What will we be buying in '96?

Article Abstract:

Users will find 32-bit applications the major trend in computer products for 1996. Microsoft's Windows 96 will offer bug fixes and features dropped from Windows 95, and the latest release of Windows NT should also debut. Microsoft will gradually stop supporting 16-bit applications and move to 32-bit implementations of its business applications. The legal field will not see many new 32-bit applications created specifically for it because law offices will try to keep their investment in 16-bit applications. When new law programs are developed, they will probably be written to the Novell and Microsoft APIs, allowing for better integration. In hardware, Intel's P6 processor will probably offer minimal performance improvements, so users may want to wait another year until prices drop. ISDN will gain popularity in 1996 as will the 28.8-Kbps modem and CD-recordable drives. The price of a Pentium notebook with active-matrix display will fall to $2,500.

Electronic computers, Computer industry, Forecasts and trends, Column, Market Trend/Market Analysis

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$19.95 vs. $3.43 billion

Article Abstract:

Thomson's $3.43 billion acquisition of West Publishing is likely to have a major impact on the legal profession. The deal creates a new level of synergy between an indexed database of primary sources and a library of secondary materials. AT&T's decision to offer unlimited Internet service at $19.95 a month may, however, actually have a bigger impact on the industry. Compared with the hundreds of smaller ISPs on the market, AT&T will be offering high quality and reliability. The involvement of AT&T in the ISP market will have a major psychological impact by making the Internet more acceptable and accessible to average users. The wider acceptance of the Internet will lead to E-mail being used as the primary means of communication within the legal industry. Legislatures, bar associations and other organizations will also be moving their resources to the Web.

Information retrieval services, Management, Mergers, acquisitions and divestments, Services, Internet, Internet service providers, Internet service provider, Law firms, Thomson Corp., AT&T Communications Inc., West Publishing Co., Company Acquisition Merger

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The present and future of CD-ROM

Article Abstract:

CD-ROM technology has developed along traditional technology lines with a start as an expensive niche product to an affordable mass market product. Though they once were impressive products to have, they now have seemed to have lost their luster. Speeds have improved in CD-ROM drives to quad-speed, and 6x and 8x drives are hitting the market. The CD-ROM has always flourished as a distribution platform, particularly for the tomes of legal information attorneys need. But it may face competition from the Internet as lawyers explore alternate ways of getting their information. CD-ROM technology faces challenges in the coming years, and the World Wide Web offers it the greatest competition.

Computer peripheral equipment, not elsewhere classified, Marketing, Technology development, CD-ROM, CD-ROM disks, CD-ROM Technology

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