Tech bytes: NCR Name Revived For Spinoff by AT&T

AT&T Global Information Solutions has changed its name back to NCR Corp.

The AT&T Corp. computer subsidiary said the move was necessary because it will be unable to use the AT&T name or logo after it is spun off as an independent, publicly traded company, which is slated to happen by January 1997.

NCR was renamed in 1994, three years after its acquisition by the telecommunications giant.

AT&T announced Sept. 20 that it would split up into three companies: AT&T, a communications services provider; a systems and technology company; and NCR, a business computing company.

NCR is a major manufacturer of computer hardware for financial institutions, including automated teller machines and point of sale terminals. Analysts have noted that NCR was not profitable, and since the breakup was announced the unit has moved to cut costs and refocus its resources.

"The name change is not a magic elixir for solving the problems of this company," NCR chief executive Lars Nyberg said when announcing the change this week. "Our return to profitability depends on our ability to deliver in the marketplace."

At the same time, NCR announced a multiyear agreement with AT&T Bell Laboratories.