Dr. Cowpland: Since the WordPerfect acquisition, Corel has done a good job with making the Suite a formidable product among its competitors. The slow acceptance of Suite 7 is certainly attributable to Novell management dropping the ball, however, the seeminly slow acceptance of Suite 8, at least as measured by Q3 sales, is strictly Corel's responsiblity. It is this slow movement of Suite 8 that is disconcerting at this time. If the Suite was moving, there would be profits, and cash.
Michael Burry in his post #2376,(I hope you've had a chance to read it by now,) quoted the finance professor from NYU, which has certainly caused us to think whether or not WordPerfect and Lotus are actually "brand names" or have deteriorated to "generics." I thought Microsoft, IBM, and Corel could be likened to General Motors, Ford, and Chrysler, but with the MS monopoly, this analogy may not be true.
The entire problem, when reduced to its lowest terms, is really quite simple. There is a public perception that the only game in town is Microsoft. The perception is that its always best to stay with the "safe bet" (Microsoft) and choose their products whenever possible.
The solution to this "simple" problem is rather difficult, but the company which can change this perception problem among the masses will succeed. Only Corel and IBM can create this new perception, and I sure would rather see Corel do it than IBM.
In short, Corel management has been so busy investing in and exploring periperhal technologies and products, that it has failed to FOCUS on employing the most potent weapon in its arsenal--WordPerfect. Without the WordPerfect family of products Corel would be a much smaller, though profitable company. At this point it is questionable whether the WordPerfect acquisition was at a huge discount, or rather, a premium.
Corel programmers deserve a great deal of credit for producing truly fine products. Management has let them down somewhat by failing to find the necessary features, advertising, and imagery needed to continue to sell the product profitably in the market place.
My message to management. Create earnings now, by FOCUSING on SELLING the SUITE! The possibilities are endless.
Up, Up, & Away! (Thanks Mr. Bean.)
Scott
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