Silicon Investor (SI) -- The First Internet Community

STOCKTALK

We've detected that you're using an ad content blocking browser plug-in or feature. Ads provide a critical source of revenue to the continued operation of Silicon Investor. We ask that you disable ad blocking while on Silicon Investor in the best interests of our community. If you are not using an ad blocker but are still receiving this message, make sure your browser's tracking protection is set to the 'standard' level.

Strategies & Market Trends : The Good-The Bad and The Ugly -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Tim Luke who wrote (5568)	2/13/2001 5:41:39 PM
From: HandsOn	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 8686

Good call Tim, check Your box from last Friday. I had the main pipe to My water main burst Today, spent a few hours digging to find it then helped the plumber. Are You still holding CS, got some Friday.

To: Tim Luke who wrote (5568)	2/13/2001 5:43:19 PM
From: Tim Luke	Respond to of 8686

Microsoft wouldn't rule out ISP acquisition February 13, 2001 05:26 PM ET by Michelle Rushlo Microsoft (MSFT) would not rule out the acquisition of an Internet service provider at the right price, Chief Financial Officer John Connors indicated in a meeting with analysts today. "We're looking at [possible acquisitions] more broadly than we have in the last 18 or 24 months" because valuations have become more reasonable, he said. Speculation has run rampant in the last week that Microsoft might want to acquire No. 2 ISP EarthLink since Sprint (FON) gave up rights to acquire the company ahead of other suitors. EarthLink (ELNK) has 4.7 million subscribers, while MSN has 4 million. Both companies are still small potatoes, though compared to AOL Time Warner's (AOL) 27 million subscribers. Connors was cautious in his statements at the Robertson Stephens technology conference today, saying large acquisitions have a history of failing to add shareholder value and can be difficult to integrate. He also said Microsoft is concerned that Internet access may become a zero- or negative-margin business because there is so much competition among communications companies, which have spent a fortune on infrastructure. Microsoft will look to partner with communications companies in the coming years, Connors said, but it is also essential for the company to figure out ways to offer premium services that users will pay for. He said some of Microsoft's software, including things like its Encarta encyclopedia, have the potential to become a viable service