Posted Monday 10th November 2008 14:27 GMT
>IBM hit out at that claim by arguing that: "Electronic devices large and small are powered by the >same type of intelligence, the microprocessor
What? they also use silicon, plastic, electricity and 'software/ firmware' but those are also not relevant. IBM and Apple don't compete 9unless I am missing something) so IBM will have to do better than that to convince people.
ttfn
Posted Monday 10th November 2008 14:27 GMT
...are upset because their new iBM iPhonograph is nearing the penultimate round of pre-engineering proposal collection meetings following a top secret milestone decision to abandon the original 78rpm format in favour of the much more compact new fangled 45rpm. The jury is still out on whether any support for 33rpm, 8 track cassettes or those funny European compact audio thingies will be included.
Posted Monday 10th November 2008 14:27 GMT
...but a bit harsh. Aren't IBM essentially saying he can never work in IT again?
Posted Monday 10th November 2008 14:27 GMT
Unless Apple are planning for the next iPod to be the size of a cupboard, I'm finding it kinda difficult to imagine what tech secrets an ex-IBMer could possibly bring to the project.
Posted Monday 10th November 2008 14:27 GMT
A court order preventing me from working.......nirvana.
Posted Monday 10th November 2008 14:27 GMT
So he will not be able to join electrolux, because they make microwave ovens, which use a microprocessor to control the cooking programs...
Posted Monday 10th November 2008 14:27 GMT
I was asked to agree to something similar in my last job as an addendum to my contract. I refused until they defined "competitors" as I could see it being broad enough to include "anywhere with a computer".
To think, my boss at the time thought I was being stupid... looks like I wasn't being paranoid enough.
Posted Monday 10th November 2008 15:38 GMT
hmmmm, let's see. Papermaster leads IBM's chip division for many years; leads research in the area of chip design. This includes next gen chips which are market leaders such as so called cell processors.
Then, history takes over: Apple VP talks to Papermaster, Apple buys their own chip company. Apple then hires Papermaster. Who's paranoid and who's not?
Posted Monday 10th November 2008 16:50 GMT
It's a bit harsh to suggest that any company that includes a microprocessor is off limits. I mean, we stuff them into everything these days 'cos it's cheaper to program a microprocessor to emulate a component than to build that component.
One can understand the microprocessor need in a DVD or CD player, but they also stuff them intyo TVs, cars, radios, toasters and a scad of other things that used to work fine without them twenty years ago. Even my thermostat has one in it for Azathoth's sake.
They'll be putting them in pocket calculators next.
Posted Monday 10th November 2008 16:50 GMT
Maybe they have a point....
Both sell overpriced, overengineered junk and have shit after-sales service.
Posted Monday 10th November 2008 16:50 GMT
IBM isn't saying he can't work in IT for ever, they are saying that according to a document that he signed as a Senior Executive of the firm for 26 years, he can't work for one of their competitors for a period of 1 year from the date that he terminates his employment with IBM.
And as AC 14:43 explained, this is all very serious stuff, not some IT "worker" looking for a job at Circuit City, I mean Best Buy, or whatever is still standing...
--Pete
Posted Monday 10th November 2008 23:41 GMT
Don't ever sign anything with a non-compete clause unless the company agrees to pay your previous rate for the duration of the non-compete period. I've been presented with non-compete clauses on short-term contracts that prevent me from writing anything in the SAME LANGUAGE for 5 years after termination or the natural end of the contract. They usually drop the non-compete clause, but if you're high-value enough (i.e. an executive) they may just agree to pay you.
Posted Tuesday 11th November 2008 13:40 GMT
. . . I understand that Apple *use* processors, but I wasn't aware that they actually made the things.
The whole Mac range these days is powered by Intel, the iPod and iPhone do, to the best of my knowledge, rely on some other companies processor.
Apple put together someone elses kit, badge it as Apple, put a nice friendly UI on it and then charge a fortune for their expertise in putting together someone elses kit.
Whereas Big Blue makes all or most of the bits inside it's very expensive kit.
Not sure where the "compete" comes in.
Posted Thursday 13th November 2008 16:43 GMT
You obviously missed this story - Apple buys chip maker: http://www.reghardware.co.uk/2008/04/23/apple_buys_pa_semi/
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