David,
HAAPI is a high level API, and if you look at the current API released by the BioAPI consortium, it is also high level. High level (generic) APIs, to my knowledge, allow a lot of flexibility that lower level and more advanced APIs do not allow. As it is not that complex, more can be added as necessary. So I think their software can be "upgraded" with minimal adjustments because of the primitive nature of HAAPI. Secondly, why would IO and Identix/Identicator or whoever else have BioAPI compatible software out before NRI? IO has their own API that is more complex, and they are also contributing to the BioAPI as is NRI. It does not make sense to me to think that IO, or anyone else for that reason, will have BioAPI compatible software before NRI. Please explain.
I don't know if the overhanging API is holding back sales as much as the fact that there is no substantial sale of hardware to speak of to support. I think that the new and upcoming scanners (Veridicom ,WhoVision, Authentec, Thompson, etc..) will offer vendors a great price / performance feature that some if not most will jump on. When that happens, not if, then there will be a market for NRI to sell into (assuming they are still a viable company at that point).
As for the financial troubles NRI has, rumor has it that they have found financing, although dilutive in nature (hey, what else is new?). I don't care at this point so long as they still are around.
So what are we talking about: Will NRI's software sell? That will remain a question for time to tell. Maybe someone brings out a better product, maybe not. I think that NRI has a very good product and the only thing that is keeping sales from happening is the lack of hardware sales to compliment. I do not think that vendors are going to wait to include scanners in their products because the BioAPI is not done yet. There is no firm date as to when it will be done, and as noted in the Harris web page link I have provided, work seems to be difficult to classify as progressive. So here is what I think: In less than 3 months, the aforementioned scanners will be available and ready for shipment. Vendors (OEMs and such) anxious to include them will, and some software NRI or non-NRI will be included to run it. The BioAPI will not be done, and that is not going to stop all vendors from including the scanners in their own product. With the market there NRI finally has a shot at substantial (in comparison, at least) sales. Remember, I am not expecting NRI to take over the world. That may or may not happen, I am simply expecting NRI to do well in the upcoming biometric push. Hopefully, these financing rumors are true, and NRI will at least be there.
Other side of the coin: Let's assume NRI is finished. What do we do? I and several other members of this board are taking 90+% losses on NRI. Selling would not provide any advantage. I would rather let it ride in hope of recuperating a little more of my money, than to pull it out now. Besides, as I have stated before, this is the risk part of my portfolio. I was prepared for this heat when I stepped into the kitchen. I am not leaving now...
Regards,
Bob |
