IBM Boosts Its Mid-Size Line, Adds Software : Rivals Compaq, AT&T; Unveil Faster Computers
IBM strengthened its often-criticized mid-range computer line with more power and better software Tuesday as competitors Compaq and AT&T; unveiled high-powered personal computers.
The roughly 50 software and hardware products from International Business Machines Corp. drew praise from consultants. In particular, the experts cited improvements in IBM’s work station for scientists and engineers, the RT PC.
“The RT is pretty astounding technically, and it’s incredibly aggressive on price,” said Michael Millikin of Patricia Seybold’s Office Computing Group in Boston.
Compaq Computer Corp. of Houston, the industry leader in advanced personal computers, unveiled the Portable III, an 18-pound machine that it said runs up to 50% faster than other PCs that are compatible with IBM’s AT, including desktop models.
The slower PC 6310 from American Telephone & Telegraph Co. is a relative late comer to the crowded field of souped-up AT-compatible machines. It is made in Italy by AT&T;’s partner, Ing. C. Olivetti & Co.
On-Site Training
IBM is trying to make an asset out of the diversity of mid-range computers, even though Digital Equipment Corp. has scored points against the computer giant by calling IBM’s lines a confusing mishmash.
In addition to the improved RT PC, IBM announced a software package for office automation that combines traditional jobs such as word processing and electronic mail with more advanced jobs, such as the ability to extract and use information from remote computers.
The so-called SolutionPac for offices, which knits together a range of existing pieces of software, is available for either IBM’s System 370 line of mainframe computers or its System 36 line of departmental computers.
Hoping to put a shine on its reputation for service, IBM will offer on-site training and customization of the SolutionPac software as well as a 24-hour, seven-day phone number to call in case of trouble.
The RT was considered somewhat of a weakling when it was introduced in January, 1986, but it has been steadily enhanced to compete with work stations from the likes of Digital, Apollo Computer Inc. and Sun Microsystems Inc. The latest model is two to eight times faster than its predecessor, depending on usage, and connects more easily to other computers.
‘Turning the Tables’
IBM added power to its System 36 line, announced new display stations and beefed up the Series 1, a more specialized computer used mainly for automating factories and controlling communications.
IBM has so many customers dependent on its various computer models that it could not afford to switch over to one unified product line like Digital’s even if it wanted to, said Rich Mikita, an analyst for International Data Corp. in Framingham, Mass.
“IBM is turning the tables (on Digital) and doing the obvious thing: You take what someone calls a weakness and turn it into a strength,” Mikita said. “They need to explain themselves better, and they are.”
Compaq’s new Portable III performs operations at a super-fast 12 million cycles per second and is the first Compaq computer that uses a flat-panel display instead of a television-like CRT.
