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Technology Stocks : All About Sun Microsystems -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: QwikSand who wrote (23218)	11/20/1999 1:26:00 AM
From: marvin litman	Respond to of 64865

I don't think the MSFT case will have any bearing on SUNW. SUN stands on it's own merits. These talks with the justice dept. are just starting and can take a very long time to complete. SUN will shine no matter how it ends. A new administration will have no bearing on the case at all.A new President wouldn't touch this with a 10 foot pole. MARVIN

To: QwikSand who wrote (23218)	11/20/1999 6:53:00 AM
From: JDN	Respond to of 64865

Dear QS: Those who know me well know my feelings about CNBC I presume that is who you meant not CNBS?? Anyhow, anyone who doesnt realize CNBC is an ENTERTAINMENT channel and NOT a business channel such as Bloomberg is going to lose money. Their commentary is designed to Titillate NOT provide reliable investing advice!!! To indicate that because MSFT has accepted a mediator Competitors stock will drop is prepostorous. It could happen for a day or two because their are so many idiots in the investing world who do in fact follow CNBC but in the overall picture of things it will be a NON EVENT to SUNW. JDN

To: QwikSand who wrote (23218)	11/20/1999 9:12:00 AM
From: Lynn	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 64865

Good morning, QS. For MSFT to, "go through the roof," as stated by CNBC, it would be an excellent example of "buy on the rumor" and nothing more. Yes, Judge Jackson wants a settlement and yes, MSFT is doing the only think it can, present a public image of being cooperative, of wanting to work with the DOJ, of wanting to do the right thing. MSFT has a public image problem in many quarters right now and they know it. They also know even some of their staunch supporting shareholders want them to settle. Whether they want to settle or not, even if they are ultimately unwilling to make concessions or compromises, they had to come off as sounding receptive to Judge Jackson. Just try to imagine the reaction if MSFT had said, "No settlement, we want to continue with the legal process because we did nothing wrong." I had CNN, not CNBC, on last night and as JDN has already mentioned, MSFT was stated as being up in after hours trading. I get 90 9/16 over at island: isld.com SUNW was up a fraction above the closing price at 129 7/8; the "hit" did not begin. Your point on any settlement not being soon is worth stressing. As a spectator myself, I would not be surprised if MSFT draws the attention of more speculators and day traders than normal during the liminal period that started last night and will only end when the "settlement" negotiation period is over. Even if I had wanted some shares of MSFT, I would not buy any now but would wait on the sidelines until something definite is known--which could be months. SUNW? I am a long term shareholder so even if we do experience some volatility, it is not going to concern me. For CNBC is deem SUNW a "competitor" makes me question if people at CNBC knows what SUNW does. SUNW is more MSFT's nemesis, the pebble in MSFT's shoe, the mosquito buzzing around its ear while it tries to sleep. Lynn

To: QwikSand who wrote (23218)	11/20/1999 12:02:00 PM
From: Tecinvestor	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 64865

QS, it has been my feeling that the MSFT case will be settled. The appointment of a mediator is not always a panacea, but it is a step in the right direction. I do not think a settlement will be structured quickly. The process will probably take at least a few months. I think Judge Jackson may delay the issuance of his conclusions of law ("COL") if it appears that settlement talks are progressing in a meaningful way. If it appears to the Court that MSFT is delaying, or that settlement prospects have broken down, I think the Court will issue the COL and apply further pressure to MSFT. I believe MSFT wants to settle this case. Any of their public statements to the contrary are meaningless. I don't believe MSFT wants the COL to issue, for it will commence a new wave of anti-MSFT sentiment. I also believe the MSFT ruling will give rise to the commencement of a number of third party suits, as well as class action and derivative suits against MSFT. There comes a point when even a financial powerhouse simply has to relent and make peace. Look what's happening in in the tobacco industry to powerhouses such as Philip Morris. During the settlement negotiation process I believe MSFT stock will continue to languish. If it is perceived that MSFT will be broken up, then the issue becomes the value of the sum of the pieces. I have heard and read conflicting reports on a "sum of the pieces" valuation and am uncertain about the issue, although my gut feeling tells me that whatever breakup occurs, the sum of the pieces will be greater than the value of the whole. I have always thought that MSFT's loss would be SUNW's gain. I believe one of the reasons for the recent move in SUNW, AOL and ORCL has been the perception that a loss for MSFT was a victory for SUNW, AOL and ORCL. I personally feel that a lot of money has flowed out of MSFT and into SUNW, AOL and ORCL. I do not believe this process has ended and will continue so long as there is uncertainty regarding a settlement or resolution of the case. I have come to believe this case will not be settled on easy terms. I believe the DOJ will hang tough. If the case settles, I believe MSFT will have to come up with something meaningful for the DOJ to accept it. If the case does not settle, I think Judge Jackson's findings will withstand appellate review, and the only real issue is whether his remedies, when issued, will withstand appellate review. Bottom line, I do not believe that because Judge Jackson may be pushing for a settlement that MSFT stock is going to go through the roof and competitors such as SUNW are going to take a hit. MSFT, in IMHO, will never be the same company it once was. I believe, further, that SUNW will continue to grow in prominence and that its stock will not be affected adversely by what does, or does not, happen to MSFT regarding the resolution of the case. Regards. Tecinvestor