Hot Tickets From the Alliance Each week Alliance members submit "Hot Tickets" as a way of presenting new observations and ideas on investable opportunities to ChangeWave. Today we're focusing on Microsoft's Vista, the outdated Internet backbone and Polaroid's shift in strategy, just to name a few. Read on to find out what you need to know. *Note: These Hot Tickets are for informational purposes only. They do not represent recommendations from ChangeWave. (1) More Bad News for Vista NIN8572 writes: "Despite what Microsoft (MSFT) claims, Windows Vista is a complete disaster. Evidence appears daily that Vista is slow on even speedy computers, and the public outcry grows daily against the June planned phase-out of Windows XP. Vista is also a primary contributor to the slowdown in computer sales -- hurting companies like Dell (DELL) and Intel (INTC) in the process -- as users delay purchases or figure out how to keep using Windows XP.
"Microsoft needs to stop Vista as fast as it stopped Windows ME. It is rumored that Windows 7, the Vista replacement, is coming on schedule -- maybe next year. Once users get wind of this, the computer replacement cycle will slow even more, unless Microsoft backs off and allows manufacturers to continue to offer Windows XP." (2) Cisco, Raptor and an Outdated Internet Backbone 10B00364 writes: "Who wins big time from the scramble to modernize an outdated Internet backbone? Cisco (CSCO)? Possibly. But what about Raptor Networks (RPTN)? They've developed the world's first 'distributed core' network switching architecture with all open standards -- benefiting those who provide streaming video, VOIP, high-speed server and storage clustering. Their unique advantages include speed, enhanced network reliability and lower power consumption. Initial successes in implementation are just starting to roll in. Sales into numerous verticals have begun in the past several months, and an important patent has been issued. This all bodes very well for Raptor."
(3) Polaroid in Name Only WEE93583 writes: "The change from film photography to digital is just about complete. Polaroid Corp. recently announced that it would suspend production of instant film, which was the entire product line when the company was created -- making it Polaroid by name only. But name recognition does create value for the new Polaroid. This indicates the beginning of the final round for film, making all film-based cameras and technology just about obsolete -- an evolution that has been far speedier than most professional photographers would have thought possible 10 years ago." (4) Cotton, Corn and … Wheat? DMP73803 writes: "South Texas has always been a strong area for cotton farming. But last year we saw about 40%-50% of the cotton farmers switch to corn. Corn is not unusual for Texas as it grows here naturally. And this year we are seeing something never seen before -- farmers growing wheat. We are now seeing about 10% cotton in the fields, 10% wheat and 70% corn. We could be looking at a possible cotton shortage this year." | 
