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Technology Stocks : Applied Materials No-Politics Thread (AMAT) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Proud_Infidel who wrote (7663)	10/22/2003 12:14:29 PM
From: Big Bucks	Respond to of 25522

Brian, I think I disagree a bit. It is true that hardware has improved but except for a speed increase in computers it is software efficiency that fully integrates a multitude of different functions so that is becoming a more useful tool for workers....video conferencing, plan sharing, presentations, and the ability to fully merge information in a single platform are huge benefits for workers and companies. Communication and visualization of ideas to an "audience" is a huge benefit, IMO. Even a relatively slow computer can perform the necessary tasks, but being able to utilize the hardware efficiently is what makes software the fuel for the engine. BB

To: Proud_Infidel who wrote (7663)	10/22/2003 12:18:55 PM
From: Gottfried	Respond to of 25522

Brian, you ask >Is Office 97 really that much different than the current version?< and then say >On the surface, this appears to be a ludicrous and not too well thought out statement< We would both have to study and understand the differences before passing judgement on the improved productivity due to the new Office suite. Gottfried

To: Proud_Infidel who wrote (7663)	10/22/2003 2:07:25 PM
From: The Ox	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 25522

To take full advantage of the hardware's potential, there used to be a saying that the cost of a good computer system was about 10% for the hardware and 90% for the software. My guess is that view needs to be changed to about 2% for the hardware and 98% for the software. These days, you get plenty of computing power+basic hardware for $2K or $3K. To take full advantage of the system's capabilities and true potential, you might need to spend somewhere around $100K or $200K in software (and other components). For example, a single user computer system could contain internet/antivirus/firewall, office productivity systems, document imaging, general business software (accounting, inventory, etc), CRM+sales systems, barcoding/scanning, routing/GPS, design or project management, and many other "niche" software products to take full advantage of the computer's capabilities. Obviously, if you are doing all of the above, it might make sense to have multiple computers(or servers) to distribute the work load and to secure the critical processes from the non-essential and to ensure system up time. Forget MSFT's incremental changes to it's flagship software products. There so much more to software then OFFICE or Internet Explorer, even if the average Joe doesn't use much of what's out there.