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Technology Stocks : 3Com Corporation (COMS) -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: bgg who wrote (29068)	3/18/1999 8:45:00 PM
From: W.F.Rakecky	Respond to of 45548

Given options expiary tomorrow anyone care to venture Coms closing price tomorrow??? under 25 ? or over 25 ?

To: bgg who wrote (29068)	3/18/1999 9:08:00 PM
From: Eric	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 45548

bgg, I have to agree with your observation. I am a large holder of 3Com since October of 97. Eric B's focus of not competing with Cisco is to some degree smart. The only problem with that is they have given up the high margins that allow for PE expansion and growth. The other problem of not going for the high ground is they cannot make mistakes without disappointing the street. We all know the answer to that one! The potential is there but they continue to kick their toes from time to time. It's beginning to look like I will realize my loss and move on. Fortunately my largest holding the last 6 + years has been Cisco. Eric

To: bgg who wrote (29068)	3/19/1999 2:22:00 AM
From: Harold S. Kirby	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 45548

bgg: Hello ole pal...as to mr. benahamou...I've never expressed any confidence in him. As a matter of fact...I have over the past two years have expressed to the Board that he should be replaced ! I have not lost any money on 3com... boxed my profits in when she was at 50. Have also shorted Cisco several times and getting ready to short cisco again. I am in agreement with you concerning USRX...it has been a disaster...Cascade certainly would have been a better "strategy". I expect Claflin to become the "spokesperson" from here on in. He is the only one who is keeping this boat afloat. Benahamou is a damn good engineer...there is no doubt about that, yet he does not have the management skills to lead this company forward. It is very difficult to transistion from Engineering into top management...those that are able to make the transistion are certainly an asset. The inventory problem with the acquisition of USRX and the failure to recognize such, lies at the feet of the CFO. Had he done his "homework" along with the rest of the "accounting team" during negioations with USRX the problems with this acquisition would have been much more manageable ! Cisco has one hell of a good manager (Chambers) primarily because he does not "buy into" everything that his lower management advises. He does his own homework and knows how to ask the right questions...he is also a good salesman...no denying that! I continue to stress the "fundamentals" as the focal point of any investment. I have always kept a considerable amount of cash on the sidelines and have purchased a ton of 3com during this slide. I did the same with Apple when everyone was predicting their "death"! I still have a strong position in Apple...bought it when she was $8/sh. My prediction concerning 3com is this...she will return to the 50's by this time next year! I can wait...patience has always proven to be the correct strategy when one is in the mkt. good to hear from you, HK

To: bgg who wrote (29068)	3/19/1999 8:03:00 AM
From: DRRISK	Respond to of 45548

bgg, No USRX = No palm Pilot = no future period. Sell everything and rename the company Palm Pilot. IMHO DrRisk

To: bgg who wrote (29068)	3/19/1999 7:02:00 PM
From: Mike Gordon	Read Replies (2) \| Respond to of 45548

Bgg: Just a few comments about your post; "3Com's No. 1 problem is not its management ." As a stockholder, I hold management totally responsible for my company. "3Com has serious fundamental flaws in its business mix that will doom it to these nasty downturns." Management has been hired to neutralize these problems by allocating resources to more profitable ventures. Regarding the balance of your points, I draw an analogy the old AT&T under Bob Allen. AT&T's customers, stockholders, and employees all suffered because management failed to see future needs of communications services. Additionally, Bob Allen and senior management failed to face the press and their stockholders. (I do give Allen credit for the birth of Lucent and NCR. It was a brilliant move.) In contrast, Mike Armstrong recognized communication needs of the future. He took every opportunity to face the press, stockholders, and employees. He committed to goals. The characteristics of the old AT&T are seen here with 3COM. Management needs to get off their ass and instill motivation to each of their employees, retire and fire those that won't conform, and relate to the owners (stockholders) via the press. Commitments must be made with time lines. 3Com must concentrate on leadership. Managers who can't lead must go. Employees who aren't team players must go. Those who remain should be rewarded with company stock and/or options.

To: bgg who wrote (29068)	3/20/1999 8:27:00 PM
From: robz	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 45548

It seems to me you should be on the Cisco thread and not 3com's. You really aren't informed about what your talking about. Your rebuttal is racked with misinformation. I don't know if you recall but 3com has a very close alliance with Siemens, if your familiar with Siemens, who has a terrific sales force, large service support, and has a tremendous tie in with service providers. Also, Siemens has a 60% market share within Germany. It sounds like 3com has a terrific start in selling the converged networks. Also 3com aligned itself with Microsoft to base their converged networks on NT. Cisco is using their own platform,IOS. In the future use facts not your opinion. Maybe i see you on the Cisco thread someday.