(2 votes, average: 10 out of 10)
Loading ...Surprise! Near-bankrupt SCO still has Canadian customers
I can’t imagine why anyone would feel a lot of sympathy for SCO, which may go down in high-tech history as one of the biggest patent trolls of all time. Its Chapter 11 filing, however, is a rare example of it acting as though it’s just another technology vendor.
“SCO intends to maintain business as usual throughout the Chapter 11 proceedings. Subject to court approval, SCO will use the cash flow from its operations to meet its capital needs throughout the reorganization process,” the letter reads. “We value our relationship with you and want to provide the assurance that you can continue to order product, and receive exemplary service and support from us during this restructuring period.”
My first thought was, “What products? What cash flow from operations?” Then I took a look around and noticed that the company continues to find the odd customer, including — as recently as last month, an Ontario MPP candidate. Apparently Frank Klees (right), who’s hoping to win in Newmarket/Aurora in the Oct. 10 provincial election, is using SCO’s Grassroots product, which will basically send campaign material such as branded video, voice and text messages instantly on any breaking news story and reach their constituents wherever they are via mobile phone or PC.
I don’t know if we’ve ever covered this product, and I’m not sure that we ever will, because any innovation SCO has managed to come up with has been long overshadowed by its open source-related court cases.
“Other companies such as Delta Airlines, Texaco, Dow Corning, K-Mart, United Airlines, Toys R’ Us, Macy’s Department Stores and others have emerged from Chapter 11 protection after restructuring themselves for success. We intend to do the same,” the letter added. Sure, but those companies weren’t quite in the bind that SCO is in. Even if its technology holds promise, customers like Frank Klees may soon wish they’d opted for something else.
