How high will Microsoft fly? Message Board

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Technology Stocks : How high will Microsoft fly?

MSFT 492.01

+1.3%

Nov 28 9:30 AM EST

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To: t2 who wrote (18438)	3/21/1999 3:50:00 PM
From: RTev	Read Replies (1) of 74651

MSFT can probably be more aggressive than even AT&T. So much cash---and don't have to issue that corporate debt that AT&T must. If MSFT picks up the largest chunk of cable companies that is within regulations, they could be one of the biggest cable operators. AT&T has a big chunk of cash itself, but it's a question of what's available if either did decide to go with a buyout strategy. Comcast, after all, is working with a couple of billion from Microsoft's investment which could be used for buyouts, but still trails far behind TimeWarner and TCI numbers. There are still many small companies, but there are also active bidders for any of them that come into play. Another factor: running a cable company is so far from Microsoft's core strength that I doubt they'd want to even try it (and I hope they don't). My guess is that Microsoft will find a way to supply important tools that folks will be using in the future TV/net box. (Even more than msn, WebTV seems to be the most important part of the strategy.) Allen's companies might be more willing than some to trust Microsoft (he is a board member, after all). MS has invested in TWX's RoadRunner service which is their alternative to @home. Comcast is one of the @home partners so Microsoft even has a second-hand stake in that. But the major problem seems to be that Microsoft is fighting against its history. Cable companies don't want their customers to see a Microsoft logo or a Microsoft-defined TV desktop when they turn on their cable box. AT&T wants their "bo-onng" and globe on that box. Cox wants their logo. TimeWarner wants theirs. It's a different kind of playground out there. The big question is whether Microsoft can learn how to "play nice with the other kids" or will need to be the bully and take over all all the games.

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