Here is a report on my discussion with Ray Dittrich at MSU recently.
The old version of the box has been redesigned completely based on off the shelf hardware and a solid OS. They are in the process of evaluating Be (see www.beos.com ) in addition to Linux and others. There will be no proprietary chips/boards in the new box. (Old inventory will be used as allowed under the "Administrative Order" in UK as mentioned in the 10Q.) The new box is estimated to be available in the fall of 2001 (September.) The new box will be able to display to TV and computer monitors (CRT and flat panel) separately or simultaneously. Picture in picture capability was mentioned, but I do not have details on its application. It will contain ethernet connections to allow use of external cable modem or DSL. It will have 64 mb ram, 1 pcmcia slot, 2 USB ports, 1 smart card slot, 16 MB flash ram. This is the current position on a product specification (not yet cast in stone). They are evaluating several companies, including one VERY large supplier in Taiwan to supply x86 CPU's at a very reasonable price in quantity. The new box will wholesale for under $200.
At present PR will only be done by Ray Dittrich using news releases when he sees the need and using the web site to communicate with shareholders. (www.msucorp.com should be operational by next week.) The marketing plan is to market the box via wholesale channels in market niches ideal for the strengths of the box. Specific markets in the works are in education, hospitals, ISP's, and utility businesses. Other joint marketing agreements are being considered. They do not intend to sell this box on a retail basis due to support considerations, although a large partner (an ISP, for example) might distribute it at the retail level with support provided by the partner.
The UK operation has been greatly reduced from 28 employees to 8 as follows: 2 Sales/ 2 Finance/ 3 Engineering/ 1 Receptionist-Secretary. The company headquarters in Dallas consists of Bruce Walter (President/CEO), Ray Dittrich (VP Sales & Marketing), Pritesh M. Patel (CTO), Patti Brown, CPA (CFO), 1 software engineer, 1 hardware engineer. Mr Belanger continues to raise capital for the company (no change in that relationship.) The UK operation's primary value for the new company is for the international distribution channels that were set up.
I used a prototype of the new box and it worked well for web surfing (with a CRT monitor and dialup access.)
Both Bruce Walter and Ray Dittrich were very helpful, enthusiastic, and professional. I left feeling more positive about MSU than I have been in a very long time. Bottom line, I feel comfortable at this time having my investment in MUCP with the new regime. They appear to understand the business, have the requisite contacts, and have the drive and vested interest to make my investment a profitable one.
(Keep in mind this is a very competitive arena and there are no guarantees of success. I am using speculative funds for this investment only.)
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