Industry news

Intel to cut 3000 after profits plummet 36 per centAs expected, Intel last month reported disappointing results for its first fiscal quarter, prompting the chip maker to announce staff reductions of up to 3000 employees. Intel's net income in the first quarter, ended March 28, 1998, tumbled 36 per cent from $US2 billion in the same period a year ago to $US1.3 billion, the company said.Intel attributed the shortfall primarily to weaker than usual demand for its processors by PC manufacturers.

Intentia and CRT merge

BCM Systems, distributors of Sweden's Intentia Movex Enterprise Resource Planning (ERP) solution has announced it has merged with Computer Results Team (CRT) to become Intentia Australia and New Zealand. Steve Ironside, managing director of the new entity, said: "The operational merger of two successful and well established IBM AS/400 software companies means we are taking it to the competition and they will know we are in the game."

SAP says first quarter sales higher than expectedSAP said in a preliminary announcement that its first quarter sales grew 62 per cent over last year's first quarter sales, more strongly than expected. SAP attributed the rise in sales to very high demand for business application software as well as from positive currency factors, according to a statement. SAP expects revenues to climb between 30 and 35 per cent in fiscal 1998.

CA appoints new Australian managing directorAllan Smith, former general manager of sales, Computer Associates Australia has been appointed Australian managing director as part of a worldwide company restructure. Smith replaces Stephen Richards, former general manager and senior vice president for Australia, New Zealand and India, who is moving to the company head office in the US.