The only hope to save the AS/400

I agree with Al that the only thing that will save the 400 is if IBM sells or
splits off the division.  I _would_ invest in this new company whereas I
wouldn't invest in either of the other options.  If the pressure placed on IBM
by BPs and large customers over the last few years has not caused those who run
the company to change their minds (and it hasn't) then I don't think additional
action stands a snowball's chance in hell.

I for one am VERY disappointed with the attitude of the company towards the 400.
When Lou came on board he made a big deal about understanding the 400 value
proposition and boasted of how he brought the 400 into Amex.  I was hopeful, but
everything he has done since indicates that those were just words to make us all
feel good.

Nothing but the share price and the next three months results matter at all at
IBM.  The company has _no_ concept of the future.  If it doesn't contribute to
the balance sheet in the next 90 days forget it.  With luck they will indeed
sell the 400 division and pocket the cash.

The industry recognizes that IBM has the most reliable server architecture in
the world in the AS/400.  It is my belief that the heads of Sun, HP, and many
others (including the proponents of Netfinity within IBM) pray every night that
IBM continue to ignore the AS/400. They would not have a future if IBM paid even
50% of the attention to the platform that it should.


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