IBM to push 'client-server' development

IBM plans to announce a major effort to develop 'client-server' computing, in which a microcomputer, or client, draws on the resources of a bigger computer, or server. Because the server is often just a more powerful microcomputer, client-server is seen as the microcomputer industry's response to the mainframes that have been IBM's bread-and-butter products for years. The announcement is more important as a symbolic than as a tangible move for IBM, which already promotes itself as a leader in client-server computing. Industry observers say that IBM is essentially conceding that it cannot base its product strategy on mainframe computers. A new client-server business unit headed by Tom Furey will report directly to IBM Pres Jack Kuehler.