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To: Terror who wrote (39574)	12/11/1998 8:55:00 AM
From: Patrick Sharkey	Respond to of 97611

There are any number of devices being marketed, including Web TV supported by microsoft, and a lot of competition for Internet access by cable companies, and speeds far higher than 56k. That technology will appeal to those interested only in accessing the Web, without any computing needs.

To: Terror who wrote (39574)	12/11/1998 9:02:00 AM
From: Richie	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 97611

The "set-top" type of products have been in the market for quite some time. Whatever affect these devices have had has already been realized. Unless something earthshattering is out there, I wouldn't be concerned. I believe Phillips Electronics makes a "web tv" RichieH

To: Terror who wrote (39574)	12/11/1998 9:48:00 AM
From: rudedog	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 97611

Marcie - TV-type of internet device where you can access the internet I think your friends got it backwards - it is others who are afraid of CPQ in this area. CPQ was an early investor in this technology but never brought a product to market because there was no margin, and there is no path up so it does not 'seed' the market. But there have been rumors that CPQ is working with AOL on a new flavor of that product which would fit in with its home networking strategy. This was mentioned in the AOL-NSCP-SUNW announcements, even Sun is dropping hints that CPQ would be the hardware vendor. So I doubt that CPQ is 'in fear' of such a device, they are probably more 'in fear' that word will leak out before they close all of their deals with AOL. Oracle gave up on their NC initiative and pretty much disbanded their team working it - I knew a lot of those people and they were pretty frustrated. Oracle is not credible as a HW vendor and always intended to get someone like CPQ to actually push the products, Oracle wanted to do reference designs. I think there is actually a chance that CPQ is doing something here, it would make sense for them if they can get a tight linkage with their home PC networking scheme, since AOL touches so many customers. As I understand it, this would not be a 'webtv' device but something that had better display capability - as I said, CPQ already passed on WebTV since there was no synergy with its other products. I think we will have to wait and see but I see this as a big opportunity for CPQ if they can pull it off.