MindArrow Targets Web Shopper; Iteris Teams with Valeo on Smart Cars
Pity personal computer makers. Just like a chess player wondering whether to castle a king or use a rook for an offensive move, the PC business is part luck, part strategy.
Toshiba Corp. altered its strategy recently when its Irvine-based subsidiary that designs and sells laptop computers decided it would forego a long-held practice of releasing new products that incorporate the latest technology. The reason: sluggish PC sales.
“We figured the second quarter would be a quiet one,” Carl Pinto, Toshiba America Information Systems Inc.’s laptop market director told CNet Networks Inc.
In a way, Toshiba’s decision to shift strategy is just prudent business. After all, the PC sales growth rate has dipped to 9% from 20% the year before. As the overall economy isn’t looking any better, more computers are collecting dust on store shelves.
Still, Toshiba may be sacrificing the chance to gain market share at a time when that is everything. Several PC makers, including Dell Computer Corp. and Compaq Computer Corp. have duked it out in a nasty price war in an effort to gain customers during the downturn.
Toshiba did introduce new machines at last week’s PC Expo in New York. But the company’s bid to win out by waiting to introduce super-slick PCs later when more people are willing to buy isn’t a sure bet.
It also isn’t certain when market conditions will improve. International Data Corp. revised its U.S. PC shipment forecast for the year, lowering it from the previously expected 2.2% growth to a 6.3% decline from 2000. IDC also lowered its global forecast growth number for the full year, dropping it from 10.3% to only 5.8% from 2000.
MindArrow Lands Patent
Web surfers may not need to leave a Web site when they want to pay for something online,at least that’s the claim according to a patent filed recently by Aliso Viejo-based MindArrow Systems Inc.
The patent, cleverly titled “Method and Apparatus for Facilitating Computer Network Transactions,” covers methods and systems to handle secure transactions within a separate window superimposed on a Web site or e-mail. According to the filing, the technology lets users click on an icon to pay for a product or service, without causing the viewer to leave the hosting Web site or e-mail message.
“This patented technology, together with our MindArrow Messenger products, provides our clients with the ability to customize offerings online, and take their customers quickly and efficiently through the purchase process,” said MindArrow Chief Executive Robert Webber.
The patent news comes after MindArrow recently was notified by the U.S. Attorney’s office that a man and woman who worked for its former stock transfer agent have agreed to plead guilty to money laundering and mail fraud charges related to the attempted theft of $16 million worth of the company’s stock.
Iteris Partners Up
A time could come when drivers about to make dangerous lane changes could be warned off by their cars. It’s not Kit from Knight Rider, but the result of a partnership between Iteris Inc., the subsidiary of Anaheim’s Odetics Inc., and France’s Valeo SA.
Under the terms of the pact, Valeo and Iteris plan to jointly develop an advanced video-based image processing system called AutoVue, and integrate it into Valeo’s automotive sensor and electronic systems product line. Valeo is to provide manufacturing and marketing.
AutoVue tracks road markings and warns drivers in case of an unintentional lane change. Coming versions of AutoVue could even detect weather and road condition changes and obstacles and road signs.
“We feel that Valeo is the ideal partner for Iteris to work with and that this relationship leverages the strengths of both companies,” said Francis Memole, Iteris vice president of vehicle sensors.
Procom in China
Irvine-based Procom Technology Inc., a maker of data storage products, recently struck a deal with China’s Aucma Uniskys, part of the Aucma Group, a maker of freezers and a provider of finance and real estate investing services.
Under terms of the deal, Procom is set to be the group’s sole supplier of network attached storage devices. Aucma Uniskys plans to market Procom’s storage products to other Chinese companies. Procom’s first shipments left last week.
“We are very pleased to be represented by Aucma Uniskys as they tap China’s vast market for network storage,” said Alex Razmjoo, Procom’s chief executive. “Procom views China as a strategic market place and will continue to expand its presence and infrastructure in the region.”
