To: Susan G who wrote (40790 ) 9/25/2001 1:51:32 PM From: Crystal ball Respond to If they build it, we will come. Broadband was the way the tech gurus thought it would be, but do not forget that standard dial up internet via netscape created the current tech environment. Peer to Peer could improve lower bandwidth dial up also, but I agree, BANDWIDTH is the holy Grail. However, if they build it, they must make it cheaper. Europe has "overbuilt" broadband, which goes back to the REGULATORY framework in Europes telecom where you pay for every local call and for every bit of bandwidth that you use. There is relatively little additional cost in a Broadband system that is running at 100% or 10% capacity (QOS Quality of Service). So they should adjust the cost so that it is running at or near 100%, if they build it, we will come, if the price is right. AOL once it captures AT&T Broadband or part of the AT&T Break up broadband business, will through netscape (which AOL owns) and IM (Instant messenger) dominate this marketplace. Remember however, that if they limit AOL to their own devices that is a BARRIER TO ENTRY ALSO, like PRICE is in Europe. Others should have access, and it should remain portable over to for instance PALM devices, and cellular telecom devices. Someone else will still be storing the info, like NTAP or emc or sunw or brcd or the like. Othes will do the security and verification like VRSN and the like. Eventually I predict that laptops will have the power to act as independent 62K static IP Address or dynamically address SERVERS, yes that much power. Handhelds will replace desktop and laptops in the added power they have especially as they merge with telecom cellular and WIRELESS devices. This is a race that during these down temporary times the market news and ANALysts fail to see or comment on. AOL will emerge from this, and then, when they start to do so, I will again be buying them too, like the above and others that are BUILDING THE NEXT BIG TECH THING. Subject 51122
