This article describes EXDS as a series of public warehouses for servers. It serves a hi-tech industry, but is really very low-tech.
This is really a janitorial function that is very easy to duplicate, and this type of business will come under tremendous pricing pressure very quickly.
I agree.
I think the barriers to entry are low.
The question is this: EXDS secures lots of customers thru first mover advantage, and by having more Internet Data Center sq. footage than all the other guys; the switching costs may be higher than apparent, to shuttle servers and data from one guy to the next. The bet is, once a corporation achieves satisfaction with reliable hosting of mission-critical data, particularly with the acknowledged "Market Leader", there is little incentive to switch. Plus, the addition of applications services should further heighten the switching costs. At least that is the idea......so far, has held up.
The question is when does the competition catch up? This year, next year, or later on? And also, for how much longer will the demand for web hosting services continue to outstrip supply, such that EXDS as market leader will continue to grow and not be subject to pricing pressures? Will Supply outstrip demand this year, next year, or until when? EXDS, as Market Leader, is just now striking Europe and Asia.........these should be fertile areas for Web Hosting growth for what, at least the next 2 years, if not much longer? Particularly with European and especially Asian economic recoveries.
But will be watching revenues closely with this month's earnings report, and will compare with prior analysis:
Exodus Revenues history, and projected: 1997-2000
Post # 12768
Message 12281266
Analogously, building PC boxes should not have been that tough. Yet many G & Kers here made tons on Dell in past years. And hey, Dell was only a Prince.
EXDS +13, at $119 11/16.
Stan |
