How CPQ will compete with the likes of ASND and COMS seems sheer speculation and fanciful thinking. Their purchase of Microcom will not get them anywhere near that goal.
BayWatcher,
I'm going to spin my acquisition theory some more here. First, given the timing of the Lutz interview (11/15), I believe that CPQ was deep in talks with ASND.
Second, in classifying ASND and CSCC as primary players in a RAS field in which CPQ wants to be "dominant," I think that Lutz was articulating a justification for an impending move by CPQ. (The move will have to be justified to shareholders....this was a sort of trial balloon).
Third, I think the differentiation of ASND from CSCC was telling. Just as many on this thread have said that, when you buy a share of ASND, you get CSCC for free, I think much the same concept has been conveyed by ASND mgmt to potential acquirers, including CPQ.
Fourth, as to how this will be set up: Check out tandem.com Notice that Tandem is set up as Tandem Computers, a Compaq Company. How about this: Ascend Communications, a Compaq Company. This set up may be more palatable to Ejabat et al. than total submission to an existing networker.
Gary Korn |
