Charles was head of the software division of a company called Standard Data at the time.

To us that's like having an electricity division or a software division.

The price is $800 million in cash and as much as another $200 million, contingent on the performance of the software division, this person said.

The computer magazine and the software division lost $5 million apiece in 1984.

We discussed a fee, but he was more interested in the specialist programs our software division could provide for his light-ware processor than actual money.

"There's only so much the software division can contribute to the company's overall performance."

As the manager of Xylog's software division, you're the person largely responsible for those creations.

Since taking over management of the software division last year, Mr. Thompson has moved to cut expenses.

I.B.M. is shaking up the ranks of its software division.

"It's gotten worse over the last year," said Brian Berns, vice president of the software division.