Martin, this 900# is a tremedously important cornerstone in the overall plan. I took a wild stab at a hunch I had, called Helen and asked if it also was part of a bargaining chip to be used to help third party support for some of these big services like WebTV.
She said that it is an integral part of an overall plan, and that it will secure a foothold while leapfrogging the industry in unique and meaningful services.
As you can see by the press release it is directed primarily at Corporate users. With high priced Information Services people on the payroll, the last thing you want is his productivity going out the window, while sitting on HOLD. Corporate people want answers, not MUZAK.
Now let me tell you about National Tech Team (TEAM) in case you wonder how profitable this can be. TEAM started out as a small BB stock that I discovered at .35, today it trades in the mid $20's, there core business, help desks for corporate users.
WCOM/Gridnet's 350 POPs, GTE, and WebTV can easily pass a corporate person, or residential customer onto the 900# or a dedicated 800# and free up a lot of costly overhead.
Just yesterday when I was having all kinds of computer problems, I also had a password problem with my one ISP. I called to speak to tech support, they said that they would return my call shortly, that was at 8:30 am, they called at 3:00 pm, I was pissed to say the least, and damned near cancelled my service. I don't think I'm an isolated case, and I wonder how many people flip services over technical faux pas.
From my understanding, Franklin will offer ISP's and other services a dedicated number that their customer would call, maybe a 800#, and then the ISP would be billed for that call.
Genius, and again the first to offer such a service to the rest of the industry. Not to mention leading one more ISP to his path of other services and equipment.
And who said Frank didn't know how to market?
I remember back in September of last year, sitting at a table and arguing with some gentleman that thought Franklin was a one pony show.
He must have been watching the thoroughbred out on the track and forgot to look over his shoulder at the stables.
TRIPLE CROWN
RB |
