Tony, <<<I saw predictions by AMDroids that major OEMs would be selling Athlon servers along with the Athlon MP launch. Period. If they are predicting them to be sold at Fry's or the San Jose Flea Market>>>
I see no reason why AMD can't succeed in the low-end WS or server market. In fact, I am kind of surprised they have not made significant inroads in the low-end already.
After all, AMD has been in business for 30 years - they are not a fly by night organization. They have a legitimate product. There is always a market for the underdog. No major OEM would like to rely only on one source for their supply.
I can at least understand why they don't have the resources to invest in the high-end 2-4-nWay MPs to succeed in the high-end corporate server market, but they should at least be heavily into the WS and single processor server corporate markets.
My guess for AMD failures in this market is that their management really stink and get away with very little scrutiny. I don't mean their technical and engineering management where I am told each day on this and the AMD thread that they are the greatest. I mean the marketing, sales, operations and support management.
In contrast, it seems like Intel management, operations, et al have been put under the microscope from day one. Like a top gun in a western movie, everyone is out to get number one. AMD, however, operate pretty much under the radar and get a pass on all kinds of sin.
The more AMD finds success, the more they will be under scrutiny. But then again, Jerry is very, very good with the sound bite. As long as they don't do in-depth interviews of more than 30 seconds, Jerry can keep this show going for as long as he is in charge. The question is, can his successor transform AMD into a real competitor against Intel?
For that, I don't think we will know the answer until Jerry is gone. There is not a chance that Jerry will let any No. 2 do anything differently than what he has been doing for the past 30 years.
Mary |
