GLG News by Automated Teller Machines (ATM) Industry Experts

Michael SchiffFounder and Principal AnalystMAS Strategies

Cloud Computing: Providing Both Hardware and Software On-Demand Services

June 2, 2009

Analysis of:McKinsey Cloud Computing Report Conclusions Don't Add Up | www.cio.com

o Cloud computing can encompasses both hardware and software services. o Cloud computing is not a passing fad, nor is it a new concept. o Cloud computing can benefit organizations both large and small.

Michael SchiffFounder and Principal AnalystMAS Strategies

Oracle (ORCL) Expanding its Software-as-a-Service Presence

May 4, 2009

Analysis of:Oracle to expand Web-based software offerings-source | www.reuters.com

o  Oracle is no stranger to on-demand computing but has, with a few exceptions, focused its efforts on providing a database and middleware platform upon which third party software vendors could build on-demand applications. o  Oracle's pending acquisition of Sun Microsystems will allow Oracle to greatly expand its cloud computing capabilities. o Oracle's new on-demand software will allow it to better compete against pureplay SaaS vendors such as Salesforce.com while also countering efforts of SAP and its BusinessByDesign SMB-focused SaaS initiative. o Oracle is hedging its bets and positioning itself in both the on-premise and on-demand world.

Ronald IngramDirector of Product ManagementADVANCE AMERICA, CASH ADVANCE CENTERS, INC.

Financial Services Innovation and New Credit Sources Impeded by Regulation in the US

April 5, 2009

Analysis of:Where Credit Still Flows | www.forbes.com

Demand for credit has never been stronger. With government support P2P or "Social Lending" has the potential to improve the efficiency of credit markets and demonstrate US leadership in financial services innovation. The US is behind the curve in P2P lending innovation and losing ground due to the distraction and high cost of regulatory compliance. At a time when billions are being pumped into ailing banks government needs to find a way to encourage social lending.   Improved regulation may unlock a wave of new credit options and provide economic stimulus at the grass root level. Conceptually Social Lending and P2P financial models makes sense for consumers, business and the greater economic good of nations;  however, the effort to wedge P2P loan models into existing regulatory frameworks continues to impede American financial innovation.

Michael SchiffFounder and Principal AnalystMAS Strategies

Dell: A Strong Turnaround May Depend On Microsoft

March 9, 2009

Analysis of:Dell's identity crisis | money.cnn.com

o Dell does not necessarily need to reinvent itself as the real issues behind stagnating sales are the economy and Microsoft's software. o While PCs may be a fashion accessory for teenagers, business users seek performance and functionality. o Business users have been less than enthusiastic in embracing Microsoft Vista. o Pent-up demand is for new desktops, laptops, and netbooks is building and Dell should see an increase in sales once Windows 7 is released.

Michael SchiffFounder and Principal AnalystMAS Strategies

Apple: Playing a More Open Tune at its iTunes Store

January 12, 2009

Analysis of:Apple Changes Tune on Music Pricing | online.wsj.com

o Apple's new three-tiered pricing structure will enable it to more effectively market its music based on consumer demand. o The elimination of its digital rights copy protection will facilitate the ability of users with non-Apple music players to use iTune Store music. o  In the long-run Apple's iTune Store revenues should increase, even if the elimination of digital rights copy protection leads to some additional fraudulent behavior.

Michael SchiffFounder and Principal AnalystMAS Strategies

Software Maintenance - A Necessary Expense for Enterprise Software

November 24, 2008

Analysis of:Enterprise Software Vendors Now Vulnerable to Maintenance Payment Reduction | seekingalpha.com

o The current economic conditions are causing organizations to take cost cutting measures such as deferring capital expenditures and reducing IT costs. o While companies will be looking for ways to reduce IT costs, eliminating maintenance on mission-critical enterprise applications is not a realistic option. o Organizations can try to renegotiate maintenance costs and attempt to get their software vendors to make other cost concessions. However, eliminating maintenance on mission-critical applications is a tactic that is "penny-wise and pound-foolish." o Software acquisitions should be evaluated relative to their total cost-of-ownership and software maintenance must be included in the equation.

Michael SchiffFounder and Principal AnalystMAS Strategies

Microsoft Azure: A Cloudy, But Blue, Sky Ahead?

November 4, 2008

Analysis of:Azure: Can Microsoft Meld Windows with the Web? | www.businessweek.com

o Recognizing the potential of off-premises hosted computing, Microsoft is moving to establish its place in the cloud. o Despite any drawbacks, the desktop landscape is still dominated by Microsoft Windows; Azure will allow Microsoft to leverage the pervasiveness of Windows to integrate its desktop strength with cloud computing. o While Microsoft is usually not the first vendor to enter an emerging market, once it is convinced of the market's potential, it will attempt to establish a leadership position. o The pervasiveness of its Windows platforms and developers' familiarity with Microsoft Visual Study and Microsoft .NET will should provide Microsoft with an advantage over competitive cloud initiatives.  

Robert KempProfessorUniversity of Virginia - CC

Reality Impact - Grasping the Cost of Not Acting to Restore Trust in Capital Markets

September 19, 2008

Analysis of:Fed Tentatively Agrees to Provide $85bn to AIG | www.washingtonpost.com

There are significant arguments today on what should or should not be done to address the current capital market crisis.  In reality, market economies first and foremost rely on trust.  When trust is lacking, the ramifications are significant and far reaching.  The mistrust of one sector multiples into problems throughout other sectors.  A good example is the impact of capital markets on nonfinancial services businesses.  This point is easily seen in the cost of credit, or the lack of credit.  However the impact is much greater than mere credit.  An example is unfudned pension and other post retirement benefit plans (OPEB). The cost of not restoring trust in the capital markets needs to be understood, in all aspects.  The price is high (e.g., government spending and assuming risk) on both sides of the argument.  However all costs, on both sides, must be understood and measured before judgements are made.

Michael SchiffFounder and Principal AnalystMAS Strategies

SAP: Would Acquiring Teradata Make Sense?

September 18, 2008

Analysis of:SAP: Are Thy Planning A Bid for Teradata? | blogs.barrons.com

o  Although rumors are flying about the possible acquisition of Teradata by SAP, the fit is far from perfect. o  SAP executives have stated the need for advanced analytics and there are other vendors that SAP could acquire to fulfill this need. o  SAP might consider acquiring a data mining vendor in order to augment its advanced analytic capabilities; SPSS would seem to be a likely candidate.

Robert KempProfessorUniversity of Virginia - CC

Fair Value Accounting - The Good And Bad Of It In The Real World

September 15, 2008

Analysis of:Fair-Value Revolution: Historical cost accounting is fading as Corporate America marches into a new era. | www.cfo.com

Fair value accounting, or mark-to-market accounting, is not new.  The debate of how to account for value has been around for decades.  However the implications of fair value accounting, versus historical accounting, are far reaching and often not grasped.  A society needs to be careful in setting accounting standards that may or may not reflect its cultural values.

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