SOFTWARE REVENUE
Mention software and most people immediately think of Microsoft. However, IBM's software sales generates more revenue than Microsoft's and Oracle's combined. In 1996, IBM had over US$13 billion in software sales compared with Microsoft's US$8.67 billion and US$4.22 billion for Oracle. Mainframe software accounted for two-thirds of IBM's software revenue in 1996, down from 90% in the early 1990's. IBM continues to upgrade and create new software applications. It recently converted or "ported" over 100 of its software programs to operate on Microsoft's popular WindowsNT operating system and has over 2,000 programmers devoted to building Java applications. Approximately 29% of IBM's annual profits are from its software sales. (Source: PC Week, 9/22/1997).

ANTITRUST PROBE OF MICROSOFT
The Attorney Generals of California, Connecticut, New York, Massachusetts and Texas have joined forces to investigate Microsoft's business practices. The antitrust probe is looking into allegations that Microsoft's is blocking its competitors from selling their products to PC manufacturers, the integration of Internet Explorer with Windows98 and a requirement that the original equipment manufacturer (OEM) agreements require the PC manufacturers to notify Microsoft of any request for information from state or federal authorities. Action is expected before Windows98 is released next year. (Source: Wall Street Journal, 10/7/1997).

E-STAMP
Soon you may be able to download "postage" from the Internet to your PC and print it on your envelopes at home or business. Users of E-Stamp's system will purchase postage from the US Post Office over the Internet. The postage will be stored in a small device ("electronic vault") attached to the printer port of your PC. With software from E-Stamp, you will have the ability to print the postage stamp at the same time you print the name and address on the envelope. E-Stamp is expected to begin testing the system in San Francisco and Washington yet this year. The system is expected to cost less then $300 per year. E-Stamp must be onto something as both Microsoft and AT&T Ventures have taken equity positions in it. (Source: InfoWorld, 9/18/1997).

WEB SITE OF THE MONTH
Looking for information on the Internet and having no luck finding it through the various search engines? If so, HumanSearch www.humansearch.com and InfoWizard www.inforword.com may be just the assistance you need. HumanSearch is a free service and promises to have its results to you in a day. InfoWizard costs $7 and will immediately e-mail its results to you. (Source: Fast Company, October/November, 1997).
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Technology Tidbits is published monthly by Jerry Price, Eau Claire, Wisconsin
© 1997 Jerry W. Price

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