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Technology Stocks : Vantive Corporation -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Clam Clam who wrote (1709)	3/23/1998 10:31:00 PM
From: Kevin Rose	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 3033

Hi Clam: <...Kev, why don't you think SEBL bought you guys? ...> Not for lack of trying on Tom's part. As I understand, we took a look at their proposal, and decided that it would not be the best long term direction for Clarify, our customers, or our shareholders. It is also my understanding, based on rumors, that SEBL wanted us first. Quite naturally, we are a much better company (:-> remember the reptilian 'In Cold Blood'). But that may also have had something to do with the timing of our respective stocks becoming more 'value-oriented' (how's that for spin?) Some reasons are: 1) Product integration. I will not whack a dead parrot here; see previous posts for MHO on this topic. 2) Upgrade. Even with integrated products, upgrade would be horrendous (as it will with SEBL/SCOP). Expect much dissatisfaction and associated wringing of hands in the both the SEBL and particularily SCOP customer base. 3) Culture. Each company has a unique culture. I am not criticizing SEBL's; they can come in at 6am and wear neckties to bed if they that's their formula for success. But differences in cultures lead to partisanship and politics. Regardless as to how this is postured, it is a take-over and not a merger. Expect employee dissatisfaction on both sides of the fence, and the resulting turn over (I hear rumors that it is already happening big time at SCOP; anyone with real poop on this?) 4) Shareholder value. No company is better positioned to supply customers with complete service-oriented solutions than CLFY. VNTV is closer than SCOP was, but we have unique advantages in field service, contract administration, etc. We believe that we can give a better gain to our shareholders independently. What CLFY needs now is more of a focus on marketing our story and products aggressively, which is a prime reason to bring Tony Zingale on as CEO. Good luck.

To: Clam Clam who wrote (1709)	3/24/1998 12:45:00 PM
From: Amsterdam	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 3033

""Anybody from Microsoft out there lurking to tell us why you guys chose Siebel??"" Thought I'd use that as a headline clam to see if we can attract some attention as I'd like a little more detail on that deal as well. The story I heard was that Sebl was in there with a pilot 4-6 months before the RFP came out, and so had the upper hand. VNTV, Aurum, Clfy, SAP and others took a close look, but I heard it was one of those deals where nobody's product was a good fit (post loss spin?). VNTV claims they didn't even compete that hard for it because it would have required a lot of product modification?? That may be to their benefit as Sebl may end up like the Clarify installation at Microsoft...heavily modified and never panned out very well as a reference account or for future business. Maybe Kevin can chime in with some details on the Microsoft deal? The same may happen for Sebl, but I'll bet the salesmen are already updating their powerpoint presentations with MS as a customer.