They said "fall of '98" which of course lasts almost to Christmas.
Following from BR:
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I do not foresee a buyout by Intel or Lucent for the following reason. IMO their primary interest in this alliance is to get their chips, Strongarm and DSP's for voice functions, into a standardized audio digital flash recorder. I expect their (Intel and Lucent) customers to license the technology from NCI and for NCI to collect licensing, royalty, and design fees as requested and needed by Intel's and Lucent's customers. I predict there will be
occasions when Intel and Lucent will also have products manufactured under their name using the technology. Intel and Lucent do not need to compete with their customers but when they see opportunities that their customers may not wish to pursue, they will. For Intel or Lucent to take over NCI eliminates the 'arm's length distance' some of their customers may prefer when dealing with Intel or Lucent and provides them with nothing more than what
they've probably already negotiated. Would a company like Motorola want NCI to design Mot's. DSP's (replacing the Strongarm) into a product? I'd give that one a high probability, but IMO, Motorola (good technology) does not have the marketing savvy or foresight of Intel to see the inherent value of this type of product line. [I hope that NCI's agreement with Intel does not prevent NCI from working with other co's. like Mot., Ericsson, Alcatel,
Toshiba, Fujitsu, Seimens, which may have similar chip agendas as Intel's and Lucent's.]
I still expect someone with software VTT and TTV capabilities to join Intel, NCI, and Lucent because I do not believe Lucent's voice technology offers all this product design can bring to the consumer.
On an 8hr. flight segment from Gatwick, near London, to St. Louis, I had a very interesting conversation with a VP from Monsanto. He is responsible for Monsanto's conversion over to SAP computer software architecture for their worldwide co. network operations. When I discussed with him NCI's proposed new product they're developing for Intel, which could simplify his communications problems with their 20K + employees, he said, "When can I get it?"
I only described what I foresee the product's function to be in creating and delivering e-mail, which I believe will only be a portion of the product's capability. Granted this is market sampling in its simplest form, it would allow this particular executive to save an hour/day by allowing him to use some of his commuting time for work. Most of us can probably project that there are many others who would similarly qualify.
What moves products off of shelves are those that effect time savings, are easy to use, and are priced $25 over or under $ 100. I expect this is what Intel has asked for and will receive. They have proven over and over again that they know what steps to take when introducing technology and have a big stake in being a major force in the growth of the Internet.
Best to all:
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