That's my point.  One of my points.  Someone hired an outside firm to do POET's publicity.  They did this because POET doesn't have the budget to hire an experienced internal marketing team.  And, they made a bad choice in the platform for plublicity because POET clearly doesnt have the marketing savvy to execute on a shoestring GTM plan. They're winging it with unique tech, credibility (based on a handful of experienced execs in the tech field), and valuable business partnerships (developed based on the credibility of a few execs).  

In my opinion, they've done a really good job scaling this thing to where it is today.  They do have a good strategy, I believe.  They're currently trying to market the technology on a low-cost GTM plan involving executive level bus dev and relationships they have in the industry.  They successfully signed some initial agreements with valuable partners - that's amazing.  But, again, the challenge they face now is how to promote their progress, and grow the business at this point.  They can't continue building toward a $1B company on the backs of a few really smart, respected execs on a shoestring budget.  They need an experienced team around them at this point. (And, to address your question specifically, an experienced team would never hire WSS)

My previous message included Sales leadership among the execs they require.  This isn't the highest priority position, in my opinion.  Following Suresh's GTM strategy, the most important execs he needs to support him are Photonics and Data Center industry experts with industry relationships and credibility required to help the company execute and scale. Soon, though, even if POET doesn't require a sales team prospecting into new companies for business opportunities (current strategy being to rely on partners to integrate POET tech who then sell to THIER customers), POET does need someone with the experience to evaluate business opportunities and forecast revenue in a reliable manner.  The Sales exec also needs to understand how to project revenue growth, how to recognize risks to meeting quarterly and annual projections, and how to help Bus Dev ensure contracts are negotiated strategically in order to meet POETS revenue projections. 

The question about WSS is simple singling out a single example of why a company at this stage needs experienced execs in place to ensure proper execution.  It is obvious that POET needs a seasoned marketing exec to build the corp brand and messaging, someone with expertise in marketing to partners who will integrate POET tech and sell to the large data centers globally, and a person who also understands how to position the company in the investment community.

Hopefully, if Suresh doesnt already have his eye on these needs, the Board does.  My underlying message to everyone is:

1.  These are critical hires that need to be made

2.  This will be a major investment for the company, requiring that they raise funds

3.   When POET does this, there will be a dilution impact - but that's not anything to freak out about.  The investment will result in greater returns.  AND, freaking out and selling can just as easily leave an investor stranded on the beach while the ship sails away, because an announcement that POET has been acquired could happen at ANY moment.  You just never know.

I am in LONG.