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ASCII Corp. denies misappropriating computer software

Article Abstract:

Pravda, a newspaper of the Soviet Union, printed an article claiming that ASCII Corp and Shinjidaisya Corp misappropriated 800 software programs received during a software-writing contest. The two companies organized the contest, which ran from Feb to Jun 1990, in conjunction with the Soviet Union's State Committee for Public Education. ASCII is protesting the accusations and has written a letter to Pravda requesting a published correction and an apology. The article maintains that ASCII took advantage of Soviet citizens by purchasing their programming for unreasonably low prices. According to contest rules all entries must be original and fees would be paid to the applicant(s) should their work have commercial value. ASCII insists that it has been protecting the copyrights of the software programs submitted, and further states that the contest was devised to offer Soviet programmers an opportunity to publicize and promote their work.

Newspapers, Copyright, Copyrights, Competitions, Software protection, Copy protection, Patents, Editorials, Contests, Patent/Copyright Issue, Legal Issues, ASCII Corp., Pravda (Newspaper)

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IBM agrees to sell computers to Soviets for use in schools

Article Abstract:

IBM agrees to sell microcomputers to the Soviet Union for use in high schools and institutes of higher education. More than 13,000 microcomputers are reportedly involved in the deal, and they are to be paid for with dollars. The computers will be PS/2s and will not be based on microprocessors more powerful than the Intel 80286. Printers and educational software are also part of the contract, which is probably worth between $10 million and $20 million, heavily discounted. The contract was signed in May 1990, but it is revealed in early Jun 1990 to coincide with the US-Soviet summit. An IBM spokesman says IBM is talking with Soviet officials about the possibility of establishing a microcomputer assembly plant in the Soviet Union.

United States, Microcomputers, Education, International trade, United States foreign relations, Soviet foreign relations, Microcomputer, East-West trade (1945- ), East-West trade

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IBM signs pact to sell services to McDonnell: company hosts for a boost from 'outsource' deal estimated at $3 billion

Article Abstract:

McDonnell Douglas Corp outsources its information services to IBM in a 10-year, $3 billion contract. IBM and its subcontractors will supply McDonnell with a wide variety of information services. The contract is seen as a coup for IBM's growing information technology services business, which the company views as vital to its efforts to solve its financial difficulties. Faced with declining mainframe sales and other problems, IBM faces the greatest crisis in its history. Eight hundred McDonnell employees in the firm's St. Louis headquarters and 650 in Southern California will receive employment offers from IBM's Integrated Systems Solutions Corp or one of its business partners. The IBM unit was founded in 1991.

Prepackaged software, Guided missiles and space vehicles, Aircraft, Data processing and preparation, Computer services industry, Information technology services industry, Aerospace industry, Outsourcing, McDonnell Douglas Corp., MD

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