The Guardian from London, Greater London, England • 28

THE GUARDIAN Thursday December 29 :1988 28 COMPUTER GUARDIAN the sizzle Gung holier than thou. US Greg Ingham looks back at publisher MicroProse wins one the highlights of 1988 the year censorship battle over Silent Service with the German Fed eral Office for the Examination of Harmful Material, but loses another with F15 Strike Easle. the computer finally moved out of hackerdom and entered the marketing age Apple sues Microsoft over Windows and Hewlett-Packard over NewWave. April network of Apple Macs. Amstrad's profits of 160.4 million mean the firm clears over 5 every second.

November US software firms hit difficulties. The losers: $6 million for Borland in six months; $5.1 million for MicroPro in year; and $192,000 for Mind-scape in quarter. Mediagenic drops one in ten staff and Sub-Logic halves workforce. Ash-ton-Tate sues Fox Software and SCO over clones of its dBase, Good news: Atari shows off Stacey portable. Bad news: it was only a polystyrene model.

Good news: Commodore displays BBC emulator for Amiga. Bad news: internal name Bee- A CORN slips back to its old A ways, posting losses of 3.3 million, as sales slump 22 per cent. Number of Archimedes titles tops 200. but no one out THIS year finally saw computers move out of hackerdom and into the mainstream. The industry has now entered the marketing age, where it's the sizzle not the sausage that matters.

Paradoxically Amstrad, the best marketeer, had its least impressive year as a computer firm. Sales were strong, but ware pirate to go to prison. US Gold's Out Run hits 250,000 sales despite underwhelming reviews. Acorn finally 'completes Arthur, the Archimedes' operating system. CodeMasters boldly announces that Sport Aid charity title The Race Against Time will be first million-selling game; it comes in around 975,000 short.

side Cambridge can name more man xu. uommoaore bravely extends Chelsea FC sponsorship deal to 1991 at a potential cost of 1.4 million. Chelsea relegated from Division One Satellite venture Amstrad's Alan Sugar at the launch of Sky TV amidst ugly riots. February Commodore's PCI becomes cheapest UK PC at 369 (inc PHOTOGRAPH: FRANK MARTIN IBM's results system for the Seoul Olympics runs to 1,400 pieces. Commodore-sponsored Tessa Sanderson scarcely runs at all.

A year after acquiring loss-making US chain store bulator dropped as too frivo-, lous. Nazi computer games turn up in Germany. December IBM cuts back its involvement in communications, putting most of Rolm into a joint venture with Siemens. Sugar super soaraway elevation to the establishment continues with news that he is to be a figurehead in DTI's Europe Open For Business TV campaign. Amstrad claims "vast universe" of games avail VAT); unfortunately, it's slow and all but unexpandable.

IBM demands one per cent royalty on PC sales to April, with five able for Spectrum 3. Up to a point. There are, in fact, 31. per cent thereafter. Amdahl launches a new mainframe that's faster than IBM's.

Whole Top Ten games chart railed to stun as ot yore, its business activities were constrained by abiding chip shortages. On the games front, its seven 8-bit micros were embarrassed by the ST and Amiga's 16-bit blitz, and beaten on sales by the near veteran Commodore 64 (of all things). Of the rest, Atari had almost as much fun trailing countless machines as it did in consistently out-witting Commodore. Neither task was especially difficult. For all that, Commodore contrived to do well.

With no big busts and un-characterisally few bust ups, well-being abounded. Even games consoles made a comeback, as the guilt of only using computers for entertainment gave way to naked hedonism. goes budget for first time, headed by pre-historic Ghost- June busters. Tandy and Dell announce IBM PS2 clones. Micro COMMODORE vehemently, categorically denies plan endar with another restructuring and the closure of its Boca Raton factory, where the PC was made.

Takes a $364 million write-down which knocks profits off 18 per cent. Profits at Apple and Compaq boom. UK papers, dominated by Alan Sugar, with the news that he is venturing into satellite TV with Rupert Murdoch. Then there are oddities, such as Amstrad's embarrassment over detailed leaks of autumn PC plans from full board member (and Spanish boss) Jose Luis Dominguez. Then only days after signing networking deal with CorvuS) the US company files for protection from creditors under Chapter 11.

Finally, Alan Sugar belies his "hard reputation by giving 2 million to build an OAP home in Ilford and 250,000 to Great Ormond Street Hospital. soft countersues Apple. -Atari plans a 68030-based Unix ma ning a 100 price cut on the Amiga 500. Then it happens. It scotches notions of bundling a chine and a portable ST with trackerball, not mouse.

