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Gold/Mining/Energy : Certicom Corporation (TSE:CIC, NASD:CERT) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: j. angeles who wrote (3626)	7/14/2000 8:45:57 AM
From: Tom Drolet	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 4913

John: There is an old truth in learned circles that pure idle speculation is to be avoided--either because, of course, there are no underpinnings in truth to it--or because it can be a pure manipulative exercise. So, on the issue of any plans by RSAS--or anyone else for that matter--I know, or have heard Zippo, Nada, Nutin!! However, John, you do bring up a general issue that has to be front and centre (that's Canadian for center) with all of us long termers. Going back 6-7 years, I can remember here and by personal connection, long discussions about 'who'? amongst (that's US for amoungst--god I am bilingual) a long list might be the best and logical one to buy our gem'. The list includes analysts, brokers, friends like Ron Nairn, The Boca Brains Trust, Wolf, Tom L, calypso, jef S --pen pals like Bill McEachren, the St C connection, Fred Mc, --etc etc. First of all, what we all hoped would happen is the reverse--CIC gobbles the rest! But alas--the somewhat unsuccessful launch on Nasdaq and the failure to get a large war chest--has made that a mute point (for now). There are 3 main types of potential suitors: 1--Venture Capitalist types--i.e. like a Paul Allen vehicle--he already has 5 %--take it to 100% (IMO--possible but unlikely) 2--an OEM big cap user--i.e. an MOT, HP, Oracle, Palm, QCOM etc. Trouble here is the old issue of 'if CIC/CERT falls into one of those hands--its ‘one set of products/services for all’ market position takes a beating as the other OEM's will say—“to heck with that”—“why should I use a rival OEM’s product or service”? !! 3--a competitor, pseudo competitor/rival, or 'a friendly security software user' -- like RSAS/DVNT, ENTU or Aether/Balt/724 Solutions. Normal business thinking says look in this latter category (3). RSAS--cash rich, tried to develop ECC (something to be desired), patent run out issues of its own in Sept, shares up the Ying/Yang, Big accepted name/respect in the business--a Fav of the US government, home grown USA status etc etc--looks like a real possible suitor. DVNT--IMO--a joke ENTU--got enough problems of its own right now. Aether/724/Balt--too friendly--brotherhood partners etc. So John-- lots to think about--but RSAS has to be at the top of the list of potential suitors. There has never been closeness between the two management teams. IMO--given all the friends/users in CIC's corner (84 + partners)--'it would have to be a sweet and friendly affair for the marriage to be consummated'. I have been too close to this one for too long to be objective--but I tried. Other opinions please. Friday at last. Tom D.

To: j. angeles who wrote (3626)	7/17/2000 7:03:00 AM
From: Ron Nairn	Read Replies (3) \| Respond to of 4913

j.angeles What are your thoughts re: RSA potential take over of CERT? . Must have been something you said. RSAS stock dropped Friday $7.75 or 9.85% on nearly 2 times it's average value. Perhaps premium considerations might cause indigestion. I for one see huge future value over a long period of time so would not be easily coaxed out of my shares. Let's also not forget the shareholder rights plan. Nonetheless, an interesting hypothecation "j" and a well reasoned response Tom. I look forward to a good week. Rondo