TECHNOLOGY & TELECOMMUNICATIONS

Times Mirror Cable Forms Alliance: Times Mirror Cable TV has formed an alliance with Digital Equipment Corp. and Arizona State University to develop an interactive network connecting large manufacturing companies to their suppliers and subcontractors. Network users will have access to a wide array of interactive software applications and information databanks, including text-based applications that would allow manufacturers to execute purchase orders and visually based applications to transmit images of computer-aided designs. The network will begin testing in Phoenix later this month. Times Mirror Cable TV is a subsidiary of Times Mirror Co., owner of the Los Angeles Times.