STOCKS TO WATCH: Artisoft, Elcom, Microsoft and Motorola
Expect the following technology stocks to be among Monday's most actively traded issues: Artisoft, Elcom, Microsoft and Motorola.
The software developer will provide interesting theater Monday after announcing late Friday that CEO Paul Thomas will leave the company effective March 1 to become president and chief operating officer of a private Linux company in California.
Thomas will continue as a member of the Artisoft board of directors to assist in the search for, and transition of his replacement.
"My decision to leave Artisoft has been a very difficult one for me," Thomas said in press release. "I have no doubts that Artisoft will maintain its successful momentum in the years ahead and continue to be an industry leader. I look forward to working with the talented management team as we ensure a seamless transition."
Its shares closed off 1 1/8 to 20 5/8 Friday.
The maker of e-commerce software said Visa International will recommend Elcom's Internet software to Visa's member banks. Elcom fell 1 5/8 to 23 3/8 at Friday's close.
The software giant could take some more abuse Monday after falling 6 1/16 to 99 15/16 Friday after details of a Gartner Group report on Windows 2000 drew ire from investors.
The study questioned whether Windows 2000 would interact smoothly with other software.
Also raising investor concerns were comments Thursday night from Michael Dell, chief executive of Dell Computer Corp. (Nasdaq: DELL), suggesting that Linux-based operating systems were gaining popularity.
Technology consulting firm Gartner Group said in the report one in four corporations deploying large-scale implementation of Windows 2000 would run into problems, as the new systems meshes with a company's existing software. The software upgrade is specifically designed for business customers.
Gartner's report reiterates its recommendation that organizations delay migrating to Windows 2000 until after Microsoft tweaks bugs in the program, and releases a more stable version later this year.
Motorola should get some action after announcing Friday that it and Lear Corp. (NYSE: LEA) have formed a joint venture to make integrated interior systems for Ford Motor Co. (NYSE: F).
The venture will be 50-50 owned by both partners and will focus exclusively on incorporating advanced electronics into interior systems for Ford, the No. 2 automaker.
Financial terms were not released for the joint venture, which still requires a definitive agreement. It will be based in Dearborn, Mich., where Ford has its headquarters.
Motorola said its automotive and industrial electronics group and telematics communications group will contribute to the venture.
Motorola shares finished off 4 1/32 to 131 1/4 Friday.>