Still [More On*] Defensible Franchises
Just some clarifications:
>** ALL ThrustMaster critically acclaimed products perceived by TMSR >management as Indefensible Commodity Franchises >http://www.thrustmaster.com
This really is correct - hence their continuing market slide while Logitech manages 35% gross margins. They have their hard core fans, but hard core flight simmers are pretty much a non growth area at this point.
>Another superior shareholder value maximization opportunity by simply strategically aligning with Game Commander and integrating with Talk 'n Play(.)...
This would not have worked either, although it would result in amusing results. Game Commander is for voice *control* of a game - you wouldn't be able to talk to people and command your game at the same time. This is an either or type of thing, until a computer can understand context.
>Figure it out Intel®...quickly...you are simply tying anticipated Multi-Point fortunes with a management team which is simply in denial...
They have figured it out, it is just you haven't yet. Multi-point is in no way tied to Thrustmaster. Multi-point is simply a feature of the H.323 stack. This is an OPEN STANDARD developed by a consortium of companies, including Intel, MSFT, CISCO, LUCENT and the like. Since you probably aren't technical, think of it as an IP stack (Internet Protocol) - anyone can use it or can create their own implementation of it. Intel is was simply hawking their *IMPLEMENTATION* of it, every one has access to it - that's the idea. So multi-point isn't a defensible franchise for Intel either. It was created for the purpose of compatibility across all videophones and telephony (or whatever other data could be thought of). Everyone uses it. Intel worked with RealNetworks to create a working application for multipoint broadcast (one to many, like a TV station). Others, like VocalTec, offer a premade, ready to license H.323, stack as well. And you can bet your bottom dollar, that if it takes off, MS will include it as in integrated part of Windows, just like they did with IP, leaving all independent IP stack makers eating dirt.
MSNetmeeting is already run on it, and MS can, whenever they have the whim to do so, and maybe stop giving Netmeeting away for free, they can add multipoint to it easily.
Multipoint H.323 is what gives Cuceemes confencing video phone (which on a side note, is down to one copy at my local CompUSA, while Talk N' Play hasn't moved one) it's ability as well.
This is all thoroughly documented in technical papers linked to Intel's site, if you care to sift through them.
Intel's entire purpose is to promote increased processor usage, always has been, always will be. That's their business.
Therefore Thrustmaster doesn't have *any* defensible franchise, and they have done a terrible job of squeeking out any one time revenue from what they do have.
It is my belief that they never really thought that they did, but you can opt for the ignorance plea. I wouldn't buy it, because I can't believe that anyone could be that daft.
Of course, if you still are waiting for Intel to suddenly save the day, you might want to invest in Sausage Software - they licensed technology from them as well, and got similar support. |
