Conference nyoss1::market_investing

    If FTP makes most of their money with DOS client software, I'd
    be somewhat worried about Microsoft throwing the Workgroup
    Connection bits out for free... even though they're not TCP/IP.
    .02 Kb
    

RE: .0

	Dave, FTP software is located in North Andover, MA and makes
networking software for PCs and stuff.  My wife [former DECcie] recently
started working there and got some info about this offering.   We're 
trying to get in on the IPO, as some shares are being offered to 
employees.  I have the prospectus at home, I'll try to bring it in to the
office.   What specifically would you like to know?
	All I can recall from memory is that they are offering 4 million
shares at an expected price of $12-$14, targeted for mid November.

Mac

    .-1
    
    Who's the listing agent ? the base note indicates Montgomery
    securities. Is this true ? Any info on their past performance for
    example how long have they been in business ? What kind of profit have
    they been making ? Future plans etc. will help
    
    Thanks,
    chandan
    

    Sorry, this was a bit of a leading question.
    
    I am familiar with FTP as a company, via some friends and my SO whom
    works there. I have a preliminary Prospectus via my SO.  Montgomery
    Securities, Alex, Brown & Sons Inc, and Cowen & Comp. are the
    underwriters. 
    
    FTP Software's primary product is TCP/IP software for DOS, and OS/2.
    They also sell a simple network trace tool LANwatch.
    Their software is considered one of the better and complete packages
    on the market.
    
    Contrary to someone's earlier statement, Microsoft does have a TCP/IP
    for Windows for Workgroups, but they don't give it away.  NT is a
    different matter.
    
    The issue to me is whether investing in them is considered a good idea
    or not.
    
    What I was looking for was some outside opinions on their performance
    and futures. 
    
    	Dave.

    Dave,
    Rumor has it Microsoft will give away the Netbeui DOS client
    (formally known as the *Workgroup Connection*, currently @$49),
    which while it *doesn't do* TCP/IP, could mean bad news for
    companies that make a living on selling client bits (and don't
    make money on a server like Novell or NTAS).  For folks that NEED
    TCP/IP, they'll pay someone for it, and FTP competes very well.
    For folks that need client connect to {NT|NTAS|...} but don't NEED
    TCP/IP, FTP probably isn't going to generate many sales.
                                               
    Kratz
    

    Well.... I also happen to be the "Project Leader" for PATHWORKS
    Integration with MS Windows for Workgroups.  Microsoft is making some
    pieces of their networking offerings fairly available, but they are not
    giving away the servers.  Trust me.
    
    The future of TCP/IP on DOS will be interesting... but FTP has been at
    it for a while and its still expanding.  They have one of the most
    complete products on the market.  Don't know how long that will be
    competitive enough.
    
    Other opinions?
    
    	Dave.

	First Firefox Comm. announces yesterday they expect lower than
	(street/analyst) expected earnings and they lose 1/2 their market
	value in one trading day.  Today FTP Software makes a similiar
	announcement and they too lose 1/2 their market value.

	I sure the hell hope DEC, another networking company, doesn't
	make a similiar announcement ....

Symbol        : FTPS         Exchange    : NASDAQ
Description   : FTP SOFTWARE INC COM                         
Last Traded at: 12.7500      Date/Time   : Jan 04  1:53:05
$ Change      : -12.5000     % Change    : -49.50  

Volume        : 6500400      # of Trades : 3031     
Bid           : 12.2500      Ask         : 12.7500  
Day Low       : 12.2500      Day High    : 13.6250  
52 Week Low   : 12.2500      52 Week High: 40.6250