NEW YORK, Feb. 9, 2000 (PRIMEZONE) -- The following is being issued by Fletcher and Faraday, a member of the National Association of Securities Dealers, CRD number 29769: Fletcher and Faraday (Broker Dealer -- Member NASD).
www.WorldBestBuy.com, owned and operated by International Brands Inc., (OTCBB:INBR). We are continuing coverage with a BUY rating. WorldBestBuy.com announced a new program designed to give entrepreneurs a chance to earn extra income. Called the WorldBestBuy.com Market Development Program, or MDP for short, the e-tailer's new effort is aimed at individuals who wish to build a part-time or full-time business from their home. The concept, common in multilevel marketing organizations will give entrepreneurs the chance to increase their net worth. The company says in its first full month of service in December 1999, WorldBestBuy.com registered over 2 million unique visits. We think the company's aggressive growth strategy is a perfect way to gain market share in the fast growing world of global e-Commerce.
Microsoft Corp. (Nasdaq:MSFT). We are continuing coverage with a BUY rating. Microsoft's announcement, that it has released to manufacturing Interix 2.2 - a complete environment that enables customers to easily run UNIX applications and scripts on the Microsoft Windows NT and Windows 2000 operating systems without rewriting code - is a strong affirmation of Microsoft's commitment to meeting the needs of enterprise customers with interoperability solutions between Windows and UNIX environments.
Cisco Systems (Nasdaq:CSCO). We are continuing coverage with a BUY rating. While sales of routers and switches to big businesses, which accounts for half the company's sales, have slowed from their historical 30 percent growth rate, sales to telecommunications firms have been soaring, rising 75 percent or more in recent quarters, helping to offset pricing pressures and increased competition in its traditional business. Cisco is racing to develop next generation communications equipment that can carry voice, video and data traffic across one network. Increasingly, Cisco seems to be emerging as the one to lead in the so-called service provider market.
Compaq Computer Corp. (NYSE:CPQ) We are continuing coverage with a BUY rating. On February 17th Compaq will join forces with Microsoft to deliver the most reliable Internet-ready PCs for Windows 2000 for small and medium businesses. Compaq says it has more trained Microsoft service professionals than any other company in the world - more than 3,000 to date - offering the most well-equipped customer support force in the industry to help customers successfully plan, design, implement and manage the introduction of Windows 2000. Underscoring these strengths is Compaq's unique partnership with Microsoft, which continues to drive industry standards in business personal computing.
Fletcher and Faraday is a Broker Dealer and member of the NASD and SIPC. Fletcher & Faraday herein prepared material upon information supplied by the company or other sources believed to be reliable. The information contained herein should not be considered to be all-inclusive. INBR have approved the statements made in this report. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. A company's actual results could differ materially from those described in any forward-looking statements or announcements discussed within. This material is for information purposes only and should not be construed as an offer or solicitation of an offer to buy or sell the securities. Please consult your broker before purchasing or selling any securities mentioned in this report. Fletcher & Faraday has been compensated for its investment banking services provided by the agreement with International Brands Inc. (25,000 INBR Investment Common Shares). Fletcher & Faraday, its clients, officers, directors, employees may buy, sell or have a position in the securities described in this report and may profit in the event the shares rise in value.