Path: utzoo!utgpu!water!watmath!clyde!rutgers!princeton!udel!gatech!hao!noao!mcdsun!mcdchg!michael
From: michael@mcdchg.UUCP (Michael Bodine)
Newsgroups: comp.sys.m68k
Subject: Re: Second Sourcing
Message-ID: <4431@mcdchg.UUCP>
Date: 18 Feb 88 15:36:51 GMT
References: <75900004@uiucdcsp>
Reply-To: michael@mcdchg.UUCP (Michael Bodine)
Organization: Motorola Microcomputer, Schaumburg, IL
Lines: 34

> So what do you think about Motorola's decision to "go it alone" and
> deny other manufacturers (Japanese AND American) the right to
> second-source the 68020?
> I'm not too impressed.  Motorola is trying to be like Intel.  It's a
> longstanding tradition to second source ALL high-tech ICs to ensure a
> smooth flow of working chips...
Motorola is not trying to be like anyone;  rather, the microprocessor
group is trying to recoup some of the MASSIVE research and development
costs involved in creating a chip like the MC68020 or 030.  The tradition
of second sourcing is intended to provide a smooth flow of chips in case
of factory problems, as you indicated.  However, Motorola manufactures the
high-end chips at more than one facility.  (At least two, i'm not sure if
more...)  A problem at any given site will not affect chip production.  So
most concerns over second sourcing are handled.  As for driving the price
down, patience.  It'll happen.  See next item.
> ...where's the incentive to cut the fat off the manufacturing cost?
It's called the competition.  Motorola wants to sell a looooooot of 020's.
More 020's than Intel can sell of x86 chips, National of 32K's, and the
Japanese of anything.  Nice fantasy, eh?  There's only one rational way to
do that.  Cut the manufacturing cost, then cut the price, so more folks
will buy 'em.
> I think it's a great opportunity for the Japanese to penetrate the
> market with 32-bit processor chips (clones, or genuinely new
> processors).  
ANYTHING sold in quantities of five or more is a great opportunity for the
Japanese.  Anything sold in quantities of three or more is a great
opportunity for the Koreans.

None of the above is Motorola policy.  Just the facts, m'am.
-- 
[ Michael Bodine, michael@mcdchg.UUCP Opinions expressed are mine and haven't  ]
[ been seen, commented on or in any way approved or even allowed by Motorola   ]
[ MicroComputer Division, Motorola General Systems Group or Motorola, Inc.     ]
[ No one else agrees with me;  why should my employer?			       ]