A New York Times article (March 28, 2011) describes actions being taken by manufacturers to prevent supply disruptions of their product.  Hollywood film equipment suppliers are scouring the world to build up stocks of tape, and also suggesting digital options.  A smart meter manufacturer, Echelon, is described as verifying that its 25 component suppliers are unaffected, but still planned to build up inventory of components to more than a few months of demand.  Circuit board manufacturers were redesigning boards to switch components in short supply. Will the combined frenzy of OEMs, each driven by their competitive zeal, exacerbate the shortage ? How should component manufacturers work with their customers to manage the available supply while being fair to all ? Will the adjustments made by OEMs cause some suppliers to lose clients when they come back up or are these redesigns temporary patches until supply resumes due to the rampant use of supply contracts  ?