pvdm - 12:10 pm on Aug 20, 2002 (gmt 0)

From my previous career, I have some experience negociating with IBM's licensing and patent dept. You wouldn't believe how many patents they have. As a PC manufacturer, you even have to pay IBM fees because your PC has a monitor interface, and they have patented that! For the 10 to 20 most important patents IBM has regarding computer manufacturing, each PC manufacturer ends up paying from 1 to 3% royalties to IBM. Many patents aren't commercially exploited, but still the licensing fees, royalties and other forms of income and agreements are huge.

From what I can read here, they have set their minds on something big, and you can be sure they studied carefully the commercial viability of this one. It gives you an idea where this industry is heading in the next years.

I think it's going to be a big hit, and bring IBM substantial money and negociating power in the next 5 years...