Right technology, wrong gorilla. NT and LU own SS7 technology and the ability to talk to voice networks via SS7 is ultimately owned by these 2 gorillas.
The voice giants all have SS7. That's not the issue. To operate in the data environment, you have to have data-centric SS7. And once you have it, you have to integrate it, in this case with ATM. If Cisco had succeeded, they'd have been chosen. They didn't and weren't. They're also in trouble with MCI/WCOM on performance and reliability.
SS7 technology is imnportant to have, but judging from the markets ho-hum reaction, NN didn't do a very good job of selling their perceived leadership in the field.
Judging by the market's "ho-hum reaction," it's more likely they don't understand the importance of today's announcement. Once a couple RBOCs deploy --- as SBC --- there's a chance VASP could become the operating system for the industry. When I spoke with TeleHub personnel at the Anaheim show, they were terribly excited about the interest already. As one said, "With a 25% imbedded market(NN/Siemens'), we have a pretty good start."
And you may be right when you suggest the Street may be waiting for earnings. As you probably know, I prefer to get in early even when it means having to learn patience.
My patience has been well-rewarded and I see no reason to take profits here.
Cheers!
Pat
|
