Replies to post #89424 on Wave Systems Corp. (fka WAVXQ)

[1stnflight]

Ramsey2: Consumers select key mgmt vendor

I agree Lee is not sweating because if MSFT gets in the game consumers will have the luxury of comparison shopping and Wave should get orders from many of them. See 89402 below.


Sheldonlevine: Server based MSFT Key Utility vs KTM ES AD

Although developments with Longhorn server now in private beta testing are important, after thinking about the scenarios below I do not think they will break Wave.

1) MSFT builds a utility software like KTM ES AD into LH Server software which would make Wave a competitor, and give consumers a choice. This would be similar to Netscape vs IE, Real Player vs Win Media Player, Veritas Backup Exec vs XP Pro Backup, MS Money vs Intuit Quicken, Symantec Antivirus/Security vs MSFT upcoming products in Symantec's realm of expertise, Yahoo vs MSN, XP vs Redhat Linux, etc.

In other words, MSFT often tries to be the jack of all trades but many customers prefer the master's product. Like MSFT competitors above Wave and KTM ES AD, ETS 5.0 will survive.

2) The numerous existing Windows 2003 Servers with AD could use KTM ES AD by adding the optional IBM PCI coprocessor before new servers are available with a built-in TPM. They will need a solution before Longhorn Server software and compatible hardware deploys.

3) When servers are available with TPMs end users can buy them and install Windows 2003 Server versus upgrading to LH Server. They could then purchase and install Wave's KTM ES AD. Or like 1) above they could install LH Server for non-TCG improvements and choose KTM ES AD for TPM key management.