Fujitsu, others to unify mainframe software

Fujitsu Ltd said on Monday that the firm and three other Japanese mainframe computer makers have agreed to introduce software which will enable the free exchange of data among the machines they make. The companies, Fujitsu, Hitachi Ltd, NEC Corp and Nihon Unisys Ltd, are expected to develop the software by next May, a Fujitsu spokesman said. The move is expected to help promote electronic commerce, he said. As a first step, the companies will set up a body in September to promote the project and start development of programmes allowing computers with different platforms to exchange data through in-house networks and the World Wide Web.

GEC firm after restructuring reports:

Shares in General Electric Co Plc firmed in pre-market trade on Monday after weekend press reports of imminent restructuring moves at the electronics and defence group. The stock was quoted up 1-1/2P At 381-1/2 by 0703 GMT, involume of 75,000 shares. A report in the Sunday Times said the results of a strategic reviews to be announced on Tuesday by GEC chief executive George Simpson would show the company expanding its Marconi defence arm. The paper said GEC would also demerge its GEC-Alsthom joint venture and sell its 60 per cent stake in telecoms equipment group GPT, where it did not have overall control.

Sony to set up Brussels plant:

Japanese electronics giant Sony is close to setting up a distribution and assembly centre in Brussels, Belgian media said on Monday. The centre would assemble laptops from parts made in Asia. The operation would be part of Sony's efforts to break into the European computer market after last month's launch of a Notebook and last year's launch of a home PC, both in the US. Brussels region minister Jos Chabert was quoted at saying a final decision by the company was imminent.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.