RapidIO Connections - September 2003

Marketing Working Group Update

RapidIO - Performance Well Told
Recent reports and articles have bolstered RapidIO's reputation as the packet-switched interconnect technology for high performance, reliable embedded systems. But don't take my word for it, no fewer than four respected independent analyst organizations will be publishing analysis and market predictions on the state of the embedded high-speed interconnect landscape in the coming months. The first one to publish that furthers the credibility RapidIO it titled "Bus Wars Episode II - Clash of the Titans' by independent industry analyst by Crystal Cube Consulting and Metz International -- strong proof of RapidIO's legitimacy.

The following is an excerpt from the report:
"RapidIO is clearly out of the starting gate early, with software, silicon, test and RapidIO-based computers on the market already," says report author Ernie Bergstrom of Crystal Cube Consulting, who co-authored the report with John G. Metz of Metz International. "Our analysis indicates it will be the embedded market leader in terms of ports shipped between now and 2007. The RapidIO Trade Association's recent decision to add data plane extensions clearly demonstrates its intentions to keep RapidIO at the leading edge of communications and other embedded applications."

To compliment the analyst reports, noted trade editors are also repeating key attributes, using phrases like
- "it's very efficient"
- "transparent, and highly-efficient mechanisms for maintaining coherency domains"
- "it's layered"
- "agenda-free"
to describe RapidIO.

Strong impact on the media and analyst community is due to active work of the Media Relations subcommittee within the Marketing Working Group, lead by Kathy Truesdell and Stan Victor, independent representatives of the trade association. The Marketing Working Group has seen an infusion of interest with more than double the participation of past quarters. This phenomena serves to open a window of opportunity for all trade association members. The gathering momentum of RapidIO as the potential market leader offers members an opportunity participate in the success of RapidIO.

One such example is an upcoming webcast being hosted by TechOnline and presented by steering member, Texas Instruments. The presentation titled, "RapidIO in Wireless Infrastructure Applications" is set for broadcast on October 8th.

How You Can Support the RapidIO Marketing Efforts
Reporting to the RapidIO Steering Committee, the Marketing Working Group serves as the communications arm of the trade association. MWG activities include creation and maintenance of the Web site, branding, press relations, tradeshow exhibits, conference presentations, marketing collateral, as well as unique opportunities to share in the joint marketing efforts to gain a window into the mind of the customer. There is ample work and marketing opportunity for the companies that are involved in the MWG. To find out more, contact Kalpesh Gala, MWG Chair at IBM Microelectronics.

Please visit the RapidIO.org website to access the matrix of editorial opportunities and in the next few weeks, to find details on upcoming TechOnLine webcast along with pointers to registration.

Kalpesh Gala
Chair, Marketing Working Group
RapidIO Trade Association