jeff-
actually, iris universe can be found at:
sgi.com
but the info there is currently from last quarters issue. they changed the name to innovation3 as iris is kind of outdated. i presume the latest (summer) issue will be posted shortly, but in the mean time:
note: i presume all this is copyright sgi. please dont call the lawyers on me :(
i3: software companies that in the past have run their products exclusively on sgi platform are now expanding to broader-based platforms, including nt. what will sgi do to attract and keep developers?
em: our application software partnerships are very important to sgi and we continue to work with developers directly and aggressively...<del>...we also place a great deal of emphasis on making certain that developers find ways to profitably innovate using the sgi platform.
i3: do you plan to port alias/wavefront to windows nt?
em: our application software businesses - both alias/wavefront and cosmo software - are free to run their software on whatever platforms make sense...<delete>...weve already annoucned that cosmo will run on everything - macintosh, pc's, etc. we'll do the same thing with alias/wavefront software.
i3: over the last few years, sgi has engaged in some significant acquisitions and mergers (mips, cray, etc) are more acquisitions likely, and what type would make sense for sgi in the near future?
em: weve been evaluating our strategic options for the future and we think were in good shape right now. however, from time to time we may make additional acquisitions, especially in the software area.
i3: do yo see the company increasing its focus on consumer-orientated markets?
em: consumer electronics is also a major growth opportunity for us. the nintendo relationship and the profits that it is generating for our company, is perhaps the biggest success story in silicon graphics history ...<delete>...we intend to be a major player, not so much with our own brand name, but as technology providers - much as weve done with nintendo.
i3: traditionally, sgi has not done much advertising. doesnt that have to change given the marketing that companies such as intc, msft, sunw and others are doing?
em: we will be increasing our marketing and advertising budgets in the future. the reason why we havent needed to do that in the past is...<del>.. people knew about us. if you are a chemist, engineer, computer artist, etc, you know about sgi. we were able to grow to a 3 billion plus company thanks to strong word-of-mouth endorsements within those and other professions. as we increase our presence in the internet world - both in terms of client software and servers we will certainly be doing more marketing and advertising.
i3: sgis stock has seen serious lows this year...<del>...do you see the goodwill being restored, and what will it take on the companys part to accomplish that?
em: the key is producing results. the new product line is doing very well in the marketplace and i think well gain significant market share with it. weve got a tough, competitive line today and its going to allow us to restore growth to our company. thats what the financial market is looking for.
i3: the year 2000 is less than three years away. what are your aspirations for sgi between now and then?
em: we are in the middle of a transition. we moving from being a niche 3d computer company to becoming a company that exists for a broader reason, and thereby to serve the needs of a much bigger set of customers. we interested in becoming significantly larger than we are today, and in being a respected high-technology growth company...<del>
interesting stuff, for what is and not said. being the house rag, it probably was carefully crafted, but im glad to see their recognition of several issues.
regards,
kris |
