Hi Jack - 1st, plz don't get me wrong, I am for the notion of sticking to core competency. The problem is that it is a hintsight 20/20 thing. If Mr Bill Gates had insisted on sticking to core competency after missing the initial internet wave, MSFT might not have to fight DoJ - but it might not be the most valued corporation in US history.
Also, Call Center apps [hardwares and softwares] are NT core competency. Making CRM and SFA an extension is not the same as RJR buying Nabsico. And ASP an extension of bandwidth merchant is no more far fetched than CSCO buying Cerent.
Finally, if NT were to stick to core competency, it would still be selling low margin PBXes.
My point? I am an outsider looking in. I don't know what and what not NT's core competency [another interesting digestion: should NT just sell wireless gear b/c Mr Roth was the president of the wireless division?] I am a relatively passive shareholder. I cheer when NT biz [and hopefully stock also] is up and I vent my fustrations when she commits blunders. Right now, she seems to be executing well and most major decisions, such as acquiring BAY and Shasta etc., are giving a good ROI. In that sense, I am satisfied and prefer not to be a back seat driver.
Of course, this is just my personal opinion. And life would be too boring if everyone were to agree with me. Therefore, I am sure you have provided an invaluable service by offering a contrarian view point
best, B |
