A couple of excerpts regarding Scalise's departure. It's interesting this is being seen, at least in some quarters, as evidence of Jobs' increasing influence. I have to agree that dumping Newton may be good idea. Forbes 6/2 ASAP listed all the companies that have foundered trying to develop and sell a "pen computer."
SAN FRANCISCO CHRONICLE
05/21 Amelio's Right-Hand Man Quits
"... Sources said Scalise's departure may signal that Apple is close to spinning off or reorganizing the division that makes its Newton hand-held computer. The Newton had been placed under Scalise's control while Apple decided what to do with the product.
"After months of internal debate, Apple co-founder Steve Jobs made no secretof his opinion last week.
"At Apple's developers' conference in San Jose Friday, Jobs encouraged Amelioto dump Newton. He argued the struggling computer maker can't manage more than one or two major projects effectively at this point..."
NEW YORK TIMES
05/21 Another Ranking Executive At Apple Decides to Resign
"... The powers and responsibilities of Mr. Amelio's chosen executives have weakened since Apple's $400 million acquisition of Next Software Inc. returned Steven P. Jobs to the company he helped found, analysts noted. Ellen Hancock, who last year joined Apple as chief technology officer, also from National Semiconductor, had her oversight of both hardware and software development management turned over to former Next executives.
''The influence of Steve Jobs has been much greater than anyone anticipated,'' said Tim Bajarin, an analyst with Creative Strategies. ''But any brain drain right now, especially someone so close to Gil, has to be considered a loss.''..." |
