DocStone and Wahoograd, couple issues to discuss if you have time.
DocStone: Thanks for the articles recently. The Dyson article cites a recent article by Mark Stefik, who authored a paper entitled "Trusted Systems," published in Scientific American, March 1997. A reprint of this article was included in the investor package I have for WAVX. Stefik mentions Wave Systems technology as a potential solution to the problem of not only getting paid, but monitoring usage and protecting copyright.
If I recall correctly, the wavemeter not only bills users, but it keeps close track of who they are and what they use. This could be a dandy piece of circumstantial evidence if the writer of sophisticated software or other content thought its copyright was being infringed by someone. This is more likely to be of concern in the business, than consumer, context.
For example, I once invested in a company that developed and licensed extremely sophisticated software used in pharmaceutical research (MDL Information Systems). Sure, Merck would spend millions to buy the whole system (and did), but what about the little guy who only needs a piece of the program for a brief period of time? He/she buys by the meter.
This whole area may be one of the business-to-business applications now being explored by Allen's group, particularly as cable modems make the transfer of digital information so much quicker. Your thoughts?
Wahoograd: Post 549 on the Yahoo Board claims a reliable source has it that Allen was given a generous severance package, but nevertheless was nudged out the IBM door. I'm skeptical. First, as someone over there observed, I doubt WAVX would sign up someone IBM did not like (that, by the way, was NOT given as the reason for the nudge), and I doubt WAVX would be entirely in the dark given the close relationship now between the companies. Second, the fact Allen chose WAVX ahead of everyone else is itself significant, regardless of why he left. Third, is this information questionable based upon what you know?
Thanks.
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