Back in 2001, however, their separation was wrenching. Pitted against giants such as Quanta and Compal (which rank number one and number two among computer makers), the young Wistron lacked "a customer base, core competencies and fundamental infrastructure," says Lin. Analysts were skeptical about its prospects. Some employees, assigned to the company from Acer, were dismayed to be associated with a no-name manufacturer. Potential customers were wary that Wistron's profits would flow back to Acer, giving Acer a competitive edge against them.