Witness cites pricing threats from Microsoft

Article Abstract:

Garry Norris, an executive for IBM who handled licensing talks with Microsoft Corp. from 1995 to 1997, testified in the government's antitrust case against Microsoft that the software maker threatened to raise its prices for licensing Windows operating-system software as long as IBM shipped competing products with its computers. He said that these threats were never written into contracts but made verbally by Microsoft managers. His testimony could provide more weight to the Justice Department's charges that Microsoft used its Windows software to hurt computer manufacturers who offered software made by its rivals, or did not obey its demands. Microsoft lawyer Richard Pepperman tried to raise questions about Mr. Norris' testimony by portraying the relationship between the two companies as rather complex and filled with suspicion and fear. Mr. Norris admitted there was tension between the companies in 1995 and that IBM actively promoted its OS/2 operating system as a better product than Windows.

United States, Computer Software, Software Publishers, Systems Software Pkgs (Micro), Computer software industry, Software industry, Software, Company legal issue, Cases, Microsoft Corp., Operating system, Operating systems (Software), Operating systems, International Business Machines Corp., IBM, Antitrust law, Testimony, Microsoft Windows (GUI), Norris, Garry

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Palmer faces big challenge at Digital

Article Abstract:

DEC's CEO Robert B. Palmer is the likely contender to fill the spot of retiring Pres Kenneth H. Olsen and industry observers predict significant changes in the company's management. It is widely believed that immediately after assuming power, Palmer will reduce DEC's workforce, an action opposed by Olsen. Palmer is also likely to impose a traditional management hierarchy on the free-wheeling development teams at DEC. While DEC officials and employees have respect for the accomplishments of Olsen's 35-year tenure, many believe that his indecisiveness harmed the company's profitability. The biggest challenge to face Palmer, aside from overcoming the Olsen legacy, will be to bring a new line of products based on the Alpha microprocessor to market.

Electronic computers, Management, Digital Equipment Corp., DEC, Management Style, Executive, Reorganization, Palmer, Robert B.

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