[Keyboard Cowboy]

From http://www.zdnet.com.au/news/hardwar...9199309,00.htm

AMD files antitrust suit against Intel
By Matt Loney, Special to ZDNet
29 June 2005

AMD has filed a lawsuit against Intel in the American courts accusing the chipmaker of forcing major customers to accept exclusive deals and withholding rebates and marketing subsidies to punish those customers who, it says, buy more AMD processors than agreed with Intel.

In the lawsuit, which was filed in the US District Court of Delaware, AMD charges that Intel also threatens retaliation against customers doing business with AMD, has established quotas keeping retailers from selling the computers they want, and forces PC makers to boycott AMD product launches.

In the 48-page filing, which has an exasperated tone, AMD highlights its efforts — most of which it claims were rebuffed — to persuade major original equipment manufacturers to use its processors. For instance, when AMD offered HP, the biggest computer maker in the world, a million processors for free, HP took only 160,000, said AMD.

In an open letter, AMD chief executive Hector Ruiz explained the lawsuit, saying: "Our competitor has harmed and limited competition in the microprocessor industry. On behalf of ourselves, our customers and partners, and consumers worldwide, we have been forced to take action."

For most competitive situations, this is just business, said Ruiz. "But from a monopolist, this is illegal."

Ruiz went on to say that Intel's behaviour is much more than meets the eye. "You may not have been aware, but Intel's illegal actions hurt consumers — everyday. Computer buyers pay higher prices inflated by Intel's monopoly profits. Less innovation is produced because less competition exists. Purchasers lose their fundamental right to choose the best technology available."

The lawsuit follows a call from Japan's Federal Trade Commission earlier this year for Intel to halt the practice of requiring PC makers to limit the use of competitors' chips in exchange for monetary rebates.

Intel, which accepted the recommendations, noted it disagreed with the agency's findings of fact underlying their allegations and the application of law in the recommendations.

Honestly, I am suprised that it took AMD this long to do this.

Like the INTEL GID (Genuine Intel Dealer) Program which required various channel members to sell a minium quota of CPUs has been around for a very long time.

Computer buyers pay higher prices inflated by Intel's monopoly profits. Less innovation is produced because less competition exists

Although I am pro-AMD, part of this is their own fault as they do bugger all about advertising their products to the market. Part of the reason why "Computer buyers pay higher prices" is because the computer buyer is not aware of the AMD Product. Where intel spend a lot of money themselves on advertising, AMD hardly does any thing about this as they seem to be expecting "Word of Mouth"* to sell their product. And I tend to let my cleint deside whether or not they want AMD or INTEL. At the end of the day, myself as a computer reseller is still getting the same amount of money for selling a PC.

* Quote from an AMD rep at there Windows 64 Launch earlier this year.

Computer buyers pay higher prices inflated by Intel

This is like saying that Ford Motors saying that BMW cars are too expesive. AMD has always marketed themselves as the cheaper alternitive to Intel.

The lawsuit follows a call from Japan's Federal Trade Commission earlier this year for Intel to halt the practice of requiring PC makers to limit the use of competitors' chips in exchange for monetary rebates.

I hope that this is true. I would love to see Intel get a good kick in the nuts over this one.


Personally I don't see AMD really making any wins on this one. With a bit of luck, i hope.....
1. I see changed in INTEL GID programs that does not forces channel partners into purchasing a min. quota.
2. AMD stop sulking about how their product is not selling as well as Intel ; therefore getting of the marketing band wagon and advertising their product. And therefore talking to some of the magor manufactures about incorporating their CPUs into branded Notebooks and PCs.

Honestly, if AMD wants to blame any one, i suggest they look in a mirror and point. They are their own worst enemy.

[FireFox]

About time they did something. A million CPUs and they only took 160,000. I'll take one, please.

[Keyboard Cowboy]

Originally posted by FireFox
About time they did something. A million CPUs and they only took 160,000. I'll take one, please.

I am quite sure I can find uses for the remaining 839 999

I find that is this is due to AMD not marketing their product. Like obviously AMD was going to put some requirement that HP would need to produce 1 million products using their chips. An obviously HP did not see any market for 1 million AMD HP notebooks or HP Desktops getting sold.

What's the use of getting inventory if you can not sell it.

[FireFox]

What's the use of getting inventory if you can not sell it.

Because you can then give it to me.

[Mr 1337]

Hasnt this already been posted, if not im sorry. Anyways, go AMD!

[m3trj]

Do AMD actually have a marketing department?