All, it has been a while since I posted here so I thought I might lay down a few lines regarding my perspective as we head into the SHM.
First and foremost I get the feeling that many of you are expecting some revelation to come out of the SHM:
Remember that a SHM is a scheduled event, many months in advance. News is an impromptu event. Most shareholders meetings are dull and primarily consist of a "state of the company" type address, and the voting on of key issues such as board members, stock incentive programs, etc.
I think if everyone goes into the meeting with that in mind and not high expectations of some "miracle", then they won't be disappointed.
With that said, the only thing I would anticipate hearing would be news regarding some product updates and possibly a synopsis regarding the current state of the evaluations. Hopefully we will also hear details regarding Franklin's marketing plan.
My guess is that much of what we are about to hear will be centered around the deployment of the DVG's within the FNET network and possibly some supporting data regarding its roll-out, along with and update pertaining to the IPO.
Many months ago I had written that we really wouldn't know the true potential of what we really owned until approximately late April, possibly May-June time frame. I still contend that this holds true. Large companies, primarily TELCOS are very much aware of threat and/or thr opportunities that the VOIP could mean to them. I feel that you will start to see, in earnest, a succession of alliances formed between these two entities in the coming months.
With Franklin in development of a higher density DVG (96 ports) along with added features, my optimism remains in place that Franklin continues to offer tremendous promise in this respect.
Over the course of the next few months the VOIP sector is going to become "one hot mama" and the legitimacy of placing toll quality calls over the Internet will become a reality. During this time is when you will start to read about large corporations committing big bucks towards this technology as they systematically rotate their emphasis from evaluating the feasibility and cost effectiveness, to actual implementing the build-out of their private intranets.
By late spring we should not only have a better grasp as to how heavily corporations have embraced Internet Telephony, but more importantly how well Franklin has faired in securing their niche and share of this burgeoning market.
Keep in mind that as well respected companies start to reveal their choices in equipment, the rest of the corporate community will be watching. This should trigger a second wave of interest, like an avalanche, as the technology gains acceptance.
My primary focus and concern is that Franklin establishes itself early as a key player.
I continue to believe that Franklin has a tremendous future and at this stage of the game is ahead of many of their competitors. The playing field still remains level at this time. Yet in the coming months there will be more and more late entrants in this sector, unfortunately they will already be at a disadvantage with the deck stacked against them, as this will truly be an area where the early bird gets the worm.
In closing all I can say is that as a speculative investor in Franklin or any other hi-tech company, stay focused on the fact they have a viable product and that they are committed to staying on the cutting edge, always improving and adding value.
I think you all can agree that Franklin meets these last two criteria, and as such, deserves serious consideration as a promising speculative investment.
Now, let's kick some ass.
rb |
