New Ibm Computer Can Run Windows

IBM Corp. plans to give its powerful business computers the ability to run Windows NT software from Microsoft Corp., fighting back against competing machines sporting the popular Microsoft operating system.

IBM also is boosting the performance of the AS400 computers, introducing new models today that are designed to help companies conduct business with customers over the Internet.

IBM’s AS400 machines, its mid-range line of business computers, use the company’s proprietary operating system to run networks of desktop machines. But the AS400 has posted lower sales in each of the past two quarters, and company officials have partly cited sky-rocketing demand for competing computers that run on the NT operating program from Microsoft, the dominant software maker.

To counter the rivalry, IBM plans to sell a computer add-on early next year that enables users to upgrade existing AS400 and new AS400e machines so the computers can run Windows NT applications as well as software made for the IBM operating system.