COMMODORE contrives to irritate dealers by producing yet another Amiga bundle with the lowest trade margins yet seen. Few are sold. Amstrad calls software forum for the Spectrum 3, officially quits games publishing, and outlines network plans. First Russian-written game Tetris is launched by Mirrorsoft. Curry's drops micros.

Apple drops prices. March THE world turns upside down. Memory chip shortages prompt stiff price rises from Atari (33 per cent), Amstrad (from 4 to 12.5 per cent), Acorn and Opus (both 8 per cent), among others. For an industry wedded to ever-lowering prices, dire consequences are forecast. Apocalypse fails to happen.

Atari disguises 100 rise on ST with "free" bundle of games notionally worth 413.94. Nuclear reactors: Boots and W. H. Smith ban US Gold game, Chernobyl. Sugar wheels out "pregnant calculator" jibe against the Olivetti PCI, which Dixons is stocking.

Olivetti UK TV modulator with the ma chine. That happens in Septem Federated, Atari sues for triple damages, amounting to $130 million, claiming "unlawful conspiracy," "fraud" and alleged violations of the Federal Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organisation statute. October END of two eras. W. H.

Smith which stocks the Atari ST drops Spectrum for first time in seven winters, and assiduously text-only adventure firm Infocom releases its first games with graphics. Star Glider II is first 16-bit only game to top Gallup charts; it's also the first to have both ST and Amiga games on one disc. IBM cuts back its involvment in photocopiers business sold to Kodak. Steve Jobs launches NeXT workstation. tered the PC market.

Atari signs up rights to DIP'S 199 pocket PC; leaks details of 4,096 colours, fast scrolling, stereo-sound Super ST, and plans for 99 ST console. Commodore re-jigs PC line-up for umpteenth time. "We're not squaring up to any one manufacturer," says CBM which is just as well. September AMSTRAD becomes fully-fledged business supplier with launch of PC 2000 range of 286 and 386-based machines. Chip shortages preclude availability before 1989, however.

IBM-compatible Sinclair PC 200 prompts yawns and disbelief: it's the PC that passeth all understanding. Apricot launches new Qj range, while Acorn previews RiscOS, a new operating system for the Archimedes. Computer industry group forms to back EISA, an industry standard expansion bus and, on the same day, IBM unveils a machine which uses not its own Micro Channel Architecture but an industry-standard expansion bus. Apple increases its prices. May ber.

Industry rejoices as software is included in Copyright, Designs and Patents Bill. Pirated copies of Leisure Suit Larry have virus infection and cause havoc among City firms. Amstrad cuts PC prices by 50 to 250, ostensibly to make way for new PC 2000 range. Boxes of Sinclair PC 200 packs variously arrive on Comet shelves without leads, manuals, monitors, operating software, bundled games and remarkably, even without computers. In PC Dealer magazine, Guy Kewney calls the machine "a lemon, an egg, a dodo, a mistake, a guaranteed flop, an aberration, and a strange thing to do." Eddie Shah folds The Post.

Year closes with indications that it'll be the strongest Christmas since 1983 for both hardware and software. But Alan Sugar has the last word. He may have left school at 17, but now the City University Business School makes him an Hon SWINGEING EC tariffs rising to 33.4 per cent are im January Compaq announces the first micro based on Intel's new cut- posed on Japanese printer manufacturers, despite Epson's remarkable six-page ads showing a geisha girl progressively down 80386 processor, the 386SX. IBM announces new range of minis, the AS400. The 19B7 fu user snow was un August mutating into Mrs Thatcher.

Old stagers Sir Clive Sinclair and Atari-founder Nolan Bush-nell combine to sell Z88 in US. utterably dull and got dubbed AMSTRAD boss Alan Sugar donates a PPC, a dozen PC-1640s and a cash payment to Prince Charles' Business in the Community charity; Sugarian glasnost is declared. Astonishingly, IBM makes its first year-on-year profit increase since 1984, and its shares fall $6. The end of the world has come: the PCW Show loses the world from its name. Gerhard Martens of Tos International in Torquay becomes the first soft- PC sales are now deemed to the PC Snoozer Show; this year it was unutterably dull and dubbed a success.

