Michael Spindler

Sweeping away the last vestiges of the John Sculley era, Apple Computer Inc. Chief Executive Michael Spindler is implementing a broad reorganization of the personal computer maker. Apple said it hopes the restructuring will play to the company's historical strengths in certain market segments and in product development, where it is known for computers that integrate hardware and software.

Michael Spindler was ousted Friday as chief executive of Apple Computer Inc. Here are excerpts from a farewell letter he sent to employees Friday: Dear Colleagues: The end of a long voyage. A page in my life has turned. Almost 16 years of professional and personal engagement to root for a cause which has made impact on society and has not ceased to exist and progress. The greatness and sustainability of an enterprise is stretching beyond its immediate technology or creativity.

Michael Spindler was ousted Friday as chief executive of Apple Computer Inc. Here are excerpts from a farewell letter he sent to employees Friday: Dear Colleagues: The end of a long voyage. A page in my life has turned. Almost 16 years of professional and personal engagement to root for a cause which has made impact on society and has not ceased to exist and progress. The greatness and sustainability of an enterprise is stretching beyond its immediate technology or creativity.

Michael Spindler was supposed to be the German diesel, the efficient, hard-pushing operations man who could save an Apple Computer spoiled by a rich diet of visionary bosses from founder Steve Jobs to marketer John Sculley. When Spindler was first brought to Apple headquarters by Sculley in 1990, he seemed to be just the right man. He was the architect of Apple's successful push into low-cost computers with the Mac Classics.

Michael Spindler was supposed to be the German diesel, the efficient, hard-pushing operations man who could save an Apple Computer spoiled by a rich diet of visionary bosses from founder Steve Jobs to marketer John Sculley. When Spindler was first brought to Apple headquarters by Sculley in 1990, he seemed to be just the right man. He was the architect of Apple's successful push into low-cost computers with the Mac Classics.

International Business Machines and Apple Computer on Wednesday signed their wide-ranging cooperation agreement, a landmark accord that includes the establishment of two joint venture companies and extensive sharing of technologies. The two computer firms, once bitter rivals, stunned the industry when they announced the outlines of the agreement in July.

Apple Still in Merger Discussions: The troubled personal computer maker was still talking with potential buyers, including Sun Microsystems, but people familiar with the talks said price continues to be a sticking point. Apple Computer has been in on-again, off-again talks with Sun for some time and in recent weeks had sought out other suitors. Last week Apple fired Chief Executive Michael Spindler and named former National Semiconductor head Gilbert F. Amelio chairman and chief executive.

Rumors Abound, but Apple Mum on Board Meeting: "I wouldn't expect we'd have anything to say about it," an Apple spokeswoman said of the meeting at an Apple facility in Austin, Tex. That left analysts and others to speculate whether the directors might be putting pressure on top Apple Computer Inc. management to perform or step aside. Outside board members did not return calls seeking comment. The Cupertino, Calif.

Apple Computer Inc. says it can't keep up with demand for what has become its hottest-selling machines, its new low-cost models. Demand for the $1,499 Mac Classic, which the Cupertino-based personal computer maker introduced in October, has "absolutely surprised" the company, according to Michael Spindler, Apple president and chief operating officer.

Apple Corporate PC Sales Fall in January, February: The sales of personal computers to corporate customers fell 24%, according to market research firm Computer Intelligence InfoCorp. The decline in sales from the first two months of 1996 came as the No. 3 PC maker struggled with management turmoil, excess inventory and declining demand for its products. In February, Apple Computer Inc.

Sweeping away the last vestiges of the John Sculley era, Apple Computer Inc. Chief Executive Michael Spindler is implementing a broad reorganization of the personal computer maker. Apple said it hopes the restructuring will play to the company's historical strengths in certain market segments and in product development, where it is known for computers that integrate hardware and software.

In yet another management change, Apple Computer will announce today the resignation of its chief marketing executive because of continuing disagreements with the firm's chief executive, sources said Wednesday. Daniel L. Eilers, senior vice president of worldwide marketing, has agreed to leave the company and his position will be eliminated, according to Tim Bajarin, president of Creative Strategies Research International in San Jose. Another source inside Apple confirmed that Eilers is leaving.