Mark,
The BIOS prices increasing for Xeon Servers was my interpretation, so I accept your clarification. However, I still think, because of the higher prices for Xeon PCs and Servers, Phoenix will be able to command a higher price for their BIOSs in these systems.
As for BIOSs for Merceds....The Merced system will be introduced in mid 2000 and begin shipments in quantity in 2001. While it is, as you point out, a while off, I was very pleasantly surprised to hear the kind of numbers Jack hoped to get for these BIOSs. I am well aware that it is a very complex system, (64 bit word), and will require major engineering, but hopefully this is where a lot of our R & D dollars have all ready been spent. This would have a two fold positive effect for PTEC.
---We have all ready spent much of the R & D money required and therefore we should consider it as an prepaid asset. and
---Some 20 companies, I think, have already endorsed Intel's Merced, and because of the complexity of the system many of these firms will opt to use the Phoenix's BIOS, in order to avoid the expense and the required in-house expertise, to develop their own.
But in any event, I think Tim's point is well taken. I, and I believe PTEC, look to the BIOS segment of their business as a smaller percentage of their business going forward. I think the acquisition of Sand and V-Chips, and any other future acquisitions, demonstrates this.
Jules |
