SPSS Strives to Raise Analytical Profile in Public Sector

SPSS Inc. of Chicago is seeking to raise its profile as a provider of analytical applications to government by retooling the management of its public-sector division and launching a new partnering program.

BUSINESS IN BRIEF

In a flurry of activity during the holiday season, Affiliated Computer Services announced the expansion of its technology outsourcing services agreement with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield related to its eastern region business operations.

MARKET SHARE

Over the next few weeks, investors will focus on earnings reports, looking for answers in a confusing business environment.

Bigger Is Better for Northrop Grumman

Northrop Grumman Corp.'s planned $5.1 billion acquisition of Litton Industries Inc. is getting favorable reviews from analysts and industry officials who see a bigger and stronger company capable of pursuing large information technology projects, including outsourcing contracts, intelligence work and complicated defense systems.

Anteon Keeps to Growing Ways

Anteon Corp. is part of a vanishing breed: midsized systems integrators that sell to the federal government.

MARKET WATCH

The fundamental strengths and investment appeal of government information technology and defense technology companies ? the government technology sector ? has begun to emerge within the context of the dismal overall market psychology that began to take hold in April 2000.

Year In Review: Tech Issues Find Success in 2000

Despite its now entrenched legacy as the year of the punishing market correction, the year 2000 is also likely to be remembered fondly by many technology companies as the year of the well-spent congressional lobbying fund.

Manugistics Group Scores With NATO

Competitive intelligence firm Current Analysis Inc. is bullish on prospects for Manugistics Group Inc., following the announcement that Manugistics has been awarded a basic order agreement by the NATO Consultation, Command and Control Agency.

MARKET SHARE

It is surprising how quickly investors can change their views of industries and business models. Stock markets tend to magnify these views on both the upside and the downside, as selling or buying momentum combines with human emotions.

AT&T, WorldCom Splits May Help Competitors

The planned breakups of AT&T Corp. and WorldCom Inc. could open the door for competitors to steal federal business from the two telecommunications giants, according to industry analysts and competitors.

Who's On First

<b>Richard Gildea</b> is the new vice president for Navy programs, corporate business development for <b>Raytheon Co.,</b> Lexington, Mass. Gildea served as director of Raytheon's naval aviation program and before that was director of Navy business development at Hughes Aircraft Co., which merged with Raytheon. In his new position, Gildea is responsible for securing Navy business and ensuring customer satisfaction. He succeeds William C. Francis, who is retiring from Raytheon.

Shaky Faith in Tech Firms Leads Investors Back to Basics

The love affair between market investors and technology companies is on the rocks. This is true for both mature companies and young businesses. We've come back to basics in these markets to focus on profits, cash flows and proven success.

Network Appliance Eyes E-Gov Venues

Network Appliance Inc., a data storage and data management company, launched a federal unit Oct. 23 to chase growing e-government opportunities, such as reducing network management time, increasing bandwidth capacity and helping recover lost data.

MARKET SHARE

With most of the information technology services companies having reported 2000 third-quarter earnings by now, I can summarize the results as basically unexciting, and with few signs that business will rebound in the next quarter or two.

Epipeline Aims to Give Contractors a Competitive Edge

Information technology companies looking to get an edge on their competition might want to check out epipeline Inc.'s new online service.

Merisel Battles On Despite Bleak Outlook

The financial struggles that continue at one-time distribution powerhouse Merisel Inc., El Segundo, Calif., have government resellers looking on with sympathy, but the outlook for the company is not good.

MARKET WATCH

Industry executives and shareholders have been thinking a lot more about the implications of recent capital market trends on their business strategies, particularly their use of acquisitions and divestitures to achieve top-line growth, business focus and critical mass.

MARKET WATCH

Industry executives and shareholders have been thinking a lot more about the implications of recent capital market trends on their business strategies, particularly their use of acquisitions and divestitures to achieve top-line growth, business focus and critical mass.

Lockheed Martin Wins $1.5 Billion Contract

Lockheed Martin Corp. relied on Internet and electronic commerce solutions in its winning bid to modernize the Air Force's air, missile and space command and control systems.