Mgmt Memo

This April 1983 internal newsletter for Digital Equipment Corporation covers several key corporate updates:

• Computing Strategy: Digital executives presented their networking and VAX system compatibility strategies to the Research Board, highlighting the company’s ability to integrate diverse computing tiers and connect to non-Digital equipment.
• Expansion: Digital announced plans to build a $12.5 million office automation research facility in Reading, England.
• Organizational Changes: New regional management was established for the Business Channels Group to oversee retail stores across the U.S.
• Leadership Philosophy: CEO Ken Olsen shared his views on innovation, emphasizing that while taking risks is essential, they must be calculated, supported by expert input, and balanced with study.
• Manufacturing: The Manufacturing Productivity Conference introduced the "CounSELLor" program, a partnership between sales and manufacturing staff to better align engineering and production with customer needs.
• Artificial Intelligence: The Wall Street Journal highlighted Digital’s success with its R1 expert system, which helps engineers configure computer systems, and noted work on a similar sales-facing tool called XSEL.
• Sales Success: The Commercial OEM Group secured a $40 million contract to supply ARC Automation Services with 800 computer systems.