sanand@aquila.UUCP (sanand) (03/22/85)
Could anyone shed light/info/insight on the possability/rumour that IBM may cut/disband the PC/AT in about a year or so ? -- Opinions expressed are not neccesarily those of my employers etc.
ignatz@aicchi.UUCP (Ihnat) (03/24/85)
Nope, I can't help you (re: IBM dropping the PC/AT line); but I will throw out a topic of discussion that is interesting... It was widely noted that IBM was behaving in a manner most unlike itself, in its willingness to promote detailed knowledge of the guts of the PC. In return, it's now (according to Mini-Micro Systems) got almost 80% of the market share of personal computers; but it is certain that they're not happy that they have to share at all with compatibles, such as Compaq. Now, we've read speculations in some of the trade rags that IBM may be coming out with a proprietary operating system. It would fit right in with Big Blue's type of marketing to come out with a locked-up, proprietary OS, and a new box that you can't get into (physically or software-wise), and then *drop* the PC line cold, with really good bargains to old PC-type customers who want to switch over--and voila! They convert their hold on the market to a stranglehold. Now, following on the heels of that discussion that a few friends and I had, you bring this up...interesting, nie? -- Dave Ihnat Analysts International Corporation (312) 882-4673 ihnp4!aicchi!ignatz
tomm@asgb.UUCP (Tom Mackey) (03/27/85)
> .......... proprietary operating system. It would fit right in with Big > Blue's type of marketing to come out with a locked-up, proprietary OS, > and a new box that you can't get into (physically or software-wise), and > then *drop* the PC line cold, with really good bargains to old PC-type > customers who want to switch over--and voila! They convert their hold on > the market to a stranglehold. As long as PC means "Personal Computer", I think IBM will have a tough time of selling closed machines to private citizens and small businesses. On a corporate level, they could probably get away with it. For an insight on how users view closed systems and lack of technical support, see this months Byte and the letters to the editor about Apple Computer Inc. That company may be getting itself in big trouble for trying to withhold information, as will Big Blue. I would gladly trade performance for support and open architecture. Tom Mackey ...bmcg!asgb!gollem!tomm
pvk@ixn5f.UUCP (Patrick Kauffold) (03/28/85)
There have been sporadic references in the trade press to IBM's plans in this area (PC market). Recall that when they started the PC project the top brass estimated a market share of maybe 20-30% against Apple. They play their cards close, but I suspect there is some internal tension between the "open" vs "account control" approach. I would watch what they do to their distribution channels (Sears, Computerland) and what kind of programming talent they are assembling.