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The article reports on developments about telephone networks. Experiments are being directed at creating a worldwide, homogenous network running entirely on digital equipment. The most popular design is the Integrated Services Digital Network or the ISDN. Several equipment manufacturers are taking up advantage on the large selling opportunity as ISDN is increasing.

Discusses the tasks of American chief executive officers of turning their companies into a truly global players. Need of a special kind of leadership; Lack of a monopoly on ideas and concepts in information services; Need to cultivate an international perspective and acquire international experience; Attitude in dealing with different cultures over long distances; Personal involvement in foreign purchases with his own government behind him.

The article reports on the financial performance of the Kirkland, Washington-based cellular telephone service provider McCaw Cellular Communications Inc. McCaw, which has a potential base of 48 million customers, has generated $1.8 billion of debt due to its rapid expansion. Despite the firm's debt condition, investors are optimistic that the firm's cash flow will improve and it will eventually generate big profits.

The article reports on the adoptation of global communications network systems conducted by companies to be used for their equipment and transmission line systems. The author cited the companies have tried to push into foreign markets as they are moving fastly for expansion their private networks, particularly they are adopting global network systems which eliminated the time and distance boundaries among companies.

The article discusses the plan of a management reorganization of International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) by chairman John F. Akers in the computer industry in the U.S. Under his plan, general managers are delegated with a certain responsibility, which is to bring an entrepreneurial spirit to their lines of business. Furthermore, he also teamed up with computer designer Stephen Chen to get IBM into the latest computer trends. An overview of Akers' plan and its impact to IBM is offered.

The article discusses the corporate turnaround of AT&T Corp. under chairman James E. Olson. Continuing cost control measures in operating expenses offset flat revenues and boosted profits. Successes include capital investments to bolster long-distance telephone operations, consolidation of back-office operations, and a seventy percent reduction of losses at the computer business.

The article offers information on the declining market performance of Western Union. It is noted that this company's restructuring is one of the most problematic in history. Relative to this, the company has had to acquire extensions on its bank loan agreements no fewer than 15 times in the past two years and eleven months, it has survived a strike, and a total loss of $1 billion.

The article looks at the growth of the cellular telephone market. It cites several cases to illustrate how cellular phones are transforming the way individuals communicate. Metro Mobile CTS Inc. The Cellular Phone Industry Association predicts that over 1 million Americans will have cellular phones by the end of 1987.

The article features Carlo De Benedetti, who is a prominent individual in Italy's business industry. He proved himself, after giving up the most powerful management position in Italy, by transforming the typewriter producer, Olivetti, into Europe's leading office automation company. He is also considered the leading entrepreneur of Europe when he created three separate holding companies.

The article looks at the competition in the U.S. long-distance telephone industry following the breakup of monopoly AT&T into Baby Bells. IBM-backed MCI Communications and Sprint Communications Co., which is owned by GTE Corp. and United Telecommunications, are committed to continue competing despite losses, with planned investments in technology and marketing. Competition has expanded into voice and data transmission and high speed digital lines. INSET: THE FCC'S NEW CHIEF WILL KEEP DIALING DEREGULATION.

Focuses on the business strategies and growth of the long-distance telecommunications company in the United States, Sprint Communications Co. LP; Joint venture with AT&T Corp.; Competitive strategies; Financial performance; Competition with MCI Communications Corp.

Reports that International Business Machines Corp. (IBM) forged a deal to sell the Rolm Systems Division's manufacturing and development operations to Siemens. Business losses; Maker of telephone switches; Debacle in IBM's entry into telecommunications.

This article explores the projected growth of the use of electronic mail. Electronic mail or the computer-to-computer exchange of messages, already is a favorite of big business. Four million U.S. workers rely on it for interoffice correspondence and keeping up with salespeople in the field. Even so, electronic mail has failed to meet expectations. Of the 3 billion messages sent in 1988, virtually all were on closed network that could not make contact with the outside world. Walter Ulrich, the office automation partner at Coopers & Lybrand, predicts that in 1992 some 16 billion messages annually will be sent via electronic mail. He puts the number at 60 billion by the year 2000. Link Resources Inc. research analyst Thomas Baba says that electronic mail revenue, $400 million in 1988, are expected to balloon by 30 percent annually throughout the 1990s. That will happen, the electronic mail industry claims, because electronic mail will join the telephone and technologies such as facsimile machines as a key means of communication. Sitting at a personal computer or a terminal attached to a mainframe, electronic mailers will be able to send notes and perhaps legal documents just by typing in the name of the person they want to reach.

