies such as AT and T in this market penetration. Sony sees the combination of effective hardware and support services for communications as essential. There is no date set for the release of a Sony pocket communicator, but Lang promises that the product will be readily available to the consumer.

Telephone and telegraph apparatus, Household audio and video equipment, Household cooking equipment, Usage, Officials and employees, Consumer electronics, Interview, Customer service, Sony Corporation of America, Strategic Planning, Competition, Marketing Strategy, Mobile Phones, Support Services, Market Penetration, Sony Data Discman (Hand-held data device)

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Beleaguered CEO; AT&T's Robert Allen gets sharp criticism over layoffs, losses; foray into computer field was a costly failure; aloof style irks many; but he makes no apologies

Article Abstract:

AT&T CEO Robert Allen is the subject of internal and external criticism for laying off nearly 50,000 employees and for leading the company through its highly unprofitable entry into the computer market. AT&T has lost at least $12 billion through losses and acquisition costs associated with its computer division AT&T Global Information Systems. The company has also written off approximately $15 billion in earnings because of restructuring charges. Recent government deregulation places AT&T in a less secure marketplace, having to maintain share in the aggressively competitive long-distance segment it once controlled. Critics of Allen suggest that he has failed to adequately represent the company's interests, citing poor morale among remaining AT&T employees as an indication of his performance.

Wired Telecommunications Carriers, Telephone Communication, Telephone Communications, AT&T Corp., T, Telephone services, Reorganization and restructuring, Allen, Robert E., Company Employee, Company Restructuring/Company Reorganization

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