Eveline,
My post was in part based on the following news that has not caught much attenton on this thread. Note the key words "compatible alternative to Microsoft". I love them and think that they will take market share from Microsoft. For people with a good memory of the PC history, recall the days of calling PC "IBM-compatible PC"! (If I had enough money, I would be tempted to short Microsfot!) I recall that Cowpland agreed in an early interview (around Sept.) that Don Sylvester's push for compatibility is important to the future success of WP. Does anyone else recall it? Believe it? Perhaps Don Sylvester should replace Cowpland as CEO.
DOW JONES NEWS SERVICE
10/27 Corel Corp. Aims To Focus On Core Products In FY 1998 >COSFF
OTTAWA (Dow Jones)--Corel Corp. (COSFF) intends to return to profitability
in fiscal 1998 by focusing on its core graphics and business applications
software and by working co-operatively with Microsoft Corp. (MSFT) , said Don
Sylvester, Corel's senior vice-president of sales.
Sylvester, in outlining the company's 1998 business strategy, said Corel
isn't counting on its new network computer and Java-based software to produce
profitablity in 1998. The Java products will bring "incremental
opportunities," Sylvester said.
Corel reported a loss of $31.4 million in its fiscal third quarter ended
Aug. 31, and has warned that it expects to report a loss of between $15
million and $20 million in the fourth quarter.
Sylvester also told analysts and media representatives that Corel won't try
to compete directly against Microsoft in the business applications software
market. "It makes sense for us to say Microsoft is not our competition; it is
our environment," he said.
Corel intends to increase the compatibility features between its WordPerfect
suite and Microsoft's Office, enabling Corel customers to maintain their
WordPerfect products without facing a barrier "to the rest of the world,"
Sylvester said.
He predicted that Microsoft won't be able to retain its heavy dominance in
the business applications market forever. And Corel is well-positioned to
become the compatible alternative to Microsoft, he said.
Sylvester said Corel intends to expand its North American and international
sales force by 40 positions immediately. Corel aims to increase the foreign
share of its sales to about 40% from 30% currently.
(END) DOW JONES NEWS 10-27-97
01:53 PM |
