On what basis do you question the long term viability of SPSS?
I have been using their products since 1980; currently use the
SPSS 7.5/Windows program. It is excellent! Much easier to use
that their major competitor, SAS. SAS doesn't even have a true
windows product out yet. Their SAS/Assist interface is mediocre.
In recent years SPSS has purchased major competitors, including
BMDP and SYSTAT. Surely buying out the competition contributes
to "long term viability." Furthermore, research scientists and
other statistically-oriented professionals (e.g, market researchers)
tend to have strong loyalties. It is a hassle to learn another
program's intricacies and syntax.
Please note that this company receives much of its revenues from
ongoing licenses. It basically "rents" its products to
universities, corporations, and even individuals (I have a
yearly site license, for instance, that provides them with
an annual fee of $175). As a result, it does not suffer as
much as other companies from delayed introductions of new
versions.
This is a great company! Whether or not it will be a great
stock in the near term is another issue. (I'm going to buy
if it drops a bit more.) Comments about the viability of SPSS
are absurb. This company has been around for years, has
closed the quality gap it once had with SAS, is growing
revenues and earnings impressively, is coming out with new
products, and is acquiring other products to broaden its base.
With regard to new products, SPSS Diamond is an interesting
"data mining" product that was the topic of earlier queries.
The company also recently purchased a scientific graphic
company.
? ? ? ? ? ? ?
One question for those of you who know about database companies.
Wouldn't a company like SPSS be a great acquisition for an Oracle
or Informix? Has anyone heard any speculation about acquisitions?
I haven't, but it seems to me that SPSS would provide a natural
fit with a database software company. Am I missing something here? |
