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Technology Stocks : Novell (NOVL) dirt cheap, good buy? -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: David A. Lethe who wrote (18954)	12/7/1997 12:50:00 PM
From: Don Earl	Respond to of 42771

Hi David, I didn't catch that, but it is the way it was spelled. Ouch. What came to my mind it that Netscape is Compact(q) primary browser partner, and I think we all know about that one. Somehow an expression about stupidity being; doing the same thing over and over, and expecting different results, comes to mind. Regards, Don

To: David A. Lethe who wrote (18954)	12/7/1997 2:18:00 PM
From: Joe Antol	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 42771

Hi David. Good catch! Sigh.... Just for the helluv' it I would really like to sit in on one of their planning and strategy sessions. You know I'm out now but I still (still...) cannot for the life of me figure out what they are going to do. You know what I mean? (of course you know what I mean). Every day now I hear more and more radio advertising on the news/business channels with spots touting NT rollouts, and Oracle DB's, (specifically NT rollouts). Now, I ask you, one would think that the "average" listener would not have a clue as to what a NT rollout is. But that's not the point. The "Words" are there. That sets the "mindset" because the "questions" from the "right" people in the I/T organizations will be asked. And you know what answers will be given. I know, now I'll continue to get labeled for Novell bashing. But, I'm only telling it like I see (and hear it). I'm just the messenger. They keep talking about "give us more time", "turnarounds don't happen overnight", "we need to get it right", "those were the kitchen sink quarters" (BTW, that's not anything new and innovative. That's SOP when they bring in any new CEO - anyone can do that -- i.e., go through the textbook downsizing routines, with people and product lines). It's what happens "after" all that is done. And, after all THAT was done, the revenue picture STILL looks pretty poor to me. And so does the continual losing of market share. They can say all they want how they still have the largest installed loyal base, and they're not worried about Microsoft chipping away at it, but that's not what I see on the job. We told them over and over again a YEAR ago they didn't have any "time" (then). Now, they want more time? GMAFB. There arrogance towards the people that have invested in their company is "astounding" to say the least. They not only are off the tech index, they are near the bottom of all the tech sector stocks, and IMHO have lost all credibility with the shareholders because they again, IMO have shirked their primary "fiduciary" responsiblity to the shareholders. And they continue to do so. They are a "public company" that IMO acts like they do not have a responsibility to their investors. They don't address them, they don't concern themselves with them. I know for a fact what the #1 priority of Lou Gerstner is the stock price. When are these guys going to do something dramatic? Even at Internet World next week at Javits in NYC, the advertisements (on the radio) end with "Network provided by IBM...". I never heard anything on the broadcast media regarding COMDEX (and network provided by Novell, did you?). Not only that, in the radio spots for Internet World (at least here on the east coast) Novell isn't even MENTIONED as a participant in this event. If I were in their PR and Marketing group I would be raising holy hell about that one! I dunno. I still have the feeling the company is still just being "tidyed up". You know what I mean? Selling (let alone trying to KEEP) to the existing base is NOT going to generate new and growing revenue. It just isn't. LOGIC dictates that. Where are they going to GROW the business? I really will get back in again if this stock hits 6. Why? Because at this point I don't see it as a value, but as a springboard to a possible double on a final takeout, breakup, or LBO. Other than that, I am okay now for 1997 (like I said I would get myself to be). But I still want to watch, follow, and (maybe) participate in this company's future. But, right now, something much more (and exceedingly) "dramatic" has got to happen to convince me that they have a rosy future. Do you agree? Regards, Joe...