MORE Amstrad: flagging PPC portable gains 120 printer and software bundle; silly season story says Sugar have increased by 16.5 per cent, and launches its first laptop. Acorn is working on Unix, another new operating system for the Archimedes. July 22.4 per cent or 98.4 per cent, depending which research firm you believe. French ST game Captain Blood is first 16-bit only title to hit Gallup Top Ten. orary Doctor of Science.

set to join GEC's board; product shortages enable IBM to stretch its market lead to nine points, the widest since Amstrad en shares his perspective, with staff disdaining all knowledge of the Italian-designed beastie. Eddie Shah's new paper. The uree Ingham is publisher of BM enlivens the quietest month on the computer cal Post, is to be produced on a New Computer Express. AceFosterBeazley Online AceFosterBeazley: PLANET SOFTWARE LTD ANALYSTPROGRAMMER circa 18.000 An fjKibno opportunity toworicaspMofauxctsiM City. Suable appfcants nvifl be folly convtrunl in Programming In and atso kfttylnClippu.Youwiflbtwrt tekgroundoftEperlenca Jong vmi th a ability to work on your wn initiative required.

To apply, plMM aand a datailtd ev to Cllva Jackaon. or for furtrw 1 Information, cwttacthlm on 01-2428844. FRASER WILLIAMS (SCIENTIFIC SYSTEMS) LTD. TECHNICAL PROGRAMMER An expanding company dealing with scientific information, databasesandsoftware has a vacancy for a person to work in thearea of chemical programming. Applicants should have a knowledge ot chemistry and a sound background in scientific computing, ideally candidates should have experience in either the computer processing of chemical structures or the creation of large scientific databases.

Further details and application forme from Dr. S. E. Hull, Technical Manager, Frner Williams (Scientific Systems) London House, London Road South, Poynton, Cheshire SK12 1YP or telephone 0825 871126. ASSOC I A' COMPUTER DATABASE MANAGER circa 15,000 you have good computer database experience or have first class businesscommercial experience and some computer knowledge, this lively, forward thinking W1 company Will be interested in your services.

In return, you will get all the involvement you want running a large, efficient data base and utilising your own marketing flair for creating further business. You will be responsible for six staff supervisory experience would be an advantage (not essential). Age 30 (no max limit). For further details contact Lawrence Green on 01-242 8844 22-23 RED LION STREET, LONDON WC1R 4P5 I RECRUITMENT CONSULTANTS GRADUATES -TRAIN IN CHARTERED ACCOUNTANCY NATIONWIDE VACANCIES TO 10,000 STUDY Start 1989 under training contract with' a Chartered Accountancy practice. Nationwide opportunities exist with branch offices of international firms and local independent firms.

You will be a recent graduate with at least 10 UCCA points and a minimum 22 degree any discipline. Current vacancies are In Chelmsford, Crawley, Croydon, Ipswich, Leeds, Nottingham, Southampton, Canterbury, Leicester, Reading and Colchester. THE NATIONAL TRUST for Places of Historic Interest or Natural Beauty PERSONNEL ASSISTANT Salary 9,854 pa on appointment (under review) Temporary appointment for one year We are looking for an enthusiastic, organised person who is keen to move into the field of Personnel Administration. Reporting to the Personnel Officer, the successful candidate will take responsibility for overseeing filing administering interviews, starters and leavers, and look after special projects. Candidates, who should be literate and numerate, probably to "A' level standard, should write enclosing a stamped, addressed envelope to: Margaret Harris, Personnel Officer The National Trust 36 Queen Anne's Gate, London, SW1H 9AS Closing date: 9 January 1989.

Creative, Media, IMSWiVWOIilipWION COMPANY CUSTOMER TRAINING AND SUPPORT OFFICER Required for unique Online Leisure database ONLINE LEISURE is a specialist leisure information organisation which provides public access information services, both to telephone enquiries and to subscribers to our interactive viewdata system. We require a good communicator used to an active customer relations role for the key position of Customer Training and Support Officer, whose main responsibilities will include: Advising and assisting with initial installation of suitable terminarand communications equipment Customer support and trouble-shooting for our clients, on all aspects of the service terminal hardware, software, communications and database usage. Training subscribers in the use of the Online viewdata system. Interacting with subscribers to promote a regular flow of information to the Online Information team. To keep abreast of technical developments In the field, in order to advise the company of opportunities for extending the customer base.

We are looking for applicants with proven experience in client liaison, with sound technical knowledge in the field of computer systems and communications, with the ability to relate to clients on ali levels. The position requires strong personal motivation and the ability to take a high level of direct responsibility. Salary will be In the range 13,000 to 16,000 p.a. according to qualifications and experience. Forfurthwr details and an application form, please write to: Pater Podgoraki, Information Manager Online Leisure Information 35 Rom Street, event Garden London WC2E9EW or telephone 01-2824640 afterlst January, 1980.

