Discussions over the fate of AT&T Co’s Unix Software Operation, which now looks likely to be sold off to companies interested in acquiring a stake – thus marking the end of the Unix International-Open Software Foundation conflict that has dominated the industry this past year – appear to have reached the point where the main outstanding issue is just how much the business is actually worth. The problem is that no-one knows how to assess its value. AT&T has let it be known that it has not made a profit out of its Unix software activities, and royalty revenues are currently low, at now more than about $50m annually. Computer Systems News argues that, comparing the Operation with companies such as Adobe Systems or Microsoft Corp, it would have a market value of around $200m, despite its lack of profits. The true worth of the Operation however, would be more sensibly valued by its stategic importance to the interested companies, which apparently include both Hewlett-Packard Co and DEC. That strategic value would presumably increase following a cessation of hostilities between Unix International and the Foundation.
