The so-called InfoBahn is being relentlessly driven by the fun-and-games business, but fun and games are not the first things one thinks of when one considers IBM Corp. Nevetheless, the company is determined to win a place in the fast lane of the highway, and so fun and games it has to master. Accordingly, the […]
The so-called InfoBahn is being relentlessly driven by the fun-and-games business, but fun and games are not the first things one thinks of when one considers IBM Corp. Nevetheless, the company is determined to win a place in the fast lane of the highway, and so fun and games it has to master. Accordingly, the company has formed a new Networked Application Services Division, to be headquartered in in yet another of the seemingly endless list of New York state locations where IBM has a base, Thornwood. The new unit is charged with developing the kind of network-based services and products for consumers and businesses that are expected to be the foundation of the Information Superhighway. It will develop vertical market business services and mass market interactive television and Personal Communications Services that operate on the US Advantis network joint venture with Sears, Roebuck & Co, the Prodigy Services Co joint venture with the same company, and the IBM Information Network worldwide. It will be headed by veteran IBMer Fernand Sarrat, who was previously assistant group executive of market development, who will report to James Cannavino, IBM senior vice-president, strategy and development. For Personal Communications Services, IBM is developing its Intelligent Communications service to take on AT&T Corp: the service is intended to provide anytime, anywhere service using intelligent agents to send facsimile messages, voicemail and documents to users, by trying various numbers to locate the recipient, and carry out requested tasks. The unit will also look at electronic publishing, public access, electronic markets and Internet-related opportunities. Businesses that will report in to Sarrat include IBM’s Multimedia Systems & Market Development, Electronic Market Services, Collaborative Services, Fireworks Partners – which transfers from IBM Personal Systems, Direct Customer Access, and Kiosk Solutions. The new division will start life with fewer than 500 employees.
