In what looks like a worrying development for Lexmark International Inc, the typewriter and low-end printer company orphaned by IBM Corp, Canon Inc has agreed to endorse the PowerPC RISC for low-end computing devices such as subnotebook computers and personal digital assistants – but not for the embedded applications such as laser printer, copier and facsimile machine controllers that represent Canon’s principal requirement for microprocessors – in return for IBM adopting Canon printer technologies, notably its colour bubblejet technology for low-end printers. The fact that Canon was a major investor in NeXT Computer Inc, and retains rights to the NeXTstep object-oriented environment in some markets suggests that it may also build NeXTstep workstations around the PowerPC, but it says it is still much too early to say which operating systems it will support. NeXT had been working on products that would use PowerPC before it abandoned the hardware business. Richard Guarino, general manager for IBM’s Power Personal Systems division, said IBM is actively seeking other Far East partners. As part of the agreement, Canon will invest in the development of PowerPC and promote it as a strategic direction for its computer and office products. Canon has also agreed to join IBM and Motorola as they plan future directions for the PowerPC chip, such as extending its use to consumer-oriented products. Guarino said IBM and Canon together will develop a low-end desktop personal computer that would sell for less than $4,000 and could be available by the end of this year.