For details on the and other graduate trainee vacancies nlsaae contact JEFF DAVIES on and Marketing U1-4U4 311 (3185 at ALDERWfCK PEACH ELL AND PARTNERS, 12S High Hotbom. London WC1. (Roe Cons). Secretarial ASS 0C I A RECRUITMENT CONSULTANTS (D 0 E) PERSONAL ASSISTANT An International Medical Charity working in the third world is looking for a Personal Assistant to work with it's Director until April 1990 with a possibility of extending the engagement further. The person we are looking for will be educated to graduate level, will demonstrate all-round secretarial skills and the Initiative shown in their previous working experience supporting a busy executive.

They must take responsibility forrunning Lepra's London Officein Farringdon Road. The work is both interesting and demanding and the salary Is 11,580 Luncheon Vouchers. Telephone or a ob description and an application form on 01-833 3491 by 10th January, 1989. Interviews will take place on Tuesday, 17th January and Wednesday, 18th January, 1889. PUBLIC RELATIONS OFFICER SALARY 15,417 Applications are invited for the post of Public Relations Officer in the Chief Executive's Department.

This interesting post will assist the Chief Executive in developing public relations and information policy in Dorset and keep both Members and the general public informed of the County Council's activities and achievements. Application forms returnable by 1 February 1989 and further information available from the Chief County Hall, Dorchester DTI 1XJ. Tel: (0305) 204209. a I mm II If LI I iil TRICYCLE THEATRE requires SECRETARY to work in the busy administration office: typing, word processing andshortnand essential. To start as soon as possible, prior to the Theatre's rfrojnlng in the summer of Salary In the region of 9,000 per annum.

Apply In writing to the Administrator, Tricycle Theatre, 269 Kllbum High Road, London NW67JR. The Tricycle Theatre is an Equal Opportunities Employer. mm ME Secretaries ArchitectureDesign Fhr21 yean iheSpecialut Recruitment Consultancy for better posts in Architecture and Design. We urgently need permanent and temporary lecretsries. GULLIVERS TRAVEL AGENCY GTA requires operations staff for busy department' dealing with all aspects of European tours for international clientele.

Appetite for hard work essential in busy computerised environment. Good prospects- for the right people. Experience preferred. Salary negotiable. Please contact John Martin or Jack Coumas on 01-251 1677.

Also required one Italian speaking person for busy operations department dealing with all aspects of European tours for Italian clientele. Min one 'A' level. Experience an advantage. Call Andy George 01-251 1677, Extn: 2109. 2 vacancies now exist in our London services office.

Duties will include the reservation of guides, coaches, theatre tickets. Experience not necessary though common sense, calmness underpressure and pride in your work is essential. Call Debi Flnebaum 01-251 1677, Extn: 2228. NO AGENCIES 2 ill III lH nl -1 lai i i 1 iil "VI Hill li i Ui af( "ni to ii i ii I win rati i W'iisii6ipi utro im Have you got the discretion necessary to defuse a major disturbance; or the initiative needed to prevent it? Could you lead by example or would you rely on the authority that comes with the strength of your rank? Can you think clearly and fairly under pressure? These are some of the questions we need to ask on our Graduate Entry Scheme. The Graduate Entry Scheme is designed for people considered to have the potential for accelerated promotion to the rank of Inspector early in their career, and ultimately to the highest ranks of the Police Service.

You may apply if you're 30 or under and a graduate, or in the final year of any full-time degree course. Don'ty delay. The last date for completed application forms is January 16th 1989. For further details and application form, send the coupon below to Supt. Richard Biiller BA (Cantab), Room 553, Home Office, Queen Anne's Gate, London SW1H9AT.

in iiobw Byippoimraentonly 20LMiribwiijiSl. London W.t i QtORIfli I III ox inn i bi ID) I PAWSEC SKILLS needed by record and film producer. Five-figure salary negotiable based on experience. Interest In esoteric "World" music and the esoterics, of music "business" essential. Write to: Box 742, London W11 3LZ.

THE THORNDIKE THEATRE LEATHERHEAD is seeking an experienced ADMINISTRATOR Applications should be accompanied by a full typed cv and details of two FpOLICE GRUotFeNTRY "Tsfev. I THOnUKE THEATRE i i J8i TbeGuardlan Telephone Sales Department 77-79 Farringdon Road London ecir 3ER TeL: 01-430 1234. or 1M Deerugtte Manchester MO 2RR Tel: 06M32 WOO, sat 2101 TOMORROW'S POLICE SERVICE. referees. They should reach The Chairman, Thomdlks Theatre, Church Street, Uathertwad, Surrey KT22 8DF, by 31et December 1988.

The Thomdlko Twafre Is an Equal Opportunities Employer. BI 0 (B B) YOU COULD BE TTHE MAKING OF IT. I.