Mr. Bean: First, take a look at the Corel's enterprise Java strategy at Corel's website: corel.com
Note the chart of priorities in time. It shows the first priority as Remagen, the second as Alta, and the third, WordPerfect Suite 8.
Problem: Remagen and Alta are projects and not yet realities.
Result: The current focus yields disastrous Q3 losses in revenue and profits across the board. The main company focus is still too far out in the future, hence profits are also somewhere in the future. COREL MUST FOCUS ON MOVING THE SUITE NOW.
Corel has posted another chart under the link "Alta" at the same
address. It shows a more rational Suite marketing FOCUS, but, it is still the third priority as listed.
Problem: The NC, and Java, although gaining steam for future enterprise computing solutions is still like "very wet cement." It'll take some time for that to "cure" and become meaningful for profits.
Reuslt: Q4 will likely be the disappointment management is bracing for. What will happen with Q1, 1998? Without FOCUSING ON SELLING THE SUITE NOW, probably more losses and the "scaled down Corel" will start to take shape.
With likely losses coming from the present focus will Corel have to shed WordPerfect to continue pursuing the Java Enterprise Strategy?
More later, but in the meantime: FOCUS ON SELLING THE SUITE. MAKE IT BETTER. USE EFFECTIVE ADVERTISING. DO NOT RELY ON THE FALSE IDEA OF AA "LOYAL" FOLLOWING. The loyal following mindset is a trap for instant failure. It takes continued work, appeal, and effort to maintain loyalty, period. Corel can't succeed just by posting a sign showing that it sells "lemonade."
Up, UP, & Away!
Scott |
