Monday, January 22, 2001		Latest in IT world

Profits at IBM, loss at Apple

IBM. reported quarterly earnings on Thursday that was slightly better than Wall Street’s expectations. What was more encouragingly for the investors is that IBM said it was "comfortable" with analysts’ earnings projections for this year. Unlike a string of technology companies that have warned investors that a slowing economy has caused them to scale back expectations for 2001, including Intel, as recently as Tuesday, IBM said most of its business showed few signs of weakening. According to IBM. executives, the company’s strength overseas, its emphasis on selling a wide variety of services in addition to hardware, and its focus on large global customers helped shield the company from some of the pressures felt by other technology giants. On the other hand, its traditional rival Apple posts $ 247 million loss for its consumer products. This loss was for its first fiscal quarter that is normally its strongest. Apple had recently gone in for a big slash in prices as it struggled to clear its inventories. The company shipped 6,59,000 Macintosh units during the quarter. It also introduced faster and better computers recently.

The European lawmakers have decided to join hands against Web spamming that is blocking the server with unsolicited e-mails. However, the European Union Commissioner agreed that given the global nature of the Net, this could prove to be a Herculean task. As per the proposal, privacy protection laws adapted in 1997 against unsolicited phone calls would be extended to e-mails, both on the computer as well on the mobile. As per the proposal, companies would not be allowed to send mass mails to an e-mail account unless the user so demands. The USA, on the other hand, leans more towards self-regulation and has not yet decided to impose a blanket ban on spam as the ban may prove detrimental in providing news of general interest, like oil spills and bad weather, to all subscribers.

Two companies — DirecPC and StarBand — have started offering satellite services with download speeds close to those available via cable modem systems or DSL (telephone digital subscriber lines), while eliminating the consumer’s need for separate phone lines or Internet service in the USA. DirecPC service is rolling out gradually, currently through partner Pegasus Communications, a service provider in the Northeast, soon to be followed by a special America Online package. StarBand got a jump on DirecPC with distribution of its product last fall. It includes package deals with the purchase of a Compaq computer at Radio Shack, or reduced rates as part of a deal with MSN. These companies, and several others eyeing the market, promise that if you can see the southern sky from your home — anywhere in the continental USA — you can have hassle-free broadband service, albeit for a cost somewhat higher than cable or DSL. Getting started runs about the same with either company: $400 for a small satellite dish and modem; another $200 for installation; about $70 a month for service.