Springboard, Drop it or Face Death! A Message to Handspring.
Expendable PDA was a great idea, and Handspring didn't shy from copying it. It invented the Spingboard standard, which was the touted fame of the Visor. One year after the Visor launch, we are seeing some modules out there. But can Springboard really compete against other expansion standards? And how will this impacts Handspring?
Sony is pushing Memory Stick. Palm is planning to use SD. Sony is HUGE, and its total coverage of the consumer electronics space will assure the proper support of Memory Stick expansion modules. Clearly, SD will be the dominant standard supported by everyone. Handsping alone will not be able to support the Springboard.
One year after the Visor is out, 3rd party support for the Springboard has been spotty, and none from leading consumer electronics players. If history gives any indication to the future, then I would have say that Springboard is in trouble.
What can Handspring do?
1) Keep going with Springboard and ignore everything else.
2) Add an additional device that allows SD devices to be used on Springboard.
3) Dump Springboard and go with SD completely.
The result for 1) will be fatal. Springboard with be a standard with little support, and for those who support it, SD versions will definitely be released first.
Going with 2) will allow Handspring to continue support of the Springboard while enjoying the expandability of SD. But why not go with SD directly, very few people are using any Springboard module anyway? Probably face saving is the only reason to go with this approach.
Going with 3) will be a setback to Handspring, but it would provide long term compatibility and growth. It is the most logical decision.
Probably in two quarters, at most four quarters, Handspring will have to make a call. And I think that almost for sure, it will have to take a hybrid solution of 2) and 3), which will lead to the ultimate death of Springboard. Else, Handspring will go down as the Eagle Computer of PDA.
Khan |
