Apple severs ties with SurfaceInk in wake of tablet project
updated 11:05 am EDT, Fri August 27, 2010
Thought to be worried about iPad rivals
Apple has ended a relationship with Silicon Valley firm SurfaceInk, according to the CEO of the latter company, Eric Bauswell. The exact link between the two parties is unclear, a result of confidentiality agreements. Bauswell claims, however, that Apple broke things off because of "growing awareness of our [SurfaceInk's] turnkey capabilities." Turnkey refers to the concept of creating products that can be quickly licensed to interested businesses.
Although SurfaceInk has just 50 or so workers, it has done engineering design for some major corporations, including Aliph, Palm and HP. In June the company demonstrated a prototype 12.1-inch tablet, and it is this that is believed to have made Apple upset. Bauswell suggests, without specifically mentioning the iPad, that Apple saw SurfaceInk's services as a competitive threat. In theory it might also have be worried about some of its tablet concepts leaking out, giving rivals an edge.
Apple has so far declined to comment. The company faces a oncoming wave of competing tablets, such as the Galaxy Tab and the SmartPad.
Fresh-Faced Recruit
Joined: Aug 2001
sorry
Bauswell suggests, without specifically mentioning the iPad, that Apple saw SurfaceInk's services as a competitive threat. In theory it might also have be worried about some of its tablet concepts leaking out, giving rivals an edge.
That's why they invented the NDA. But I can't see how any of that would give 'rivals' an edge. None of the previous 'leaks' have given them the edge.