The continuing rise of the Intel Corp powered, Windows NT Server has helped Data General Corp to post record third quarter revenues and CEO Ronald Skates predicts that the full year will be the best in the company’s 29-year history. The Westborough, Massachusetts-based computer manufacturer has reported third quarter net profits up 97.2% at $14.7m on revenue up 21.1% at $391.3m. Sales of Data General’s core products, the AViiON high- end servers grew 17%, but sales of Intel powered AViiONs grew a massive 89% (Data General still manufactures Motorola 88k powered machines), while NT related sales grew in excess of 100%. Business was also brisk in sales of data storage devices. Operating margins have been improved, principally through a squeeze on selling and administrative expenses. The company has also taken advantage of its improved prospects to gear up with cheap debt, issuing $213m of convertible loan notes in the period, some of which will be used to retire older debt.
