Mary,
<<However, I believe, the Zip and Jaz Drives were conceived by someone else.>>
Almost assuredly -- that is as it should be. What KE did was ask questions. He established a team to determine what Iomega's core competencies were. Based on the list created by that team (which by the way said nothing about Bernoulli), and an understanding of consumer price points (this is where KE's experience came in handy) the team came up with a plan for a low end (~$200) and a high end product (~$500). Iomega then went to their target customers, and determined what had to be offered at those price points to make an attractive product. Zip and Jaz were the result.
KE then went about axing everything that didn't fit in the new Iomega. He sold the Floptical (aka. LS120), and killed the development of a new Bernoulli line.
He saw potential in Tape 250 (which became the Ditto line) and challenged the sales and marketing staff to dramatically grow their tape business. (Since, they've gone from almost no market share to #1 or #2 according to whose survey you look at.)
He determined that the Bernoulli line needed to be refreshed, in order for Iomega to survive the development of Zip and Jaz, so the Bernoulli 230 was developed.
<<And, I reserve judgement (I'm not betting the ranch)on KE until he can show me that he has the ability to successfully envision, develop and deliver new products into the market place that are entirely from his own doing. >>
None of these products were KE's own doing, he had plenty of input. But, in the end KE pulled the trigger.
<<BTW: From an investment (mine) viewpoint, I just hope that KE is as wonderful as you think he is.>>
I have read the comments on SI, and I can tell you that there is a lot of unreasonable expectations about Iomega and its management. They do not have a crystal ball, and they cannot force people to buy their products. They cannot guarantee they will meet expectations, and they haven't anticipated every possible move by their competitors. Also, product development takes time and there are unexpected problems.
I don't think KE walks on water, but I would consider investing in any company that he runs. |
