But if we're talking about the optical drive maker, it's cheaper to support only one interface. To start with, that interface is PATA. So then, the system builders have to support PATA.
Eventually, you get the point where sufficient drive makers support only SATA that many of the mobo makers drop PATA, that those drive makers still only making PATA start making SATA because market is disappearing, that the remainder of the mobo makers drop PATA suport, that the drive makers finally stop supplying PATA.
Re: If it aint' broke ...
But if we're talking about the optical drive maker, it's cheaper to support only one interface. To start with, that interface is PATA. So then, the system builders have to support PATA.
Eventually, you get the point where sufficient drive makers support only SATA that many of the mobo makers drop PATA, that those drive makers still only making PATA start making SATA because market is disappearing, that the remainder of the mobo makers drop PATA suport, that the drive makers finally stop supplying PATA.
Very much an 'After you, Claude' sort of dance.