100 Meg Plus CPU's in 1997, A graphics chip with every one. What
does this mean for S3?
If you add up the forecasts of Intel, AMD and Cyrix, it's easy to assume at least 100 million CPU's in 1997.
Since Intel's graphics chip is targeted at the high end, and considering when it will realistically go into production, I predict at least 90 million non-Intel graphics chips in `97. 1998 is pure conjecture, but knowing the dynamics of the graphics chip industry, and Intel's abhorrence of commodity chips, it wouldn't surprise me if the rest of the industry continued to ship at a 90 million rate.
I also believe the traditional graphics chip makers can respond more quickly to new developments in graphics technology. (Who's to say that a year from now S3 won't have a better high-end solution than Intel?)
If there are major improvements to graphics technology, who is better equipped to bring them out, Intel or the traditional suppliers? I'd bet against Intel.
History shows us that small companies dedicated to specific markets always fare better, (assuming that a large company doesn't own intellectual property that is a barrier in the market).
I don't think S3 should worry about Intel, they need to stay focused on the current competition.
If S3 maintains or grows their current market share against the likes of Trident, Cirrus and Chips, they will experience significant revenue and profit growth that the burgeoning 3D market will bring. |
