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Technology Stocks : Convergent Communications, Inc. -(CONV) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Henk Wondergem who wrote (66)	11/3/1999 7:44:00 AM
From: Neil H	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 105

Wednesday November 3, 7:00 am Eastern Time Company Press Release SOURCE: Convergent Communications Convergent Communications Expands Capabilities in Atlanta; Acquires Entre Business Technology Group ENGLEWOOD, Colo., Nov. 3 /PRNewswire/ -- Convergent Communications(TM) (Nasdaq: CONV - news), an Enterprise Network Carrier providing single-source business communication solutions, has acquired Atlanta-based Entre Business Technology Group for approximately $6.7 million in combined cash, stock and the assumption of debt. ``Adding Entre gives our Atlanta operations the inside track to become one of our first $50 million markets,' said John R. Evans, chairman and chief executive officer of Convergent Communications. ``Because of the distinct strengths of both organizations, this is a case where the sum is greater than the parts, with customers as the true beneficiaries. Clients now have the benefit of a single-source provider of expanded data and voice services and the option to outsource a total communication solution.' Entre, a privately held provider of data integration and professional services to more than 500 active customers in Atlanta, reported approximately $23 million in revenue for its fiscal year ended June 30, 1999. During its 18-year operating history, Entre has installed more than 5,000 networks throughout the country. According to Keith V. Burge, president and chief operating officer for Convergent Communications, Entre's outstanding sales and engineering expertise and its established market presence ``significantly enhances our Atlanta operations.' ``As part of Convergent Communications, we will now be able to provide our customers a broader range of services, including real-time network management services, data and voice transport services, and a full range of Internet services,' said Jim Hindy, founder and former president of Entre. ``Most importantly, we can now offer a total business communications package with Convergent Communications' ENS solution.' ENS is Convergent Communications' signature offering. With ENS, Convergent Communications becomes the outsourced service provider for clients by owning all, or a portion, of the existing communications system, providing professional services inside the client's business enterprise, and delivering transport services outside the client's premises. In return for a monthly service payment, Convergent Communications provides clients with communications networking solutions that reduce capital expenditures and technical staffing requirements, and lowers the risks associated with rapidly evolving communications, data and Internet technologies. About Entre Business Technology Group Founded in 1981, Entre provides a wide range of data consulting, design, integration, implementation and support services to small- and medium-sized business clients and governmental agencies in Georgia. A Microsoft Certified Solutions Provider, Entre also has strong business relationships with Compaq, IBM, Hewlett Packard, Ingram Micro and TechData. Entre has approximately 70 sales, engineering and administrative employees who will be consolidated into Convergent Communications' operations.

To: Henk Wondergem who wrote (66)	11/18/1999 11:43:00 AM
From: Sofa Kingdom	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 105

Do you think CONV would be considered an internet stock? I looked closely at them and don't think that's the best description. They did provide programming for the Egghead web page and they do aggregate bandwidth (provide ISP service) in select locations. They also provide computer/network hardware and support services for companies (ala G.E. Capitol or CompUSA). They have their fingers in lots of pies. It creates an interesting concept (i.e. one stop shop) but can they deliver on all fronts? What are they best at doing and where do they concentrate their efforts (and their resources) for the greatest gains? I don't know the answer to that question. By their own decree they are not targeting fortune 500. They chose the forgotten 2000 (medium size business) as the target market. To me this combines into a riskier proposition than a company that has more singular goals. Bigger players than CONV have backed out of some of these profitable and growing markets (for others). CompUSA got out of the network services market. Does CONV know something the bigger companies don't? Clever packaging will garner some interest, but will CONV garner share in markets where the competition is fierce and the margins are thin? I'm not in CONV right now. I believe the rewards are better in other companies (at similar or lower risk levels). I'm trying to buy up as much UPS as I can before the bigs get there. It's price is right up there. I normally stay in true technical offerings (PSIX, GALT), but I believe UPS will benefit from e-commerce (possibly over the Christmas season and shortly thereafter). The logic being whichever web company makes the sale it always has to be shipped. I consider the risk in UPS to be much lower than CONV. Sofa, so good. If you invest and CONV turns way up you're welcome to an 'I told ya so'. I believe it will be a long time in coming. -Sofa Kingdom