RE: ASIC Partnerjkay- I wouldn't under estimate the value of
discrete solution. Wireless LAN (802.11) is still
a multi-chip solution whichis moving towards a two chip and ultimately a single chip.
Even Bluetooth is only expected to be a single chip soltion by 2001/2002.
When the "big boys" , especially if they include
europeans think in 2-3 year time frames. The key
for WiLan is to sign a deal so that people know an
ASIC is on the way for eventual volume. Initially
with new technology it will involve lower volume, pilot runs (500-1000 at a pop) in lots of different locations before they crank up the
volume. So intially proce is not as important as exposure. Keep in mind an ASIC like this will take about 1-2 years to get to volume production.
They need two deals:
1) An ASIC with a reputable partner to handle
volume later on and let people know a cost
reduction is underway.
2) Partner up with one of the big guys, Motorola
Ericsson, Nokia, Qualcomm , Intel (yup even them)
to look at pushing their technology the same way
CISCO has handed their ADSL off to Intel and said
"here put this ine evryone's PC"
So to summarize, an ASIC program under way gives a potential partner/customer a warm fuzzy feeling
that they can pay a bit more today for trial units knowing they can increase their margins
later when the ASIC hits.
Regards