jach,
I work in network support for one of the largest financial institutions in the country. I share responsibility in supporting add/moves/changes, maintenance, and upgrades for LAN/WAN, Mainframe, Mid Frame, voice, VRU, video teleconferencing, call center support, etc. with my co-workers. I have been involved with this industry in one fashion or another for about 18 years.
My point to you is I enjoy your enthusiastic manner but I really don't think that you bring much to the the table as far as technology know how. Am I wrong? I have installed Fore's ATM equipment, Ascend's ATM equipment, and Cisco's ATM equipment. I don't agree with you that Fore's equipment 'beats the hell out of CSCO ATM switches." I really didn't see much difference feature wise between them. Once you add Cisco's IOS, their legacy support, their toughness (We have very few problems with our network!), their support, their determination to enter the carrier class market (Witness the Geotel acquisition the other day, which I think was brilliant but maybe expensive!) and Fore is getting their head handed to them.
If Fore doesn't partner up with a big player (Get acquired by a telco equipment company) to round out their product line then they won't be a major player down the road, IMHO. This recent runup is on merger mania mostly and potential upside earnings surprise. If Fore doesn't come out with some positive guidance with their next earnings report don't think that this stock will sit around in the mid 20s because it will see $15 again so fast your head will spin!
Cheers,
Steve |
