Computing Technology Shifts to Desktop, Driving Innovation

As powerful computing technology once reserved for workstations becomes increasingly accessible for desktop use, highly sophisticated software packages are poised to become more widespread. This trend is being driven by technology leaders such as IBM, Motorola, and Apple, who are heavily betting on the PowerPC chip. At the same time, customers and suppliers are cutting costs and time by forming product development alliances, as exemplified by ATS Automated Tooling Systems' collaboration with Kelsey-Hayes on brake assembly systems. Meanwhile, changes in the software landscape, including Microsoft's planned release of a new operating system codenamed "Chicago," and shifts in the corporate world, such as Inco's plans to cut 10% of its workforce, underscore the dynamic nature of the business environment. Other key developments include Abitibi-Price's agreement to sell its Pine Falls newsprint mill and the U.S. defence industry's ongoing consolidation, highlighted by Martin Marietta's acquisition of Grumman Corp.

Key Takeaways:

The PowerPC chip is driving the adoption of computing technology for desktop use, enabling the development of sophisticated software packages.
Product development alliances are becoming increasingly popular among customers and suppliers, with ATS Automated Tooling Systems and Kelsey-Hayes serving as an example.
Microsoft's new operating system, codenamed "Chicago," is expected to have a significant impact on the software landscape.
Inco plans to cut approximately 10% of its workforce due to the global glut of nickel and resulting price drop.
Abitibi-Price has agreed to sell its Pine Falls newsprint mill to a buyout group for over $40 million.
The U.S. defence industry is undergoing significant consolidation, with Martin Marietta's acquisition of Grumman Corp. being the largest defence merger of the post-Cold War era.
Rogers Communications is holding their annual meeting today, focusing on the company's $3 billion takeover bid for Maclean Hunter.
Torstar is concerned that Ted Rogers' plans to gain a monopoly on cable-TV service in Toronto would lead to an imbalance of power.
The Bank of Canada is expected to raise interest rates today, following the dollar's drop to seven-year lows.
Nova directors have approved initiatives to change the company's operation and regulation, while Pacific Gas Transmission is asking U.S. regulators to reconsider tolls on shipping Canadian natural gas to California.
The CRTC is being urged to licence TV channels based outside Central Canada as a means of spreading wealth.
Approximately 2,600 travel agents are now able to book Via Rail tickets for destinations to Ontario and Quebec through the Gemini computerized reservation system.

Statistics:

The PowerPC chip is driving the adoption of computing technology for desktop use.
Microsoft's new operating system, codenamed "Chicago," is expected to have a significant impact on the software landscape.
Inco plans to cut approximately 10% of its workforce.
Abitibi-Price has agreed to sell its Pine Falls newsprint mill to a buyout group for over $40 million.
The U.S. defence industry is undergoing significant consolidation, with Martin Marietta's acquisition of Grumman Corp. being the largest defence merger of the post-Cold War era.
Rogers Communications is holding their annual meeting today, focusing on the company's $3 billion takeover bid for Maclean Hunter.
The Bank of Canada is expected to raise interest rates today, following the dollar's drop to seven-year lows.
Nova directors have approved initiatives to change the company's operation and regulation.
Pacific Gas Transmission is asking U.S. regulators to reconsider tolls on shipping Canadian natural gas to California, which currently gives some shippers a $37 million (U.S.) advantage.
Approximately 2,600 travel agents are now able to book Via Rail tickets for destinations to Ontario and Quebec through the Gemini computerized reservation system.

Sources:

IBM, Motorola, and Apple are all betting heavily on the PowerPC chip.
ATS Automated Tooling Systems of Cambridge, Ont., shows how product development alliances work.
Kelsey-Hayes has involved close collaboration on design and manufacturing with ATS Automated Tooling Systems.
Microsoft plans to push hard on a new operating system, code-named Chicago, this year.
Inco plans to cut about 10 per cent of its work force.
Abitibi-Price has agreed in principle to sell its Pine Falls, Man., newsprint mill to a buyout group that includes managers and employees who work there.
Confederation Life Insurance is rumoured to be considering joining forces with Great-West Life Insurance.
Martin Marietta says it will acquire Grumman Corp. in a $1.9 billion (U.S.) cash deal that is the biggest defence merger of the post-Cold War era.
Unicorp Energy has ended its ill-fated expansion into real estate and financial services by selling its interest in a New York bank.
Rogers Communications is holding their annual meeting today, focusing on the company's $3 billion takeover bid for Maclean Hunter.
The consolidation of the U.S. defence industry continues.
Ted Rogers' plans to gain a monopoly on cable-TV service in Toronto would put too much power in one person's hands.
The Bank of Canada rate is expected to rise today, following a week in which the dollar has dropped to seven-year lows.
Nova directors have approved two initiatives that will change the manner in which the company, created by a provincial act 40 years ago, is operated and regulated.
Pacific Gas Transmission has asked U.S. regulators to consider changing the tolls paid to ship Canadian natural gas to California in a case that currently gives some shippers a $37-million (U.S.) advantage.
Politicians from Eastern and Western Canada have urged the CRTC to licence TV channels that will be based outside Central Canada as a means of spreading the wealth.
Via Rail tickets for destinations to Ontario and Quebec can be booked through the Gemini computerized reservation system now that about 2,600 travel agents are on-line.