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Non-Tech : Iomega Thread without Iomega -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Sosmartinov who wrote (7904)	3/3/1999 1:53:00 PM
From: Ken Pomaranski	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 10072

Since today is my birthday, I thought I'd weigh-in with some comments. STANDARDS Lots of discussion on standards today. But what does becoming a standard mean? How does one become a 'standard'. Let's discuss these two questions: First, becoming the standard means that all computer vendors feel compelled to include a ZIP in all machines. It does NOT mean 'becoming the standard in removable storage'. This last definition is meaningless. This is because such a position is tenuous at best, and means nothing at all to the top & bottom line. I could create a company that creates "Bags o' garbage" and claim I am the standard in that market. So what? What does it mean to revenues, profits? If you want to grab onto that definition, I'll give it to you. I agree that Iomega is currently the 'standard in removable storage'. So, how does the ZIP go about getting included in all PCs? Two ways: 1. Customer demands it 2. ZIP is offered as a lower priced alternative to the floppy drive. Obviously, '1' is the way to go. The question is: How can this occur? The ZIP is not required for proper operation of a computer, as a CPU chip is, for example. In fact, consumers are happy with their 9gig drives and really have no need for this device. (Other than to buy a 3 pack, store off a few tax files, and be done with it). Also, SW isn't distributed on ZIPs. Lastly, do you really think a customer cares what removable storage device is in there? ZIP, Superdisk, Sony: who cares? '2' is a low margin, losing proposition. It also is probably what is actually occurring today. Look at the numbers closely, JAZ saved Iomega in Q4. Syquest demise happened at exactly the right time. kp