Larry,
I agree with you. The exclusive use of Intel's own MMX term is
very important. I would imagine though, with what Intel went through with CYRX and AMD in the courts, with the 386 and the 486 which led to renaming the 586 (Pentium TM), that Intel has taken precautions to protect the trademark of MMX. If MMX is not full proof protectable, than Intel should consider changing the name now, before we go any further. However, I have to believe that Intel was aware of this posibility and took the necessary precautions. What ever happens we should see, once again, a lot of free publicity generated for Intel's MMX, as we approach more legal battles.
I have always believed that CYRX and AMD, if they were lucky, might be able to come close to backwark compatability with Intel and industry developed software application packages. However, there is just NO way that CYRX and AMD could ensure their customers of forward compatabilty with Intel. And that includes intangable perceived value from Intel trademarks and Intel's name.
IMHO that the best stategy for AMD and CYRX to take, is for them to come up with new inovations on their own, instead of relying on the paracytic approach that they have taken until now.
Jules |
