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Technology Stocks : All About Sun Microsystems -- Ignore unavailable to you. Want to Upgrade?

To: Jon Tara who wrote (16249)	5/8/1999 3:06:00 PM
From: tiquer	Respond to of 64865

John... I really don't think one will have a choice.. it will just be a part of cable or built into TVs. All but low end phones will have it built in. Probably really won't even be a "set-top box" in the end. I could see "it" in home security systems, lawn sprinkler controls, thermostat, lighting systems, etc. Anything that could benefit from having an updatable program (java) which would allow one to change times, configurations, etc. Roger R

To: Jon Tara who wrote (16249)	5/8/1999 5:01:00 PM
From: alydar	Read Replies (1) \| Respond to of 64865

Q. "Why do you think the future is in set-top boxes? A. Because they are the link, in the future, to the internet. Q. "Do you realize that PC penetration in households is now at >50%? The remaining market, (for non-PC alternatives) is a market that will be ever SHRINKING. A. I do not understand this logic and I think you are dead wrong. The penetration for computers in the residential marketplace will increase nearing that of the television set. But this computer will not be a pc. There are many appliances/devices/computers that will make life easier and more enjoyable and interesting for the consumer. Q. Do you honestly think that anybody is going to give up a PC for a set-top box? A. Yes I do and I will be the first in line. The future computer will have the operating system residing at the ASP/ISP and the user will have access to it through a cable line using a cable modem. You will not have an independent desktop with its own operating system. As to where you might store your personal information I am not yet clear on. My guess is that, over time, the ASP/ISP will offer enough security so that you will trust them to your information. ORCL and others have piloted (3) application (ERP) systems for entire company's and divisions of large companies with outstanding results (i.e. cost savings to the companies). They are entering into a second phase of piloting by implementing "Oracle Online" with another 22 companies. All you need is a web browser! If companies are going in this direction it is only a matter of time before the technology hit the consumer. AT&T has a lead in the market because they will be the first to offer broad bandwidth over cable line (TCI, Media One)to over 1/3-1/2 of the total cable network throughout the U.S. This is the direction of computing and SUNW is right in the middle with the best server and developing storage line among dozens of other technologies. These systems cannot go down and must be scalable. The PC as we know it today will be a set-top box within five years. Marvin is correct, you must look ahead not and the present of history when evaluating technology. We are truly in a revolutionary period and I for one am thankful to be alive during this period of history. P.S.: MSFT is acting more like CMGI than a software or computer company. Tracking stocks and investing in 5 billion in anothers persons company tell me about the long term confidence of Gates/Ballmer. The only thing I conclude from the investment is that Gates/Ballmer must think that AT&T is a better investment than MSFT. I happen to agree and purchased some AT&T LEAPS the other day. AT&T is building a company and MSFT is investing in companies (ggg). All, IMHO, Bob.