Compaq Computer Corp thinks the PowerPC chip is likely to remain a niche microprocessor and will be unable to make much of a dent in the marketplace, which is dominated by Intel Corp’s iAPX-86 processors that Compaq uses: it plans to target the client-server market as more mainframe computer functions are handled by personal computer networks; the company also said it plans a major entry into the data communications market; Compaq is counting on continued growth in the consumer segment; it believes PowerPC products, currently being developed and introduced by Apple and IBM Corp wouldn’t have a large impact on the market as computer technology continues to leap-frog forward and prices continue to come down; Compaq also said it is unlikely that Apple Computer Inc’s operating system for the Macintosh, System 7.0, will move into the mainstream computing world; and it expects company partnerships to become increasingly critical for success in the technology segment.
