[robert_foss]

Considering that it takes 1-2 years to spin custom silicon I would say that it is a viable approach.

[mcshicks]

I think they could probably do significantly faster than that since these would presumably be a relatively low volume, single customer application, and wouldn't need the extensive testing cycle required for mass production ASICs. Which is to say it doesn't take a year from delivering a mask set to a fab to getting packaged parts.

[kevin_thibedeau]

Gate arrays can be pumped out in weeks to days if you control the fab.

[jokr004]

That's not true at all. Were you paying attention to the development of bitcoin asics? Those things popped up fast once the idea spread.