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Technology Stocks : Phoenix Technologies (PTEC) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Jules B. Garfunkel who wrote (2961)	12/16/1998 4:39:00 PM
From: Arrow Hd.	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 3624

Hi Jules, I read the article and I dont believe that what Intel is doing will eliminate a need for a bios but in fact, it probably will make the bios more functional. Hopefully, that means PTEC becomes even more valuable a partner in this development. Using the opposite end of the spectrum as an example, mainframes have constantly added function, performance, and capacity to their microcode architecture. Today's CMOS machines implement engines (nothing but a chip now) and memory increments solely with microcode (copyrighted and licensed as LIC). This microcode has encryption schemes, imbedded routines and serial numbers, matched pairs and so on to protect tampering and to provide asset protection. You can imagine the revenue exposure if someone learned how to turn on engines. They would get a free upgrade at the vendor's expense. This complicates the architecture and does affect other parties. For instance, it is next to impossible to develop non-vendor memory now due to the LIC control, or to counterfeit memory cards. The add-on and reconfiguration business is minimized unless the vendor initiates an offering. Using microcode or a bios to implement function has many advantages over pure hardware and it is rapidly becoming one of the most important intellectual property issues. So if PTEC can become a critical partner in this type of development it could easily enhance their competitive posture and be a real positive benefit.