Netgear CEO apologizes for remarks about Steve Jobs
updated 09:25 am EST, Tue February 1, 2011
Lo stands by business criticisms
The CEO of Netgear, Patrick Lo, has apologized for some remarks about Steve Jobs made in the midst of criticizing Apple business practices. "Once Steve Jobs goes away, which is probably not far away, then Apple will have to make a strategic decision on whether to open up the platform," Lo said at one point during a lunch in Sydney, Australia. Because Jobs is on an indefinite medical leave and has had recurring cancer-related problems, some people reportedly interpreted Lo's statement as a reference to Jobs dying.
"I stand by the opinions I stated on the business issues," part of a new e-mail from Lo reads. "Supporting open standards and environments in order to ease seamless networking integration of multimedia content is good for the consumer and good for content providers.
"However, I deeply regret the choice of words I used in relation to business decisions Apple must grapple with in the future in relation to open vs. closed systems, which have been construed by some to be references to Steve Jobs’ health and which was never my intention. I sincerely apologize that what I said was interpreted this way, and I wish Steve only the very best."
Even if Jobs avoids a fatal medical crisis while at Apple, some observers have suggested that his health may force him to retire within the next few years. The current leave is his third since 2004, when he was originally diagnosed with pancreatic cancer. Special concern has been raised by the fact that unlike in 2009, there is no fixed end to the leave, and no hint of Jobs' condition.
Mac Enthusiast
Joined: Nov 2005
Too late
SSIA