Nick, you're one of the few old-timers still left here who weathered the storm. I'm wondering where jim nazium, munsters and the other old bulls went off to? (I know my pal Mark Heath threw in the towel out of disgust last winter, and contrarian indicator Greg sold at the bottom). And what of that perma-bear D. Lethe?
In hindsight, it was only fair to give MTI a couple of quarters to get it right. Since the Spring they really have accomplished quite a bit. Notably:
- the GTE internetworking deal
- acceptance into Oracle's advanced technology ctr.
- launch switched fibre-based NorthStar, and DataServices product set
- deals with Funmail, 1-800 database, 24/7 media, and others
- the 25% stake in Caldera
- national advertising and hiring campaigns
- a 50% earnings surprise last Q
And I'm sure I'm missing a few highlights (old age=failing memory).
I still remain critical, or at least suspicious, of Earl Pearlman. Hopefully (and I realize I'm getting ahead of the program ) R. Noorda realizes it takes a different skill set to run a $200 million company than with, say, a $1 billion one. If MTI is going to emerge as a real force in the data storage arena, I think a change at the helm will be necessary. Somebody who's been there and done that, well connected and thoroughly respected. Hopefully, it happens before another set-back.
BV
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