Garry Hare Interview

Given at the Amiwest 2004 Banquet, July

This is an interview that was transmitted on 07/25/04 from Amiwest 2004 with Dr Garry Hare, CEO of KMOS. The interviewer was Bill "TekMage" Borsari.

Q: Last night you mentioned interesting things about the KMOS business model. Tell us more about KMOS.
We've been looking at the interface between mobile and what is happening in wireless. We're looking at both mobile space (Orange, Nokia etc.) and on the other side, the "systems" people: Motorola, Eriksson. We've been active for some time in Asia and talking to companies in Asia -- reviewing problems they are currently facing and talking to non-player companies. We felt, and have felt for some time, that AmigaOS is a lightweight, efficient OS that can be made secure.
Q: Are you talking about Amiga Classic or DE?
The Classic OS. Before acquiring Amiga, we did a reasonable amount of research on OS's. We feel some operating systems out there have significant problems such as -- primarily -- their size and scalability. Present OS's lack access to established developer networks and legacy applications. It revolves around services and support. We feel Amiga will shine in this area in the future.
Q: How does Capacity Networks fit into this vision?
It was really when we looked at some of the identified problems: data storage -- this is a massive issue and sometimes impossible to solve. We foresee a time when you download a movie on a mobile phone. If you did it, where would you put it? Capacity has small software that will securely allocate space on the network. It can commandeer space on other devices and that data cannot be used with out permissions. Capacity can also efficiently format data for data transmission on a network. It looks at historical use patterns and routes software in the best way across internet. These two products are good and they are working on new stuff now as well.
Q: You mention anywhere, any network, these different device just don't talk to each other. How do you establish an industry standard. What's the model?
It will be a long difficult road. Cameras in mobile phones ATM, next multiuser apps (essentially games). Got to have ability to talk to each other over different models of phones. DE may be able to address this in the short term. Long term, friends will choose the same technology to remain compatible. The industry standard for this will not appear in my life time, I doubt.
Q: Lets talk about the the market today. Lots of technologies running across lots of devices. Do you see the possibility of Amiga DE in these markets presently?
There is a demand/opening for Amiga DE in the market. Its driven due to lot of legacy apps. We want to extend DE to Java which is important -- this will be a solution to specific problems. There will be an announcement in September about an application which will drive both the market and support market. You will hear about this -- we will shout about this from the roof tops!
Q: Last year you purchased Classic OS from Amiga Inc? Why did you buy Classic?
KMOS did not buy the OS from Amiga, but from ITec. Amiga company was not structured to build in additional money. KMOS was formed around a notion with partners and we needed a light weight secure OS. AmigaOS represented that possibility. KMOS took the OS and with partners to figure out where it can be in the future.

We didn't jump at Amiga Inc. but two things made it interesting, Amiga has tremendous value in the actual brand. We didn't want to just license it. In addition we wanted the shortest route to support developers. Our acquisition of Amiga can rekindle developer support.
Q: The desktop Amiga is important, do you see it as necessary for development of the Amiga?
For now, Amiga DE is separate product and different market. The desktop OS is not completed even with 4.0. These features and functions will be driven by partners, in collaboration. We know where they want to go and we want to help them get there.
Q: Hyperion and Eyetech are partners, you own licence agreement. How do you see your relationship?
No alterations to agreement at all.
Q: Eyetech to do additional AmigaOne brand announcements?
I have no proposals from Eyetech -- they will have to discuss things with KMOS before making announcements.
Q: On the subject of the name change:
Keep names and brands as they should. There may well come a time to make an alteration. If KMOS keeps a low profile, this is not confusing to the consumer.
Q: On the subject of the law suit, anything to say?
The law suit is no longer pending. The final ruling was 10 days ago and the judge said that the original agreement stands and all clauses are enforced and enforceable. There are a number of implications. We haven't heard anything since from Genesis, Bplan or Pegasos.
The lawyers theory: took so long because court was taking it seriously.

My theory: the court forgot about it!
Q: You intend to comply fully?
Judge has been clear, Yes.
Q: On the subject of the T-Shirts:
They have been authorized on Friday -- ready to go soon.
Q: On the subject of Developer Support: Lots of developers are dormant -- they aren't doing it for the Amiga. How seriously are you taking re-energizing developer community (both DE and Classic)?
The prioirties: talented developers on both DE and classic no lower than no 2. We have already entered agreement with some developers and are paying them. We want developers to be financially successful and make a living. On DE we want developer support in short term. In long term this will gravitate to OS side.

We know some of things we need to do on the DE side. We are not trying to control development through the web portal. Developers can make their own decisions with market guidance from us, this is our thinking. If developers are successful, we will be.
Q: There are updated versions of DE not released?
These will be out soon.
Q: Bill and Fleecy staying on with Amiga Inc?
Yes, both are staying.
Q: Amiga Inc has a big portion of debt which is salary based -- has that been paid?
There is secured and unsecured debt. We have to prioritize. We are seriously careful with the accounting of this. All of this stuff is currently being taking care of.
Q: Have you been in contact with many developers since acquiring AmigaOS?
Several developers, but not lots.
Q: Have you talked to Newtek, makers of famous Video Toaster?
No, but one of my colleagues has, but I don't have details.
Q: On the subject of further funding to Hyperion for further OS development.
No alterations to original agreement.
Q: When will Amiga DE for other OS?
The sooner the better. At least one additional system in next Quarter. Working on it right now.
Q: On the subject of the agreement between TAO and you:
The intent has far more functionality and new versions will support PPC.
Q: Are there any plans to incorporate TAO 2.0?
We will stay in current synch with Intent technologies in DE.
Q: What is AmigaDE?
Definitely not an OS. It is at the moment, a family of libraries that is running on the Intent system.
Q: What about PocketUAE in general?
Vaguely familiar with PocketUAE.
Q: Do you have a copy of AmigaForever?
Yes.
Q: Are you going to make available existing DE content?
We will make as much available as soon as we can.
Q: Is KMOS company information available?
It is a privately held company. We will soon have to disclose where our offices are located, though.
Q:On the OS side there are a couple of holes left. How do you plan to bring these shortfalls to OS?
We are prepared to do some engineering in house and use external developers.

In closing I want to thank everyone that took the time to ask questions. We will communicate about products as they come to market and business relationships as they are made. We don't speculate on things that may not be. Proof's in the pudding. You shouldn't place trust in me -- we are not in the cheerleading business!