14 DAY TRIAL // The earthquake and tsunami that struck Japan on March 11, besides claiming a huge death toll and causing a nuclear crisis, did a bit of damage to the IT industry, but it looks like at least one company feels worries should not be too high.
As one would no doubt have learned by now, on March 11, 2011, an earthquake with a magnitude of almost 9 hit Japan and sent tsunamis ravaging everything in their path.
This caused the death of over 18,000 people, left a nuclear reactor damaged (even causing radiation leaks) and, on a less serious note, caused various facilities to shut down.
As far as the IT market goes, a number of factories were damaged while others had their activities interrupted by power outages.
All in all, things were serious enough that the likes of HP and Acer ended up reducing their PC shipment forecasts.
Considering that those two are two of the top-tier makers of systems, this made quite an impression on everyone else.
Now, however, a certain other company has spoken up, trying to at least reduce whatever concerns may have arisen in regards to the 2011 shipment prospect.
Chairman for Compal Electronics Rock Hsu did not comment on its clients, but did say that demand for PCs has yet to fall below favorable levels.
While some disruption is expected to make itself felt during the second quarter, supply should remain healthy if Japan's power brownout policy eases up.
Granted, the possibility of shortages is still a very real one, but even if it were to happen, orders would only be delayed, not canceled.
All in all, Compal still expects 2011 to end with a positive sales performance for the worldwide personal computer market. Either way, things will become clear once the existing supply is exhausted (should last for 1-2 months).