The past week has been full of events that could trigger moves in major companies in the technology sector. In this post, we discuss certain events from the week that could have the maximum impact on stocks like Microsoft (NASDAQ:MSFT), Adobe (NASDAQ:ADBE), Symantec (NASDAQ:SYMC) and SAP (NYSE:SAP).
Microsoft
Microsoft launched the developer preview of the next version of its OS – Windows 8. it will work with both computers and tablets, and will be launched in 2012. The early feedback has been very encouraging, and it seems that Microsoft may finally have an answer to Apple’s growing clout in the tablet market.
See Trefis article: Windows 8 Shows Blockbuster Potential with Tablet Focus & Major Overhaul
Microsoft continues to make money off the sales of Android devices. It signed two new deals this week, with Acer and ViewSonic, adding to a list of licensing agreements with various Android device manufacturers which could net it more than a billion dollars in 2012.
See Trefis article: Microsoft Signs with Acer and ViewSonic for License Fee from Android Sales
It also signed an agreement with Yahoo and AOL for display advertising, to sell remnant inventory on each others networks, in an effort to fight off the growing dominance of Google and Facebook in the display ad space. See Trefis article: Microsoft to Team Up with Yahoo and AOL in Display Ads to Counter Google
Check out our complete analysis of Microsoft
Adobe
Adobe will be the company to focus on next week. It will be announcing its Q3 FY11 earnings on September 20. We expect its growth this quarter to be driven mainly by growth in sales of its Creative software suite and document tools. See Trefis article: Adobe Earnings Preview: What We’re Watching
It also announced that it had acquired some technology from Iridas, using which it will enhance its video editing software – Production Premium Creative Suite. See Trefis article: Adobe Bolsters Video Editing Software by Adding Iridas to its Bench
Check out our complete analysis of Adobe
Symantec
Symantec has been on a roll this week and announced two new services. It will be launching Norton One, a subscription based offering which can be used to protect all your devices on multiple platforms next year. It also announced that it will be launching a new security offering for cloud platforms in 2012. This may become a significant revenue stream for Symantec as the cloud market is expected to be worth $150 billion by 2014.
Check out our complete analysis of Symantec
SAP
SAP also announced the acquisition of Right Hemisphere, a software company which creates 3D visualization software for enterprises. Using their technology, SAP can enhance all their offerings (including ERP and CRM) to make them more intuitive and usable. If done right, it should lead to a significant increase in sales. See Trefis article: Businesses View Operations in 3D with SAP’s Newly Acquired Software
