MSFT Internet Explorer vs. NSCP Navigator Message Board

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Technology Stocks : MSFT Internet Explorer vs. NSCP Navigator

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To: Gerald R. Lampton who wrote (370)	7/24/1996 4:14:00 AM
From: Bill Fischofer	of 24154

I think you are seriously underestimating the MSFT threat I trust NSCP does not. Let's review a few points. ONE You seem to be under the impression that IE 4.0 will be a "no frills" browser similar to the Notepad editor. Starting with IE 3.0 MSFT has closed the functional gap and with IE 4.0 will take the lead. Why? Because why would you pay for something that at best just duplicates what's already built in to your system? NSCP preaches "open standards" but that's the problem. MSFT is committed to matching them feature for feature and ensuring that every new HTML extension gets vetted through W3C first. Read the "Microsoft Pledge on HTML Standards" at microsoft.com to see how they plan to hogtie NSCP on the point of "openness". The whole point of the HTML 3.2 standard is to bring true interoperability to the browser market. With W3C running the standards show you can bet that MSFT will have no problems at all ensuring that they can keep matching NSCP feature-for-feature as HTML and the web continues to evolve. So what differentiates? I also find it hard to understand how you believe NSCP SELLing something that MSFT makes available for FREE gives NSCP a competitive advantage. The reason ISPs are bundling IE rather than NSCP is that FREE is hard to beat. TWO Dismiss ActiveX at your peril. They laughed at Visual Basic too. MSFT has stated that over 2000 ActiveX controls are available today, with lots more on the way. As far as WWII analogies goes, let's not forget what the eventual (inevitable) outcome was. THREE The reason NSCP should fear MSFT moving into the UNIX market is that they will no longer have a protected enclave where they can sell their wares free from price competition. Actually, severe price competition is already there in the case of Apache, but NSCP claims that they don't count since you don't get "full support" from Apache. MSFT will, and their presence in that market will be felt on NSCP's bottom line. FOUR NSCP isn't doing to replace the Active Desktop without displacing Windows entirely. The whole point of AD is to provide seamless access across local and net-based content. Is NSCP going to start replacing the NT file system? Are they going to run the zillions of existing Windows apps? You also seem surprised that MSFT is "copying" NSCP features and ideas. Don't get me wrong, NSCP has done wonderful and innovative things. But as an investor you have to focus on who's "first to the bank" rather than "first to demo". SIX This is the bottom line. NSCP's PE incorporates the expectation of tremendous, sustained, top line and bottom line growth over the next several years. Unless they execute flawlessly the stock will suffer disproprotionately. Earnings and revenue to date have been in the absense of any real competition. But what will the 1997 and 1998 earnings outlook be? That's the question an investor must ask.

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