Intel Exec Pings the Market
In a recent BusinessWeek article chronicling the state of the Wintel marriage (Microsoft/Windows and Intel) we came across an adroit play run by Intel Executive Vice President Sean Maloney that begged deeper examination. Here’s what he said:
‘[Intel-Microsoft] was never an exclusive relationship. I think that’s become more obvious over the last few years.’
It begs the question, To whom was Maloney directing his statement? Or in playmaker’s parlance, On whom was Maloney running his play?
If his target was investors and customers, then the play was a Ping designed to alert the market that Intel and Microsoft may yet pursue different paths.
- Playmaker’s diagnosis: We think the Ping was Intel’s play. Given that the play was published in BusinessWeek, Maloney’s move was most likely investor-oriented.
If Maloney had other motivations, there are other play options. For instance:
If his play was directed at industry influencers (e.g., techie bloggers) then it was a Recast. His strategy was to minimize speculation on the drifting relationship.
- Playmaker’s diagnosis: A good strategy, and not necessarily wrong, but considering the publication, it’s not likely that bloggers and analysts were Maloney’s intended audience.
If Maloney’s strategy was to one-up Microsoft, then the play was a Preempt employed to define the partnership on Intel’s terms.
- Playmaker’s diagnosis: We don’t think it was a Preempt. It’s not in Intel’s interests to attack the Microsoft marriage. After all, they’re still hitched.
What do you think?
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