Rusting Edge Technology (Page 3 of 5)

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Issue: October 2005

Rusting Edge Technology (Page 3 of 5)

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The perils of life on the "Rusting Edge"

High Component Prices
"It's a buyer's market" sums it all up. As mark Twain said "They ain't makin no more land." The same holds true for older components. Not only have they stopped making them, those that do remain go to the highest bidder. Because they are so needed by manufacturers, prices of discontinued components can TEN (or more) times their original cost.
Lack of Component Availability (The real 'killer')
As if paying $150 each for what used to be a $10 part isn't bad enough, companies are HAPPY to pay it WHEN they can! Availability is first come, first serve basis since "they ain't makin no more!" This lack of a dependable supply is truly the worst aspect of having "Rusting Edge" components in a product.
Lack of Support
Often component vendors are unable or unwilling to support older devices. This includes the development tools used to work with them. When this happens "Rusting Edge" users are left with no choice but to migrate to newer technologies or live without the ability to maintain what they have.

"Rusting Edge" components represent an asymmetrical threat. They represent Inverse or Negative leverage. Seemingly insignificant or relatively inexpensive boards or devices can quickly and completely shut down a company's ability to sell and deliver much larger products and systems.

Perhaps worst of all, problems caused by "Rusting Edge" components can result in failures to support and satisfy customers. Obviously, this can fatally damage relationships that have taken years and countless dollars of investment to build.

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