A survey by OfficeTeam, a Menlo Park, Calif., firm, shows that many busy execs are on hold an average of 17 minutes daily, up from 15 minutes in 1993. But unlike road rage, no violence has been reported. But no one knows if that will get you off hold faster. The White House has revealed a new affirmative action policy for federal contract competitions. The practice also applies to Small Business Administration programs.
Supporters view the move as a way to help minority firms grow.
Critics say the program's preferences are unconstitutional, as they support decisions based on ethnic background. In April, Merrill Lynch spurned a Chase Manhattan merger offer, preferring autonomy. The deal will be completed this fall. Cambridge, Mass.-based TLC expects the deal to give it a 40 percent market share. Broderbund created software such as the Carmen Sandiego series and the Print Shop, while TLC is known for its Reader Rabbit series and Compton's Home Library.