The challenge to remain a predictable supplier will be embodied in the amount of research, development and dedicated resources a company continuously commits. Being number one or number two is paramount to survival in the long term. A supplier's product cannot occupy a space off the customer's mental radar screen and survive. Presence also implies trust. Trust implies known behaviors.
Known behaviors are by definition predictable.
Hence, presence is an essential element of predictability. Without it you're better off being absorbed by someone with presence because the odds are not in your favor to survive for long. In fact, so recognized is this phenomena by our industry that some successful companies have built business plans around being acquired as quickly as their technology can demonstrate capability and market promise rather than try to establish and maintain their own presence. While we may not like the trend, sooner or later the trend prevails. For our industry the trend of this decade, predictability, will prevail and produce a set of metrics that will create insurmountable barriers to entry for some and luxurious castles for others.