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"It is a matter of survival for these firms, especially those in the information technology sector ...

And as I stated previously: this something that may be considred a commodity nowadays; how do you economically compete in a field which has become 'a commodity' - short answer, I don't think that you do. Our strength in this counry (well, it *has* been) is always advancing onto the next step WHERE a particular customer base is willing to pay for advanced technologyy.

Look at this in your own lifetime - VCRs (used to cost a fortune) Color TVs (equally insanely priced at one time) automatic transmisions (used to be extra-cost options on cars) and computers (main-frame 'iron' and minis by DEC used to be norm until 10 - 15 years ago).

Long ago - horses and buggy whips, entertainment limited to musical talent on the buggy.

Yesterday - the model T and still no radio (until the late forties and Motorola's first car radios)

Today - autotrans, A/C and for mobile music/entertainment: CDs AM, FM and satellite "XM" radio

Tomorrow - ?

Yes, and the all the further advancements in the consumer electronics field you mention - came from the countries that took the industry from the US. You don't see the LCD and plasma screen market, a HUGE worldwide market, domininated by the US. How could it. Once you lose an industry, you also lose any further advancement (and jobs) that that industry would have brought.

"Tomorrow -- ?"

Tommorrow, dearest _Jim, may you be dragged along after some buggy, caught by a dropped buggy whip, and the doctors -- failing to have antibiotics -- are forced to pour salt in the horrid wounds and gashes you'll suffer. For your own good, Jim, for your own good! Make sure you DEMAND they pour more and more salt on those wounds. Don't want to be infected, don't you know.

Now.

There are computers and software and will continue to be. These are not archaics. They are needed goods and growing developing technology -- growing not longer under our Flag, though. Wholesale looting and piracy is NOT obsolescense.