Bob,
Guess you were looking for responses, so here's mine.
I feel that object programming is a skill that is still in short supply. Everyone usually looks for the least course of resistance, so most MIS directors overcome the software inefficiencies of relational technology by raw hardware power. They also seem to find it easier to look the other way when it comes to their exceptionally high software maintenance costs because …."hey, we're on the Internet aren't we and the systems are working".
What gives me hope is that the products and tools extant in EXLN are assets. They represent real value. We may all question EXLN strategies and run rates, but one thing that has never been questioned is the quality of their products.
So what we have is a product and company that is ahead of the real demand of the marketplace and is naturally under performing. I don't believe any one of us should be surprised by that.
Are there better investments? Sure, and there always will be, but I don't feel uncomfortable at all about my $4/share investment. Even if EXLN doesn't make it, the "technology and product assets" are worth more than that and if the object technology curve is to steep for the general market place, tools surrounding their products will continue to be created that can bridge the gap to the regular IMS department.
Lastly, their "assets" can always be merged or acquired by a more mature organization. I am optimistic that if that were done, it would be for a healthy premium over $4/share. Grace probably has the healthiest idea when she mentioned about moving on, but this investment is not affecting my health, so I shall remain.
FWIW, Richard |