This article focuses on the efforts of Karlheinz Kaske to improve the performance of Siemens. In October 1988, Kaske ignited the biggest reorganization in Siemens' 141-year history, replacing its rigid, centralized management structure with smaller independent units. Once only a regional power, Siemens has made the U.S. its first target. Kaske also directed a $2 billion acquisitions rampage in 1988, launching Siemens' first hostile takeover bid, with British General Electric PLC for Plessey PLC, a British defense and telecommunications supplier. And Kaske bought Bendix Electronics and French IN2 computer maker. He also agreed to acquire Rolm and formed joint ventures with Westinghouse, Intel and Asea Brown Boveri. Kaske still has $13 billion in cash to use in pursuit of his vision. Thus, rivals are eyeing the transformation in Munich at the company's stately Wittelsbacherplatz headquarters. Along with his bank roll, Kaske can count on his credibility to help win the revolution. Reared in Essen, Germany, he has spent his entire career at Siemens. And he helped plan an earlier successful reorganization when he was just 40. Still, it has taken him eight years to awaken Siemens' bureaucracy who have been content to live off lucrative state contracts.

The article reports on the growth of Nynex Corp., one of the seven regional Bell operating companies that came out of AT&T in 1984, under the leadership of its chairman Bud Staley. Nynex has been earning nearly $1 million a year, has grown to 92,000 employees, has installed digital switches in New York City's Manhattan, has increased its customer base and has controlled its costs. Its growth plans include cellular phone service and software for the global community.

The article presents information on the performance of Ericsson Inc., the Swedish maker of telecommunications equipment. It is stated that the profit of the company is declining since 1983. It is noted that one of the reason behind its decline are its costly attempts of trying in new businesses and markets. However, the company has restructured itself in 1986 and is ready to make a comeback. According to analysts, 1987 can prove to be a turnaround year for Ericsson.

The article reports on the appointment of James Edwards as senior vice president of American Telephone and Telegraph Co. Edwards was the former head of computer operations of the company. The company would transfer more responsibility for its computer operations to Italy's Olivetti, which is 23.5 percent owned by AT&T.

The article reports that Federal Express Corp. has unveiled its ZapMail electronic document delivery service in the U.S. Federal has zapped the service and will take a $190 million aftertax write-off in its second quarter ending November 30, 1986. The company figured that satellite transmission would supplant airplanes as the favored, and the most cost-effective method for businesses to ship documents to far-flung locations.

The article focuses on the strategic plans of Charles M. Skibo, president of telecommunication firm U.S. Sprint Communications Co. Skibo established a one-year promotion for telephone services to attract the American Telephone & Telegraph Co. (AT&T) customers. The promotion triggered to the AT&T officials who complains that they are the only companies providing the advance network system.

Reports that institutional and individual investors are cashing out their investments from the U.S. cellular telephone equipment and services industry. Carriers' power to price their services without regulatory interference; Specter of new and competing technologies that would cut into cellular revenues.

The article reports on the plan of Craig O. McCaw to turn over 22 percent of his company, Seattle, Washington-based McCaw Cellular Communications Inc., to British Telecommunications PLC. McCaw is selling his stakes for $1.5 billion or $41.50 per share. The cellular telephone industry was shocked at McCaw's decision.

The article focuses on the deal between Siemens and IBM Corp. IBM has agreed to sell the units that manufacture and develop its private network equipment, including the high-profile Rolm line, to Siemens. Siemens and IBM will market and service the products through a new 50-50 joint venture named Rolm Co.

The article profiles AT&T Corp. Chairman Robert E. Allen. Under Allen's leadership, the company's product sales are steadily increasing along with gross margins. Operating profits have also risen to around 30 percent and its computer business is starting to recover. According to the author, the biggest challenge for Allen is to keep the momentum going. The leadership strategy of Allen is described in the article.

