Novell (NOVL) dirt cheap, good buy? Message Board

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Technology Stocks : Novell (NOVL) dirt cheap, good buy?

Public Reply Prvt Reply Mark as Last Read File

Previous 10 Next 10 Previous Next

To: Salah Mohamed who wrote (22065)	5/17/1998 11:43:00 PM
From: Paul Fiondella	of 42771

Couldn't agree more " The myth that Schmidt materially improved Novell product strategy isn't true, his strategy is basically the same as that of Frankenberg's, if there are some differences, they aren't significant. Schmidt hasn't solved the main problem novell had and still has "MARKETING". Yes, I agree with Toy and others that their products are superior and the new products are impressive (Bordermanager, NDS on NT, Zen, ..etc.), but without strong marketing they are not growing. The fact remains they are selling products in a market which grows at about 30% annually (my estimate) and they can't grow their revenues. It is clear to me that they are losing market share at a hefty clip, or maybe someone has an explanation for stagnant (or declining) revenues with all these fantastic new products." =================== Here's where I think we all missed the boat that Joe Antol got on. No amount of marketing, good products, or execution can substitute for a strategy of dealing with MSFT, the monopoly, as it tightens its grip on your market. Its Kill or Be Killed. (A reference to a WWII training film) A company like IBM --- broadly diversified --- can fight back by emphasizing some other set of products. Novell however with a narrow NOS focus is doomed. The battle was over before most of us even invested in this company. Back in Frankenberg's day there was a chance for them to be bought out. Now Novell's chances are to hold onto some niche and downsize into it. You simply cannot fight a monopoly with good products or intentions or nostalgia for past glory. We have all seen what those OEM contracts Microsoft signs smell like. I wonder what the contracts they sign with major corporations look like! Buy Novell and we cut off your support---as they threatened with NDS for NT? I don't think Schmidt has come up with any strategy to deal with this situation and in that sense he is no different from his immediate predecessors.

Report TOU Violation

Share This Post

Public Reply Prvt Reply Mark as Last Read File

Previous 10 Next 10 Previous Next