Hello...Rishi, I am not sure I like your analagy regarding protocol
vs algorithm but I am quite certain we both know the difference. Patent law does not protect mathematical expressions and some algorithms as I understand it. However, some attorneys try to seek patent protection for computer programs etc, because the protection is broad AND because competitors cannot legally copy it by reverse engineering. But this is WAY off the topic, AND WAY, WAY off any expertise I may have.
The issue, as I see it, is that USRX is trying to make a power play with X2. Namely, by making it the defacto standard. This will of course have nothing to do with what USRX, ROK, LU, MOT, ASND and everyone else wants AND EVERYTHING to do with what AOL, Compuserve, Netcom, AT&T and the other access providers want/do. Clearly, USRX has announced a lot of support from the ISP community. Indeed their management has said they have been contacted by ISPs that were not previously customers because of X2. Moreover, the X2 technology will be implemented by Cirrus Logic, Cardinal and I assume others.
Obviously LU/ROK see what is happening and I think to some extent there hand has been forced. In the end, USRX may prove unsuccessful
in their attempt to make X2 pervasive. (i.e. defacto standard)
I understand why there is resentment regarding USRX's strategy. But as a shareholder, I would be outraged if they did not choose the path they have chosen. (Especially given the flexability of their systems in changing code, and customer (ISP) base).
Good luck,
Daniel |
