New HP AlphaServer the omega of the line

Good idea, but economics keeps it from working: I like the idea of the "use it or lose it" patent/copyright; there's a great deal of music and literature which is difficult to aquire because someone owns the copyright and simply won't do a run of it. Unfortunately, in the case of technology, economics provides companies an inefficient work around. If HP wants to kill Alpha, even with a use it or lose it patent, they can simply produce a very small number of Alpha units each year and price them far above the equilibrium price level for Alpha consumption. Then, no one buys Alphas, but they do not lose the patent. Unfortunately, this is a waste, and HP consumers must pick up the cost of this waste. Thus, one must set other requirements on the patents, which can then thwart the whole point of a patent: to compensate development directly and make development worth while. Maybe someone can explain why I'm wrong or patch the idea a bit though?; Posted by: MrNihil Posted on: 10/19/03 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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Weak server... Mike Cox | 10/17/03

Are you related to Mike Cox? John L. Ries | 10/17/03

Suggestion John L. Ries | 10/17/03

Maybe... John L. Ries | 10/20/03

Thoughts & comments Gtyrebyter | 10/22/03

| 10/20/03

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