Baird,
And don't forget that even if the analysts are momentarily confused
about the synergies between RATL and PASW (because they have not
hit upon the obvious trend towards one-stop-shopping, and single
solution providers via multiple complimentary acquisitions), RATL
has built a powerhouse in component based development. Period.
UML has been endorsed by Microsoft, and RATL owns the UML braintrust.
Approximately 30 other companies have signed on for the ride.
While RATL's products are not by any means a "silver bullet" to kill
off all application design, development, testing, and distribution
nightmares, they are close to having a suite that accomplishes that
objective. I would say that given recent trends, the next major
phase of acquisitions would be in the software distribution,
configuration/license management area, as they attempt to become
a "concept to rollout" vendor.
The future looks bright, and hopefully RATL will accomplish
what the Pure/Atria management team failed to accomplish:
rapid and cost-effective integration and cross-selling of the
combined product line.
I would also remark that the recent RATL strategy completely
validates the strategy that PLATINUM technology took on several
years ago. Will there be less than 10 dominant software
providers by the year 2000, and a fringe group of niche players?
Based on consolidation rates, I would have to say it looks likely.
And PLAT is two years ahead on the acquisition and diversification
schedule, but it has paid dearly in terms of stock price, much
like RATL has paid recently. Watch for a stunning rebound when
the industry analysts realize what is actually going on in the
industry that they allegedly cover.
Dave |
