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To: Mike Buckley who wrote (26224)	6/12/2000 8:02:00 PM
From: Apollo	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 54805

Sandisk... the value chain that is getting stronger and stronger. My comment is that the strength of the value chain says a lot about the IPR. Some of the companies in the value chain are huge. They're in a position to develop the technology on their own or at least to do a joint venture. But they're not. When I think that Microsoft chose to pay Gemstar instead of develop the technology on their own, that speaks volumes about Gemstar's IPR to my ears. I also believe that might be the case about SanDisk's value chain. --Mike Buckley Precisely. In 1999, I would have needed you and UF and LB to say this over and over, even though I RTFM twice. But I actually stumbled to this one without you this time......and drew exactly all of the same analogies. I haven't concentrated on software plays, like SEBL and Citrix, and ITWO, not because they aren't terrific, but because I have always been mesmerized by the TFM's comment about vast riches related to enabling hardware. Looking forward to your participation. Apollo

To: Mike Buckley who wrote (26224)	6/12/2000 8:40:00 PM
From: Art Bechhoefer	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 54805

Mike, in regard to the SNDK patents, the earlier ones have been tested at least by the Department of Commerce, which banned imports of flash chips by Samsung unless Samsung made a licensing agreement with SNDK. That action took place about three years ago and really sent a message to companies involved in flash memory that SNDK had some genuine IPR. The only company that didn't listen too closely was Lexar, which is headed by a former SNDK employee. It's true that until the new plant in Manassas, VA starts up (the joint venture with Toshiba), SNDK might be considered a fab-less company specializing in design, not manufacturing. However, it is also true that SNDK had purchased about 49 percent ownership in a Taiwan plant that subsequently was bought by Taiwan Semiconductor. SNDK exchanged its shares in the old company for shares in Taiwan Semi. While SNDK may not have an active role in running the company, they do have a claim on its output, as owners and customers. Just a few thoughts. I'm new to this board; came here on the suggestion of Apollo and am interested in sharing ideas about some of these companies. Art