International Business / The Pacific

IBM Unit, Spanish Firm to Sign Pact: Telefonica de Espana and IBM Espana said they will sign an agreement designed to sell IBM personal computers and Telefonica’s online service. Users of Telefonica’s new Infovia online service will have direct access to the Internet and IBM Corp.’s Global Network, or IGN. New IBM PCs sold in Spain will come equipped with Infovia software, much as Windows 95 provides direct access to Microsoft Network. The alliance is expected to boost interest in Infovia and increase Telefonica’s domestic phone traffic while helping IBM raise the profile of IGN as the market for customized corporate communications services develops. Telefonica operates in Argentina, Peru, Chile, Venezuela, Puerto Rico, Colombia and Mexico.