Optimus board approves restructuring into software and hardware units

The newly appointed supervisory board of computer programs and equipment producer Optimus has approved a new restructuring program in which the company will be divided into two large units. One will consist of the Onet.pl Internet portal and the DoctorQ Internet computer programs producer, providing mainly computer software; the other will be responsible for the production, distribution and servicing of computer hardware. According to company officials, the plan puts greater stress on services than on hardware production and distribution. "This is important in light of Optimus' continuously falling hardware sales," said Maria Skowron, an analyst at CDM Pekao brokerage house. Industry observers, however, are cautious about the new program, pointing out that thus far no Optimus board of directors has been able to carry out its plans. Optimus recently rejected a proposal for cooperation with Compaq computer hardware producer, which sought to assemble its computers at Optimus's facilities, thus driving Compaq to sign a contract with Vobis-held PCF. (Rzeczpospolita, p.B3; Prawo i Gospodarka, p.16; Puls Biznesu, p.6) J.K.