International Business Machines Corp. on Monday said it will introduce a new brand of personal
computer devices designed for Web access in the second quarter,
as part of a plan to regain momentum in its PC business and
return to profitability.
Officials of IBM's personal systems group, as the PC
unit is known, said IBM will introduce the new brand in a
marketing campaign beginning in March, with an entirely new
lineup of desktop computer products available in the second
quarter.
The new line of Internet-access devices will include three
new products: high-speed Internet access desktops; an
"all-in-one" machine that combines monitor and PC unit; and
new flexibly designed smaller PCs that marks a break with older
PC technology.
The strategy shifts IBM away from a focus on bulky personal
computer boxes toward a new generation of sleek Internet access
devices and is part of an industry-wide shift.
At a product briefing in New York, IBM officials described a
new focus on devices for what they called the "Edge of the
Network," where computer devices are used entirely as a means
of gaining access to the Internet rather than as stand-alone
work or entertainment tools.
"By the end of the month, we will have a new brand for our
desktop, Internet appliance and thin-client devices," said
Ralph Martino, vice president, IBM strategy and marketing, for
the PC unit.
In midmorning trading on the New York Stock Exchange, IBM
shares were 3/8 higher at 116.
