by David A. Bright from the July 1983 issue of Mini-Micro Systems magazine Franklin Computer Corp., once considered just another Apple Computer Inc. clone, is being closely monitored by the personal computer industry as it begins to move away from Apple’s shadow. With the hiring last spring of several key research and development personnel, Franklin has indicated that it intends to become a major independent personal computer supplier. Franklin’s first big move was hiring Avram Miller, former manager of Digital Equipment Corp.

By Stephen J . Shaw from the November 1983 issue of Mini-Micro Systems magazine Slowly but earnestly, companies in the artificial intelligence (AI) field are bringing out the tools to build the heralded Fifth Generation computer systems. It’s likely to take several years for any AI-based products to have a major impact in the commercial market. But 1983 could be the year AI emerges from its R&D cocoon. Many significant product developments are coming from recently formed companies devoted exclusively to AI.