Like a lot of other people these days, Wang Laboratories Inc is trying to raise its profile in the marketplace. As a result, the marketing team has been strengthened and a major change in strategy is under way. Instead of simply developing technology for technology’s sake as was previously the case, the Lowell, Massachusetts company is intent on pursuing a market-led policy. Wang aims to achieve product differentiation, and therefore increase margins, by actually listening to what its customers want. Its mission is to be market leader in imaging and for its work in this field to become the industry standard. The result of these machinations has come in the form of a new line of personal computers, launched in the UK this week. These range from the 25MHz and 33MHz PC 461 based on the full 80486 and the 25MHz PC 351, using the 80386SX chip. Saying that features equal benefits, Wang is taking the line that its personal computers can do everything now but make the coffee, and at a competitive price as well. The main features are built-in imaging and audio capabilities, offered as a freebie.
Cabinet Open/image
The so-called Wang Cabinet Open/image is a piece of software that, working in conjunction with Windows, is bundled on the hard disk and used to store and manipulate data, in image form, by means of scanning. After the digitised data has been compressed, it then can be either displayed or printed. Searches are made on key-words and documents are cached. An unlimited number of drawers and folders are available too. This imaging capability is to be included in all future Wang personal computers and Wang-supplied IBM Corp PS/2s, which have Windows. However, if a machine is initially supplied without Windows and a subsequent up-grade is required, then the imaging Cabinet will cost UKP325. The audio features are to be incorporated only into the new range. These include speech recording, editing and play-back capabilities, integrated on the motherboard. It is also possible to add spoken comments to files, such as spreadsheets or word processing documents. Additionally, if networked, the new machines can be used to distribute documents. If a modem is added, they can send facsimiles and answer the telephone. Also included in the 80468 boxes is local bus video to provide faster loading for graphics and Windows, a copy of MS-DOS in read-only memory to restrict viral damage, and a zero insertion socket to enable the user to change and upgrade chips. Super VGA circuitry is built into the motherboard to provide higher screen definition. The personal computers are to be sold through various channels and like the rest of Wang’s products are aimed at white-collar business. Value-added resellers are considered the most important distribution channel, but added to this are a direct sales team, catalogue sales in the form of the Wang Express service, and customer account managers. Wang says it is aiming to make the products as easily available as it can. Prices range from UKP1,600 for the 25MHz model to UKP1,900 for the 33MHz model and UKP1,100 for the PC 351 and the machines are available now.
