NSCP, MSFT, DOJ, and the future: -
It would be easy, and simplistic, in my opinion, to credit NSCP's recent rise to speculation that the Govt will force MSFT to included NSCP Communicator in Win98. While this would be a major victory for NSCP, the failure of the government to accomplish this, or a long drawn out trial on the issues (2-5 years) would make the point mute anyway.
The real reason that NSCP is moving, again IMO, is that they have finally thrown off the shackles of being a losing browser competitor to IE, and are now taking advantage of their existing position as a portal to take a major part in the Internet commerce revolution. The deal with Excite is just the beginning.
For too long NSCP was trying to sell its browser while MSFT was giving it away, and bundling it with its OS. This reminds me of AAPL's failure to license it's OS, while IBM opened its architecture. and therefore the PC became the dominant computer model and AAPL, a superior computer, became an also-ran.
I know I am rambling. The point i am trying to make is that a lot of attention will be focused on whether the DOJ is able to obtain a preliminary injunction requiring MSFT to include NSCP browser with win 98. The failure of such an injunction should NOT be viewed as a failure for NSCP. NSCP is on a path headed for success. They changed their business plan. They will be one of the premier internet stocks again. If the govt should get the Preliminary Injunction, that NSCP should explode to the upside. If it doesn't, and i would be very surprised if it did, any dip on that news should be considered a major buying opportunity for NSCP bulls. Larrry |
