Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : Amazon.com, Inc. (AMZN) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Bill Harmond who wrote (44667)	3/9/1999 12:49:00 AM
From: GST	Respond to of 164684

Tuesday March 9, 12:18 am Eastern Time "Digital nervous system" to help business - Gates HONG KONG, March 9 (Reuters) - Microsoft (Nasdaq:MSFT - news) Chairman Bill Gates said on Tuesday ''digital nervous system'' technology can help businesses solve problems such as how to cut costs, improve communications and respond to competition and globalization. Gates spoke to more than 160 chief executives and information technology officers from Asian companies here in a closed door conference sponsored by the software giant. In a statement issued by Microsoft following the keynote speech, Gates said companies can leverage existing investments in computers and information infrastructure and evolve their current solutions to be more effective, achieve organizational excellence and build stronger relationships with customers. He said the basic components of an effective digital nervous system include access to the Internet, reliable electronic mail, a powerful database and excellent line-of-business software applications. ''The digital nervous system represents a transformation in the way business is done,'' Gates said. ''It's an opportunity to leverage the knowledge of employees in new ways, and to reach out to new customers and partners.'' Citing an example of a successful digital infrastructure, Gates said the Hong Kong Government Interactive Service Directory, to be launched later this week, will use Internet media to provide government services and information, such as data on jobs and traffic, to Hong Kong citizens. He also said North China Power Group was using a successful digital infrastructure that allows the company to access real-time data to update its database every five minutes. Gates further develops his vision for the coporate digital nervous system in his new book, ''Business @ the Speed of Thought,'' which will be published by Warner Books on March 24. The Microsoft chairman is scheduled to participate in a news conference at 1445 local time (0645 GMT) on Tuesday with Hong Kong Telecommunications Ltd Chairman Linus Cheung to announce a strategic cooperation plan.