RE: Sony and TEAC **ON TOPIC**
>> I'm really surprised how so many people are taking the Sony drive so lightly.<<
I'm all for watching it closely and hope the range of research available to us here will keep us up to date on all developments.
>> ... with the Sony drive there hasn't been many negatives, ...Sony is a consumer electronics powerhouse <<
All the more reason to watch it closely.
>> it didn't take Gateway 2000 too long to drop the Zip and include the LS120 as optional in some computers.<<
I think you're stretching the facts here.
>>BTW, does Gateway include Zip as optional in any computer line?<<
yes.
>>Another argument bulls use is that the market is not ready for a 200MB drive and when the time comes IOM will introduce their own version. My response to this is, that when Zip came out there was hardly any compatition of Sony's caliber, therefore, IOM had the playing field to themselves. All IOM had to do is execute their plan and the product would catch on.<<
Now you're getting way off base. Remember, IOM's business/marketing plan is based on substatial market research. KE always held the engineers in check and made them produce a product that fit the performance and price points that market research dictated. The Zip is what it is because of what IOM learned about consumer demands. This same approach will serve them well in deciding when, how, and if to counter various forms of competition as it comes along.
Also your view that IOM just strolled into it's present position of dominance in the removeables mark really stretches the reality of what they acomplished.
>> However, if IOM does introduce the Zip 200 they'll be going head to head with Sony's deep pocket, ... The last thing I want to see is IOM getting in a price war with a consumer giant like Sony.<<
Well, we'll just have to wait and see. So far KE and his crew of "battle hardened veterans" (his description) has shown an excellent ability to compete.
>>If IOM does win the battle, I'm not sure it will be worth it, because it will be bloodied and bruised and cash straped.<<
So, why not sell now and avoid the autopsy?
>> To make things worst, competition is tightening on all fronts.... the point is that all these competitors are chipping away at IOM's market share. <<
Any possibility that IOM's market share is somewhat secure and these others are fighting amongst themselves for what's left?
>>All these factors are taking place simoultaneously which IOM's managment has to address one by one and at the same time grow the business. The success of IOM has attracted many new entrants and the storage industry will never be the same.<<
It never ever was or has "been the same" ... especially since IOM showed up with its *paradigm smashing* attitude.
>> I still don't understand why the stock split.<<
Read the 10Q employee options are a big part of compensation and management feels that they need to restructure/maintain a certain level of performance with option incentives. The real and only value of a tech company is the brains and commitment of the human resources that are the company. I want the companies I invest in to have the best, the brightest, the most driven, fun loving, and highly compensated people available. Ultimatley, that is what will make a company succel for years to come.
>> Zead Long and haven't sold a single share <<
cool. |
