Okay, so we have all said to ourselves, "if KM can provide such dramatic improvements in drive performance for $1/platter (licensing) or such incredible increases in profit margins (going the reduced number of heads route), why aren't we seeing contracts being signed left & right by other drive mfrs?" Surely the lack of additional contracts 1 1/2 months after the Maxtor announcement is making investors nervous. But, if I put myself in the shoes of these other drive manufacturers, I don't think I would be that motivated to enter into an agreement right away, now that the sweetheart Maxtor deal is done. Ampex has made it clear that they are marketing KM as an industry standard. If I am Western Digital and want a KM deal with Ampex, I am sure I will get it. I also know how important this is to Ampex, so will try to work the best deal possible, and will take my time doing so, at least until someone else steps up to the plate. In the mean time, my engineers are working with Ampex on testing and putting production plans together, so I am not too concerned about getting behind on implementing a drive program. But, sooner or later, I will have drives with KM; I will have to in order to keep up with my competition!
--Wayne-- |
