Even Seagate
At least one reader sees Seagate transitioning well. "If [new CEO] Steve Luczo can change this dynamic and re-introduce the importance of technology -- I really believe that Seagate can be a leader within the next 9 months. Do not dismiss Seagate because it still has all the right ingredients and has been awaiting for a master chef to put them together -- go for it Steve," wrote Fool boutaghou.
Let's assume both are correct. Let's assume that Seagate is, in fact, transitioning to new technology that will lift its fortunes. Trouble is, storage is shifting to an entirely new paradigm -- solid-state technology -- that could obviate much of Seagate's current product line. Flash technology leaders like SanDisk
The good news: Transition never happens quickly. VHS tapes are still in use today, and more than 300 million CDs were sold last year. And while Blu-ray is the up-and-comer, Netflix
Nevertheless, Seagate faces what author Clayton Christensen has aptly dubbed an innovator's dilemma: Milk profits from existing drive technology via incremental improvements like perpendicular storage, or break the existing paradigm and risk losing revenue.
My guess is that Seagate won't be any different from the other incumbents facing technology transitions; it will preserve its existing technology while embracing necessary changes to the technology landscape. It'll be like Sun Microsystems
Tech is a disruptive business. That's good for investors -- every few years, a new opportunity comes along to challenge the status quo and make early investors rich. But this opportunity also comes with a cost that I've dubbed the two truths of tech investing:
- Your best ideas will always be under assault from something newer.
- Occasionally, these newer ideas will overtake your best ideas.
Solid-state technology is a new idea that has optical and magnetic disk drives in its sights. Now, Seagate needs to invent the next paradigm beyond that.
Good luck, sirs.
Get your clicks with related Foolishness:
- I'm relying on other tech stocks to make me rich.
- High P/E tech stocks are sometimes cheaper than they appear.
- Seagate was flooded with customer complaints last week.