Joe Hutsko is a computer enthusiast. He also happens to be right-hand Technical Advisor to Apple( Computer's Chairman and CEO, John Sculley. Hutsko gets paid to do what he loves best--explore the very latest in microcomputer products. And to his way of thinking, that's what makes him the world's luckiest computer enthusiast.
As Sculley's technical advisor, it's Hutsko's job to keep Apple's CEO tuned in to the latest, state-of-the-art technology developing on the microcomputer frontier. From Apple's own in-house projects, to third party product developments, to products from the competition, Hutsko covers a lot of ground in his efforts to--as he puts it-- "make John Sculley the most technically proficient executive in the industry."
And to hear Hutsko talk about Apple User Groups is to realize how important they are to him in his job, and how key a role they play in ensuring Apple's continued success in the embattled personal computer "I consider myself to be my own User Group for John," Hutsko says, "and in that respect, the User Groups themselves are one of my greatest resources."
In Hutsko's view, because so many Apple User Group members are as much computer enthusiasts as he is, they share a common goal-- to convey their excitement for the technology, and to communicate the features and benefits the technology offers to others. And it's in this area that User Groups make an invaluable contribution to Apple.
"Because it's the User Groups who often adopt the technology before
"The User Groups themselves are one of my greatest resources."
anyone else," Hutsko says, "they are instrumental in conveying our messages and how our products work technically to the rest of the world. They are a driving force behind market acceptance, and both John and I have enormous respect for them."
Out of the Closet
Before joining Apple two years ago, Hutsko worked in the world of "big computers", installing MIS systems and training users. But, he says, "I was always a closet Apple user. Zork was my favorite game." Then came Macintosh(. No longer content to toil away in the drab mainframe environment, Hutsko began to actively pursue his dream: working for the creators of the Macintosh, Apple Computer Inc.
"Bit mapped was where it was at!" he says, "Mice and icons were far more exciting than ("/") and Escape keys."
After a month's worth of phone calls to Cupertino, an Apple Personnel Liasion finally told Hutsko to "stop by if you're ever in the area."
The very next morning, Hutsko boarded a flight from New Jersey to California for his first interview at Apple.
After six of those interviews, he
"Bit mapped was where it was at! Mice and icons were far more exciting than ("/") and Escape keys."
landed his first job at Apple--writing manuals for the MIS Sales Organization. One year later, he found himself appointed Technical Assistant to the President, where he was responsible for providing the executive staff with the most current versions of software and network services. No one was more surprised than he was, he says.
Today, with his job horizons expanded to Sculley's Technical Advisor, Hutsko says his new role is primarily as an "Infonaut."
"An Infonaut travels the information galaxy, seeking and discovering new and great products and technologies, communicating his findings to Mission Control."
"Twenty hours of investigation and analysis," Hutsko says, "may result in a half-hour meeting with John to summarize a new technology concept or review a competitive product offering."
The Biggest Thrill
What has been Hutsko's most thrilling experience as Technical Advisor to the President?
"The AppleWorld Conference," he answers without hesitation, "I helped to arrange the world's first on-line conference given simultaneously before a live audience of over 3,000. While John spoke to the audience, I was at his side on stage summarizing his speech with a Macintosh connected to Compuserve on-line services. We had an "electronic" audience of over four hundred users."
What does he enjoy most about his job? Hutsko says his greatest pleasure, in addition to working with so many exciting products, is conveying his enthusiasm for the technology to Sculley. And for Hutsko, who is first and foremost a computer enthusiast, that's more like play than work. In fact, the most difficult part of his job stems from the necessity to control his enthusiasm at certain times.
"The hardest thing for me," he says, "is remembering that this is a business world we live in. So I have to curb my excitement at times for the sake of business decisions and formality."
Still, no matter how big a role he plays in Apple's corporate hierarchy, it's certain that Hutsko will always remain a part of the enthusiast community.
"I'm one of them," he says, "and let's not forget that our entire industry was launched by the technical enthusiasts of the world.
APPLE PAYS HALF
"If you've been thinking about buying an Apple II or Macintosh system, you may want to know about "Apple Pays Half".
Beginning November 1, 1986, Apple Computer Inc. will pay half the purchase price (up to $250 worth) on all Apple-brand peripherals and software that you buy with the purchase of an Apple II or Macintosh Basic System--which includes Apple CPU, Apple monitor, and first Apple disk drive.
If you - or a friend - have been considering purchasing a new Apple system, now is the time. With Apple Pays Half, you can take home an Apple printer, modem, software package, or other add-ons at substantial savings
To receive your rebate, you must purchase the peripherals and software at the same store, on the same day, and on the same sales receipt as your Basic Apple System purchase.
Your local Authorized Apple dealer has all the details on how you can receive your rebate. But don'tput your decision off-- this offer ends January 10, 1987. Rebate forms--available from your Apple dealer-- must be postmarked no later than January 31, 1987.
Attention AppleWorks* users
LIMITED UPGRADE PROGRAM OFFER
Upgrade to AppleWorks Version 2.0
Order your upgrade by completing the upgrade
mailer available through your local Authorized
Apple Dealer. Be sure to include your original
AppleWorks program disk, the cover of the
AppleWorks Reference Manual, and a $50 check
payable to Apple Computer, Inc.
Mail to: Apple Computer, Inc.
AppleWorks Upgrade Program
P.O. Box T
Gilroy, CA 95021-2249
All orders must be postmarked no later than
April 30, 1987.
Staff
Editor: Cathy Hoolihan
Contributor: Ellen Leanse
Coordination: Apple Creative Services
Production/Copy: Susan Janus
)1986 Macintosh, Apple Computer, Inc. Apple, AppleWorks,
Apple IIGS and the Apple logo are registered trademarks of
