High-tech companies encounter the hardest truths of the marketplace
To outsiders, California's Silicon Valley looks like a contemporary El Dorado. Once given over to fruit orchards, its 150 sq. mi. in Santa Clara County are home to some of America's most successful and innovative companies, including Hewlett-Packard, Intel and Apple Computer. Hundreds of other high-technology firms are trying to mimic their success. While the vast majority have prospered, quite a few are now discovering that not all the streets in the valley are paved with profits. For them, the earlier dreams of success and...