Bill -
AMD has been making great developments with their chips. I think they are a marketing program away from being top of the heap.
-CPQ would probably do best to keep an eye out on other technologies.
Of the major players, CPQ is the only one to have developed a significant multi-processor strategy. They sell nearly half of the systems built with AMD processors. Of course, they sell about 90% of the Alpha systems. They are also Intel's biggest customer, which only speaks to the huge volume of CPQ business - they are the #1 supplier of 3 different processor families.
PC-wise I will buy the cheapest machine I can get.
If all you want is a box, and have no interest in serviceability, support, compatibility of spare parts across product generations, integrated large systems management tools, or other features important to repeat large buyers, then you should by all means stick with roll-your-own or white box machines. That market accounts for 35% of the unit volume but only 23% of the revenue and less than 5% of the profit. Most of the purchasers are individuals or very small (<5 employee) businesses. Support is either from a savvy employee or joe down the street.
Someday E-machines may buy CPQ.
Someday DELL may buy the European Union but I'm not holding my breath. E-machines has yet to develop a viable business case or show a profit. |
