Broadcom

CF: Let’s revisit that idea of uncertainty and change, because one of the glaring topics here is the Broadcom acquisition. So, as you are in this role, and as you’re starting to talk with partners as the leader, what assurances and guidance are you providing them?

TF: So I don’t know what the future is. I know what every partner has read. I get the same press. I read the same posts from Hock [Tan, Broadcom CEO] and our leadership team. But here’s what I believe, and here’s what I’m taking from everything I’m seeing: I firmly believe partners will be a critical area for us, with or without Broadcom. I don’t believe that changes and I don’t believe I would be sitting here today if I thought it did. I believe that partners have spent years investing with us. I encourage partners to see those investments through, and work with the information we all have. All I can do is be transparent, open and honest with what I know. I will always do that and I will always be the advocate with or without Broadcom. … I do believe that partners will be even more important as we move forward. 

CF: What about types of partners you’re looking to work with? Is there a new definition of partner out there that you would like to bring into the fold or an expanded definition of one?

TF: We work with all partner types. Strategic partners are the ones … that will be critical as we move forward. I think it’s about figuring out how to work with all of the different types individually. … That’s something that we continue to work on.