Fujitsu (A)^*

Abstract

Starting in 1935 as a small manufacturer of telephone equipment, Fujitsu grew phenomenally to become a world leader in computers. Its strategy of global reach, based on leveraging the firm's focal faculties (in high-speed information processing, large-scale integration, etc.) through carefully structured international operations, served to destabilize established competitors and benefit customers. In early 1991, Fujitsu's Executive Board had to decide on its future approach to “competing in computing” in the face of dramatic developments in this high-tech industry. Readers are welcome to send their responses on this case — diagnoses, prescriptions and generalizations � to Vikalpa office.

Biomimetic Random Pulse Computation or Why Do Humans Play Basketball Better than Robots?

“…It was a mechanical calculator that could add, subtract, multiply and divide. Further advances in computing machines were made using technologies of electro-mechanical switches (relays) [1] and electron tubes [2], both having drawbacks of a high power consumption and large physical dimensions and weight, as well as the problem of fast wear of the switching components, which led to short maintenance periods. The first transistor-based computers that appeared in the mid 1950s offered far less power consumption, a lower failure rate and greater speed.…”