Further news this week has stated that both Umax Computing and PowerTools have been able to finalise new cloning contracts with Apple. Also, it seems that Power Computing will be able to first bundle, then pre-install MacOS 8 with their MacOS clones on the run down to the December 31st deadline for the ending of their Mac cloning.
The CEO of Power Tools, Victor W.T. Wong, has written a very complete and surprisingly pro-Apple article on cloning that lays out the whys and wherefores of the issue, including the reasons that the clones have not been able to expand the Mac market. Here is a slightly less euphemised article with the same message (but nowhere near the flair and creativity of Victor Wong's article).
By no means is the clone debacle over. Apple and Motorola is still playing hardball with each other. From rumours floating around the Web, I see the speculation is arising that Motorola is prepared to hurt Apple's own supplies of PowerPC chips in an attempt to force Apple to make concessions to cloners. Since Motorola has the right to sell MacOS licenses to other companies who manufacture MacOS clones, they would also be interested in the results of Apple/Motorola license negotiation.
From the licenses already negotiated, it seems that Apple is serious in its decision to allow manufacturers to clone Apple systems only with Apple receiving a "fair" recompense for its research and development work on both the current Macintosh Operating System and, to a large extent, the hardware as well.
All this means that the Macintouch site, with its Mac Licensing Special Report is guaranteed to get continuing high traffic until the crisis is over. The special report site lists articles, e-mail rumours and opinions on the licensing issue, as well as the related issues of Motorola's PowerPC future and licensing debate.
My opinions
The announcement of two completed licensing deal will do much to calm the fierce storm of emotion that the Power Computing buyout has stirred up. If the other licensees can also finalise agreements, especially Motorola, then the Mac market can begin to recover from the damage done to it.
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