Accumulated WetWare.

It's knowledge and experience and understanding, especially as it relates to a specific environment.

Corporations run by MBAs who can't think past the end of the current quarter, today's stock prices, and "shareholder benefit" solve marketing and sales problems by shooting engineers, thus disposing of large quantities of IntellectualCapital in the name of "cutting costs" to "improve the bottom line" for the company.

Of course, since engineers are plug-compatible interchangeable parts, all you need to do is hire some fresh ones when revenue has improved.

-- GarryHamilton