to all-
after recieving mail from a few of you asking where i have been, i am returning. i am not currently invested in apple, but plan on returning soon.
jobs return, IMHO , is not a wise decision. the guy is a flake whose one actual smart decision was to hook up with steve wozniak.
i think that we as shareholders (and potential returning shareholders<G>) should do more than analyze the company's moves. we should seek to actively influence them. it is clear from the last two years that they need the help.
here is my abbreviated (and woefully incomplete<G>) wish list:
1) acceleration and expansion of licensing. shift the company into a MSFT position of a maker of a top flight OS, with the apps to hold it up.
2) work closely with manufacturers of componets to define where the market is heading.
3) make WIN 32 apps work on the mac OS. java cross compatibility is a dream right now that will likely come true. in the meantime it is essential that apple license the necessary technology from MSFT...or steal it (its time for the pirate flag to go back up and the 'not invented here' mentality to take a hike).
4) increase development for the low end. the big market now is for the computer as consumer electronics device (kind of like a TV or stereo). this is where growth is and the company should be addressing it more than the high end market that is shrinking. master the low end and the high end is a piece of cake.
5)set up a mac os SW venture cap fund. if KPCB can do it for java why not apple for mac.
6)stop holding inventory that is never going to move just because you cant let it go for too low a price. move merchandise and then you win hearts and minds.you are going to take a loss on it anyway, so why not do it now. sneaking it onto the financials is really irritating to investors. and start playing well with the VARs.
7)revamp the sales force. dont let them write estimates, and dont make them for them. give these people a base salary and then a bonus per machine and let them take the wheel.(6 and 7 are problems that started showing in 95 and i think are still there)
8)hire no one else like gil amelio. the guy wasnt confident in his ability to run the company and it showed in EVERYTHING he did. AND, jobs is not the guy we need. get sculley back if possible. remember when everyone criticized him for newton? who is around giving him the credit he deserves today?(oh i dont know. maybe not sculley, but5 someone charismatic who knows what to do and will do it for the company, not his ego.)
there are a lot of problems, but i tried to concentrate on the general areas where i think the company needs the most help. please feel free to contradict or elaborate.
good luck to all,
trey |
