ASMLF will not be selling or encouraging the sales of UTEK steppers unless it is in brand new accounts they are hard pressed to deliver the quantities desired.
UTEK has a travelling COO show that they can parade out anytime they want. COO(Cost of Ownership) Model clearly (in my book) shows the benefits of the mix and match strategy.
Just wondering why Mix and Match hasn't been more successful.
Everyone want a the latest and greatest toy instead of getting what eill do the job most cost effectively. I am seeing very little fiscal stewardship lately and smart spending is not occurring in certain areas. Ego and selfishness sometimes win out over common sense. I could easily find myself more a marketable Engineer if I affiliated myself with the most advanced steppers. Since there is very little loyalty on both sides of the fence in this business, when given the choice for new equipment, there is a tendency to recommend the equipment that best suits a person's career agenda. Also, if I buy a tool capable of doing the next 2 generations of process technology, two things occur. First, my job is much easier since I am using a laser where a simple match will do. My job becomes much easier. Second, it appears that I am saving the company money by using the most advanced equipment since it will take me to the next technology. However, when the need arises, usually there is a more advanced tool available to do the job. Therefore, you would have been better off buying the correct equipment for the present technology and maybe one further but you should plan for better equipment down the road. We are presently looking at DUV systems for the next generation of products yet the existing i-line steppers have not really been stretched to its limits.
I am picking on my own profession here but I am being honest with my feelings. Given the opportunity to choose or to influence the purchase of an item to be used at your place of business, their is a tendency to want the latest and greatest and most advanced equipment, even if it isn't needed.
Andrew |
