Cirruslvr, Re: "A serious question for ALL Intel Investors"
If Intel wanted to place AMD out of business, Intel probably could have done so a long time ago. I believe it's in Intel's best interest to keep AMD around. It minimizes issues with the FTC and encourages a competitive environment which fosters the creation of competitive products.
However, AMD's current struggles appear to extend beyond what even AMD might be able handle this time around. So, my short-term concern might be: will AMD's K-7 bring Intel's ASPs down as AMD spirals downward in an out-of-control price dumping of chips before plunging into bankruptcy? My long-term concern might be: what happens after AMD? FTC issues? A complacent marketplace which could create a complacent atmosphere, followed by a sudden and unexpected competitive new entrant? Or a competitive foreign buyout?
When Apple took a downward spiral, Microsoft assisted Apple. I believe this assistance may have been because Bill Gates believed a complacent marketplace could be Microsoft's worse fear, along with troubles with the FTC. Competition is healthy for a company. And a known competitor is better than an unknown competitor which unexpectedly appears.
Maybe Intel should help AMD, just like Microsoft helped Apple. Maybe Intel should help AMD become the chip-of-choice on the low-end market to foster development of PC-based IA's. I do not know if Hitachi, one of the largest companies in the world, is creeping up on the low-end in the IA market?
I believe 1999 will not be an easy year for Intel, but in 2000-1, Intel could start cranking up its engines, producing chip after chip and proliferating its chips using Intel's manufacturing prowess. The year 2000-1 will not be good one for AMD.
Amy J |
