Linux, a robust 32-bit clone of the powerful UNIX operating system, is finding its way onto computers in an increasing number of offices. In this first of a two-part look at Linux, we offer a general overview of the capabilities and limitations of the OS and its status in Japan. Next month's wrap-up will focus on Linux's Japanese-handling abilities and contributions made by Japanese programmers.

by Steven Myers and Craig Oda

Beyond Apples and Oranges

Despite early built-in networking support, Macs have been unwelcome visitors on many office networks. Another cliché bites the dust, though, as corporate networks begin to mix Macs and PCs, with Japanese offices positioned to take the lead.

by R.A. Lemos

Digital Publishing in Japan

High on quality, low on quantity. In this first of a two-part look at the status of digital publishing and printing in Japan, John Tyler views the industry through a wide-angle lens.

by John Tyler

Can Groupware Survive Japanese Groups?

Traditional Japanese business culture differs from typical Western business patterns -- which has implications for groupware use. The two main selling points of Lotus Notes in the US, for example, may actually be liabilities in Japan. Notes evangelist Scott Nash discusses the unique obstacles to selling Japanese corporations on the concept of groupware.

by Scott Nash

Japan's NOS Wars: The NT vs. NetWare Showdown

As companies move to client-server LANs, competition between Microsoft and Novell for the worldwide NOS (network operating system) market has intensified. The NOS battle in Japan is especially interesting, for a variety of reasons. This article looks at how NetWare and NT Server compare as solutions for setting up and maintaining a bilingual LAN.

by Steven Myers

ISDN: A Solution in Search of a Problem

Called by its detractors "a solution without a problem," ;dial-up Integrated Services Digital Network (ISDN) has finally found its niche in Japan as a business communications solution.

by R.A. Lemos

Advice to Japanese Entrepreneurs:Go [to the] West, Young Man!

Why is software the sole potentially profitable area for today's Japanese entrepreneurs? CJ talks with George Hara, of Accel Partners, about reasons for the dearth of venture capital funds in Japan, and why the US offers better opportunities for Japanese entrepreneurs.>

by Terrie Lloyd





The Help Desk (9/95)
LZH files, kanji tutorials, and software sources

The Query Column (9/95)
Bilingual computing options and the etymology of bugs

Technically Speaking (9/95)
Quality inspection for foreign software?

fj.providers.speak (9/95)
Asian Internet service providers and the glass ceiling

The Internet (9/95)
Playing the stock market via the Internet

R&D Focus (9/95)
Selected IT projects at the Electrotechnical Laboratory


News and Analysis (9/95)


News Briefs (9/95)