Close
  • Latest News
  • Big Data and Analytics
  • Cloud
  • Networking
  • Cybersecurity
  • Applications
  • IT Management
  • Storage
  • Sponsored
  • Mobile
  • Small Business
  • Development
  • Database
  • Servers
  • Android
  • Apple
  • Innovation
  • Blogs
  • PC Hardware
  • Reviews
  • Search Engines
  • Virtualization
Read Down
Sign in
Close
Welcome!Log into your account
Forgot your password?
Read Down
Password recovery
Recover your password
Close
Search
Logo
Logo
  • Latest News
  • Big Data and Analytics
  • Cloud
  • Networking
  • Cybersecurity
  • Applications
  • IT Management
  • Storage
  • Sponsored
  • Mobile
  • Small Business
  • Development
  • Database
  • Servers
  • Android
  • Apple
  • Innovation
  • Blogs
  • PC Hardware
  • Reviews
  • Search Engines
  • Virtualization
More
    Home Latest News
    • Networking

    Force Not Strong in the Furball

    By
    Spencer F. Katt
    -
    May 30, 2007
    Share
    Facebook
    Twitter
    Linkedin

      “Star Wars, nothing but Star Wars, give me those Star Wars, dont let them end,” sang the Baron of Babble, Bill Murray-like.

      “Are you singing that to commemorate the 30th anniversary of the sci-fi classic Star Wars?” a fellow eWEEKer asked the Tabby. “Naw, Im singing it because of the sci-fi thats passing for tech rumors lately,” laughed the Lynx.

      “Do you mean the rumor about an internal memo at Apple that said the iPhone might be delayed that actually caused Apples stock to drop before it was declared a fake?” asked the crony.

      “No, I mean the rumors that Oracle may have bought an 8.2 percent stake in rival SAP to begin some intricate hostile takeover plan,” said the Furball. “Besides, Oracle skipper Larry Ellison is still probably too busy licking his wounds and focused on finding a scapegoat to hang from the yardarm after losing his recent bid to win the Americas Cup,” mused the Mouser.

      Suddenly, the KattPhones new ring tone, “Call Me,” by Blondie, brought forth a call from a Smooth Operator who noted that communications provider Mitels plans to acquire Inter-Tel may be put on hold. It seems private equity company Vector Capital has swooped in with a bid of $723 million for Inter-Tel—thats about 90 cents higher per share than Mitels offer.

      The Smooth Operator also said that a recent Merrill Lynch report sees networking company Avaya as a perfect candidate for a leveraged buyout. “Theres certainly lots of money out there—and, by the way, Im also a perfect candidate for an LBO if any private equity company is looking to scoop up a feisty, 40-something feline,” cackled the Kitty.

      Bidding the caller adieu, Spence ran out to do a few errands at a nearby mall. There, while inhaling an Orange Julius and browsing at the Apple Store, El Gato overheard two Geniuses grousing about how Apple may soon be dropping the 17-inch iMac from the shelves, selling only 20- and 24-inch models going forward.

      Spence was later startled as he heard a balloon pop at a party store as he exited the mall and imagined that Microsoft boss Steve Ballmers head probably did the same when rumors emerged last week that Google and Salesforce.com were planning a partnership. Although Salesforce.com CEO Marc Benioff didnt deny that such a pact was in the works, he also wouldnt comment on any plans being hatched by the two companies.

      Back at the office, Spence checked out Curriki.org. Sun co-founder Scott McNealy is a co-founder of the Web site, which provides a free platform for educators to share lesson plans and educational materials. The word “Curriki” is a play on the words “curriculum” and “wiki.”

      Spence skatted off for home when he realized his office mates were hunkering down in the conference room to begin a marathon viewing of all six “Star Wars” films. “Who are your favorite characters from the new Star Wars trilogy?” shouted a pal. “Uh, Kia Sedona, Tricoh Blend and, um, Toyota Prius,” responded the Furry One as he frantically fled.

      Check out eWEEK.coms for the latest news, views and analysis on servers, switches and networking protocols for the enterprise and small businesses.

      Spencer F. Katt
      Spencer F. Katt, the Whiskered Wonder, has been the mascot and tipster extraordinaire for eWEEK and its predecessor print publication PC Week since 1984. The Gadabout Gatto makes the rounds of the high tech centers of the U.S. and beyond in search of news and gossip about the products, companies and people that keep the IT industry in top gear. By day he can often be found padding about the exhibit halls and briefing rooms searching for tips about the latest breakthrough products. By night he haunts the sushi bars and watering holes his ears alert to the merest whisper about a big round of venture capital funding or a blockbuster corporate buyout. The often tart-tongued tabby is always ready to share his own views about the inside stories behind the headlines. 

      MOST POPULAR ARTICLES

      Big Data and Analytics

      Alteryx’s Suresh Vittal on the Democratization of...

      James Maguire - May 31, 2022 0
      I spoke with Suresh Vittal, Chief Product Officer at Alteryx, about the industry mega-shift toward making data analytics tools accessible to a company’s complete...
      Read more
      Cybersecurity

      Visa’s Michael Jabbara on Cybersecurity and Digital...

      James Maguire - May 17, 2022 0
      I spoke with Michael Jabbara, VP and Global Head of Fraud Services at Visa, about the cybersecurity technology used to ensure the safe transfer...
      Read more
      Applications

      Cisco’s Thimaya Subaiya on Customer Experience in...

      James Maguire - May 10, 2022 0
      I spoke with Thimaya Subaiya, SVP and GM of Global Customer Experience at Cisco, about the factors that create good customer experience – and...
      Read more
      Big Data and Analytics

      GoodData CEO Roman Stanek on Business Intelligence...

      James Maguire - May 4, 2022 0
      I spoke with Roman Stanek, CEO of GoodData, about business intelligence, data as a service, and the frustration that many executives have with data...
      Read more
      Cloud

      Yotascale CEO Asim Razzaq on Controlling Multicloud...

      James Maguire - May 5, 2022 0
      Asim Razzaq, CEO of Yotascale, provides guidance on understanding—and containing—the complex cost structure of multicloud computing. Among the topics we covered:  As you survey the...
      Read more
      Logo

      eWeek has the latest technology news and analysis, buying guides, and product reviews for IT professionals and technology buyers. The site’s focus is on innovative solutions and covering in-depth technical content. eWeek stays on the cutting edge of technology news and IT trends through interviews and expert analysis. Gain insight from top innovators and thought leaders in the fields of IT, business, enterprise software, startups, and more.

      Facebook
      Linkedin
      RSS
      Twitter
      Youtube

      Advertisers

      Advertise with TechnologyAdvice on eWeek and our other IT-focused platforms.

      Advertise with Us

      Menu

      • About eWeek
      • Subscribe to our Newsletter
      • Latest News

      Our Brands

      • Privacy Policy
      • Terms
      • About
      • Contact
      • Advertise
      • Sitemap
      • California – Do Not Sell My Information

      Property of TechnologyAdvice.
      © 2021 TechnologyAdvice. All Rights Reserved

      Advertiser Disclosure: Some of the products that appear on this site are from companies from which TechnologyAdvice receives compensation. This compensation may impact how and where products appear on this site including, for example, the order in which they appear. TechnologyAdvice does not include all companies or all types of products available in the marketplace.

      ×