A few more thoughts -
First, the relevancy of Mark Re's leadership or lack thereof is not germane to the present issues. In fact, the PRIMARY consideration is that RDRT has admitted some R&D problems hurt them at the 2.8 level. Thus, Mark Re and others were brought in to correct the problems and ensure a smooth future as the company transitions to newer platforms.
Second, with each generation of drive, a NEW GAME IS PLAYED. No different than a baseball, hockey, or basketball game played during the course of a 100 game season. The difference here, of course, is the length of time between product cycles. RDRT dominated at the 2.1 platform. They blew it at 2.8. HOWEVER, THE 3.4 GAME IS WIDE OPEN. STITCH - DON'T YOU AGREE THAT THE FIRST TO QUAL IS TYPICALLY THE RECIPIENT OF THE MOST BUSINESS. THUS, ISN'T IT LOGICAL TO CONCLUDE THAT IF RDRT QUAL'S FIRST AT MAXTOR WHO SEEMS TO BE IN THE LEAD, THEY SHOULD WIN BUSINESS FROM SEG, WDC, AND YES QUANTUM. HMM. HAVEN'T SEEN THEM AROUND LATELY.
Third, the game is just not over. Recall. IBM was a leader. Then, it fizzled. Now, it is back. And GATEWAY 2000. Their problems were short lived. A couple of quarters. But all of the high paid Wall Street Idiots were bearish as hell on Gateway. Compaq too in the early 90's. The time to be right was your sell call (?) at 30+. But now, be real. Smart money will make money unless RDRT goes out of business. This is very unlikely. They have senior engineers and excellent technology. THE ONLY ISSUE IS ONE OF EXECUTION. And they have admittedly failed in the short term. Good luck! The STUD
Oh Yeah. I have heard that IBM may be ahead on the production of GMR heads. However, the same source indicated that RDRT has delivered GMR products to customers that OUTPERFORMED the IBM products.
And, as for the WDC/IBM relationship, I understand that WDC is at a competitive disadvantage to Seagate and Quantum due to the design of their DD's. My source cited the head design issue - 3 vs. 4. Perhaps this alliance was made so that WDC doesn't crash and burn.
And, on the 3.4 platter, my source suggested that RDRT's drive yields were higher than TDK/ALPS.
Stitch - I have done some work for you. These realities will translate into huge profits for the well researched. Continue in your madness. I don't give a crap!! THE STUD PRESENTS THE FACTS, NOT HYPE |
