Newsgroups: alt.cd-rom
Path: cdrom.com!barrnet.net!decwrl!decwrl!netcomsv!netcom.com!lathrope
From: lathrope@netcom.com (Brett W. Lathrope)
Subject: "OEM".....
Message-ID: <lathropeCqMuLz.HKz@netcom.com>
Organization: NETCOM On-line Communication Services (408 261-4700 guest)
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Date: Mon, 30 May 1994 20:37:11 GMT
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I have been working in the computer manufacturing industry for almost 18 
years now and to be quite honest I have seen the term OEM used so many 
different ways it can only be assumed it came from another industry. I 
say particularly because the computer industry has a tendancy to be 
particular and definative as to exactly what terms mean (when they have 
created them).

But....typically when someone says they are an OEM supplier they mean one 
of several things (OEM means ORIGINAL EQUIPMENT MANUFACTURER);

	They supply parts that were made by the Original Manufacturer.

	or They manufacturer the parts under a license by the manufacturer.

	or They manufacturer the parts to the exact specifications of the
	original manufacturer w/o the consent of the original manufacturer,
	but are allowed to do so because the original manfucturer has gone
	out of business, or the original manufacturer no longer makes the
	part and doesn't really care if the "OEM" does.

However you will also see some companies say; "We OEM XYZ's Boards." In 
this case it almost always means they sell/use the original manufacturer's 
boards (or parts) but do not make them...or...they ARE the manufacturer 
and supplier of the official part for the company who slaps their name on it.


Whew! It is confusing eh?

The confusion tends to result from the computer industry's tendancy to 
integrate parts to create a single unit, and then represent that unit as 
some proprietary entity that they have total control over. Which in 
itself is quite humours if you think about it.


Brett