The article reports on the success of American food processor CPC International Inc. and the U.S. long-distance phone industry. The keys to the strong financial results of CPC in third quarter 1988 include the sale of several poor performers and the reduction of workforce by 6,700 in 1986. On the other hand, the robust performance of long-distance phone companies in the same quarter are fueled by vigorous demand.

The article focuses on Carlo De Benedetti, a 53-year old financier who is considered as the new European business leader. Benedetti is admired for his bold, imaginative, and wild traits which contributed to his success in assembling a multibillion-dollar empire of business. However , behind his dynamic image are some failures due to the breaking down of Olivetti SpA which is caused by his negotiation on the expansion of American Telephone & Telegraph (AT&T).

The article reports on the appointment of Terry R. Lautenbach and Ellen M. Hancock as general managers of IBM U.S. Group. The selection of Lautenbach and Hancock was part of the company's reorganization and is deemed significant for improved marketing of products. Several changes will be implemented by Lautenbach on how products are made and sold. Hancock, on the other hand, aims to improve the networking capabilities of the company.

The article reports on the status of Nokia Corp. as of year 1988. Chief executive Kari Kairamo of Finland's largest and fastest-growing conglomerate has made a dozen of acquisitions since last April of the said year. Kairamo also aims to dominate Europe's cellular phone business and, someday, America's, too.

The article profiles Sureshar L. Soni, a mid-level bureaucrat at the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) who is at the center of the federal phone-system scandal involving the GSA. Soni was accused by the GSA of leaking bids for several contracts to supply the GSA with phone switches. Soni allegedly leaked out information regarding AT and T's bid for the public contracts to its rival firms BellSouth and Bell Atlantic.

The article reports on the contributions of Vittorio Cassoni since he joined the American Telephone & Telegraph Co. Cassoni has steered the company to a 70 percent reduction of losses, delivered more competitive product lines and closed a $3.5 billion Air Force contract. He has also made an arrangement with Sun Microsystems Inc. in using the company's powerful chip technology.

The article looks at the failed merger of Telettra, telecommunications subsidiary of Italy's corporation Fiat SpA, and state-owned Italtel, which could have made the merged company as an international player. The main reason for the failure was the battle for control of the merged company. Fiat did not like the nomination of Italtel's chief executive Marisa Bellisario as chief executive of the merged firm.

The article focuses on the move of telecommunications company Contel Corp. to restructure its Federal Systems Division and to sell Contel Executone Inc. As part of the revamp, the firm announced on September 22, 1987 that it will initiate a public offering to help fund future acquisitions. However, the idea that Contel is totally retrenching is dismissed. In fact, it has pending deals to acquire Equatorial Communications Corp. and Comsat Technology Products Co. later in 1987.

The article focuses on the development of MCI Communications Corp. specifically in the long distance phone business in the U.S. The company won the right to compete in the long-distance phone business against the American Telephone & Telegraph Co. However, the competition the company more than helping it. It is also striving to delimit its focus and reshape its entrepreneurial instincts. It has also proceeded with a recovery plan including merger speculation.

The article presents Compagnie Generale d'Electricite (CGE) chairman Pierre Suard's strategic plan for the France-based state-owned conglomerate's profits and growth. The plan includes a telecommunications equipment joint venture with ITT Corp., reviving the sales of the System 12 computerized switch, and cost control measures.

The article reports on the performance of the stocks of GTE Corp. as of November 17, 1986. The stock of the company has been rising on heavy volume jumping almost 2 points to 62 on 1.7 million shares. The rise of the stock price is a result of the Belzberg brothers' accumulation of GTE shares. The company will try to sell pieces of the company if the brothers take control.

The article reports on the decline sales of fiber optic telecommunications cable in the United States. Demand for fiber optic cables have flattened and prices are falling. Industry revenues decline by more than 15 percent from the 1985 levels. Corning Glass Works has laid off about 15 percent of workers at the Wilmington, North Carolina fiber plant.

