More comments on DD pricing as of 09/29/00:
Storage market update:
Desktop IDE drives:
We are finally entering an exciting time in storage, says NECX analyst David Nebbia, and particularly for desktop IDE drives. The market has really taken off in the last two weeks. With the fourth quarter just upon us, Nebbia expected some increased interest and lower inventory levels. But it’s happened a month early, he says. Drives with 10-Gbyte and 15-Gbyte capacities have seen 10% price rises. PC sales are starting to rise, and most of the major retailers are already on back order. Nebbia says to look for another 5 to 10% increase in all capacities up to 30 Gbytes.
Notebook 2.5-in drives:
With the focus on the desktop market right now, don’t overlook key signs that notebook drives are heading in the same direction as IDE drives, Nebbia says. Inventory levels on the IBM 6-Gbyte and 12-Gbyte "Arches" series are getting very low; pricing is firming and rising. In addition, Hitachi is unable to ship any 12-Gbyte drives until mid-to-late October, which has forced many buyers to gain IBM, Fujitsu, and Toshiba qualification or to place orders with them for support.
SCSI drives:
Nebbia reports that there still is some increased demand in the 9-Gbyte and 18-Gbyte capacities. With so many new model numbers on the market and on their way, it’s hard to pinpoint the real shortages over the long haul, he says. Look for 36-Gbyte/68-pin and 73-Gbyte/68-pin drives to be very hot heading into the 4th quarter, as well as the 9-Gbyte, 68- and 80-pin types.
In general, the storage market has not been this active in a year, Nebbia reports. With the consolidation of distributors and with the storage manufacturers minimizing their distribution channels, the resources available to OEM are fewer. They are starting to come into the open market faster for information and for product.
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