ESST.
Gabor,
When you asked me your question, I almost responded that I don't know anything about ESS Technology and you should ask somebody that is more familiar with the company. I make investment decisions almost exclusively on technical analysis although I usually check out a company's fundamentals before taking a position. The main reason that I checked out ESS is because I was curious how a software product like Windows 98 could hurt a company like ESS who sells hardware.
Based on what I read at the company's website at esstech.com, it looks like sound cards aren't a big part of their business. Quoting from their website:
ESS Technology, Inc. designs, develops and markets highly integrated mixed signal semiconductor and software solutions for sale to multimedia desktop, notebook computer and consumer electronics manufacturers. ESS Technology, Inc. is the leading supplier of mixed signal PC audio solutions that integrate all essential audio components on a single chip. The Company's AudioDriver products enable PC manufacturers to provide audio capabilities directly on the motherboard of desktop and notebook computers, eliminating the need to add-in sound cards.
ESS targets three primary markets: audio, video, and communications. Rather than producing circuit cards, they sell chip sets that can be used either in the manufacture of sound cards or integrated directly onto computer motherboards. Windows 98 is an operating system and I seriously doubt if it will eliminate the need for the types of hardware that ESS produces.
ESS also has career offerings on the web that you can check out at esstech.com. They have quite a few jobs open in MIS, engineering, accounting, and other areas. The company must be selling a lot of product to be expanding their professional staff as much as they are.
I'm not sure why you think Windows 98 poses a problem to ESS. Being a curious engineer, I was wondering if you could let me know why you think this is the case. I'm not saying that ESS doesn't have any competition. Surely there are other producers of chip sets in their target markets. I just don't understand why you think Windows 98, which is an operating system, is a threat to hardware producers like ESS Technology.
Thanks,
Dan |
