Salim, I'm sorry about your losses; and if you've read my postings, you know I lost too (although probably only as much as our Pres. spends up in smoke on smuggled cuban stogies each day. Likes 'em 'cause he doesn't have to inhale, 'natch). I am not buying Imp now, but this excerpt from a press release indicates that Imp MAY have life yet, if the boneheaded management doesn't foul things again:
"Access to IMP's mixed-signal foundry can take five paths:
-- Database Production covers customer products designed for standard IMP processes and design rules.
-- Process Porting is where a customer developed wafer manufacturing processes is installed in IMP facilities.
-- Process Development involves a major modification to an existing IMP process to meet specific customer requirements.
-- ASIC Design Assistance Projects are where IMP takes an active role in the product circuit design and/or layout.
-- Silicon Venture Partner relationships are a unique facet to the foundry operation that actively encourages partnerships with fabless start-ups.
A new Wafer Fabrication and Manufacturing Services handbook describes IMP's wafer foundry program and new process offerings. Handbooks are available by
calling 408-432-9100, by faxing 408-434-0335 or by emailing info@impinc.com. "
From Business Wire, via Yahoo.
So what?
Well, as I've said in a prior post, IMHO, if Imp can locate, develop or invent a niche that plays to their strengths, they might remain viable. Leveraging their (apparent) strengths in wafer services might be just the ticket. The fact they are stressing foundry value might signal a strategic focus move. Forgetting the hype, I see two items of merit in the extract above:
1) Small companies can use Imp design elements/processes to completely implement their own unique requirements. If Imp provides enough 'pieces' for the average user to build something useful, this might be a niche.
2) Imp could begin focusing their foundry services on a quick turn around/short run basis, whereby existing low volume parts could be turned over to Imp for 'life cycle management'. In fact, if Imp can establish presence for providing complete custom analysis of ASIC versus mask versus discreet, right from the block diagram phase, and follow it with cost-effective implementation strategies, you might have something.
Then again, maybe they just want to say something (anything) that doesn't relate to the legal picture.
Final word: Just because I (and maybe you?) lost my head and got burnt, doesn't mean no one can ever find value in this stock, at any price. Sort of scary when you think about it, isn't it - like one of those B horror flicks that always end with a big
"THE END?" |