The article presents information on several companies engaged in the manufacturing of private pay phones. After the deregulation of the U.S. phone industry in 1984, several companies started manufacturing private pay phones. However, it is stated that most of the manufacturers and distributors were undercapitalized and poorly managed. This resulted in either merger or closure of most of the companies. Due to this, it is stated that very few private pay phones could be installed nationwide.

The article reports on the merger between Contel Corp. and Communications Satellite Corp. (Comsat) aimed at creating a global telecommunications company in the U.S. The author offers information about the terms and conditions of the deal. Competitors argue to regulators that the arrangement would give Contel, the nation's 10th-largest telephone company, special access to the satellite connections that Comsat.

The article explains that ITT Corp.'s decision to spinoff its German subsidiary and telecommunications firm Standard Elektrik Lorenz (SEL) into a joint venture with France-based Compagnie Generale d'Electricite (CGE) has caused controversy in West Germany. The German government has demanded that France give German electronics giant Siemens a 16 percent share of the French telephone switch market in exchange for Germany's approval of the ITT-CGE deal.

The article reports on the plan of James E. Olson, chairman and CEO of American Telephone & Telegraph Co., to lay off 330,000 employees to boost the company's unimproved $35 billion profits. The company had intensified its cost cutting by laying off employees and selling assets to elevate its earnings from 1985 to 1986. It also reduced the impact of layoffs by annual attrition and placing excess workers to other division within the company.

The article reports on the move of Big Blue to create a course called How to Sell to the Ugly Duckling conducted in New York. This has been designed to help and teach computer companies on how to approach data processing managers. The course has been associated by Businessland Inc., which is responsible in guiding computer sales representatives to sell computer hardware.

The article focuses on the plan of private companies including IBM Corp., Bull and Olivetti Corp. to offer large-scale computer-communications services over postal, telegraph and telephone (PTT) networks in Europe. Researchers Frost & Sullivan Inc. is expecting network services to become a $5.7 billion business in Europe by 1990. PTT agencies are planning to charge service rates based on the services used.

The article evaluates the Office Talk telecommunication system from Hewlett-Packard Co.

The article provides information on the acquisition of Airfone Inc., the company that engaged in in-flight telephone services to airlines, by General Telephone and Electronics Corp. (GTE) in the U.S. It is stated that the GTE wants to expand its telecommunication services business while getting away from traditional telephone companies. The acquisition was due to the financial ailing of the Western Union Telegraph Co., the partner of Goeken Family in managing Airfone.

The article focuses on the study conducted by researchers at the University of Illinois concerning sex-typing that puts women at a disadvantage while using computers. Result shows that women began showing higher anxiety on computer and exhibited more interest than men. Carolyn J. Palmer, assistant director of Housing for Research states that women gain confidence and notion while too much exposure on computers.

The article reports on the plan of GTE Corp. and Siemens AG to jointly build and market the switches that route calls around a phone company's network. Both wanted a partner to share the cost of new software to upgrade existing switches. A partner is also needed to shoulder the development cost of the next-generation switch.

Reports on the merger between LIN Broadcasting Corp, and BellSouth Corp. Impact of the cellular telecommunication industry in the U.S.; Financial background of the two companies.

The article Discusses how Los Angeles Software Creations Inc. helped the California Museum of Science and Industry capture the images of Neptune on personal computers for the public to examine in detail in 1989. Key issues discussed include background information on the firm and its growth targets and strategies.

The article reports that Portfolio Systems Inc. has come out in the U.S. in 1989 with a software package called Dynodex that will transfer personal computer files onto Filofax-size pages or memo paper for fingertip reference. Key issues discussed include background information on the firm and its growth targets and strategies.

The article discusses how Nynex Corp., the New York-based regional phone company, is installing credit-card payment systems at airport parking lots in New York in 1989. Key issues discussed include background information on the firm and its growth targets and strategies.

This article reports that number two telephone company MCI Communications Corp. is flush with cash after two quarters of record earnings. It posted a 30 percent increase in sales in 1988, due to increased demand from corporate customers. It plans to upgrade its transmission network with faster fiber-optic equipment.