Local Source for DDR Memory

[sethg at ropine.com (Seth Gordon)]

> Here are the defining characteristics of RAM:
> - it is a good that can be defined and ordered in a specific
>   grade that many people want to buy.
> - it is also a finished good; people want it in exactly the form
>   that it is sold on a wholesale level.
> - there are a reasonable number of manufacturers, such that no
>   small group can form a monopoly or controlling consortium.
> - the costs of entry for manufacturers are high -- you can't
>   decide to plant DDR3200 this year instead of lettuce.
> - profits are low, so competition is fierce.
> - efficiency is variable. A batch of contaminated silicon will
>   destroy a whole cycle of production; a new X-ray lithograph
>   will boost capacity.
> - There is an exceedingly short lead time from production to
>   delivery. The "season" of a field of wheat is 4-6 months; the
>   "season" for RAM may be as little as 4-6 days.
> - There is almost no wastage. Supply and demand are very closely
>   balanced.

Obviously, we need an options market for RAM, so that if I know I'm 
going to put another GB in my server next year, I can lock in a price now.

1/2 :-)

-- 
"Remember that "freedom" is not just a word. It is a squishy,
  concept-lite word which invokes positive feelings." --Fafblog
// seth gordon // sethg at ropine.com // http://dynamic.ropine.com/yo/ //