i2 Technologies optimistic despite revenue drop

Ailing supply chain management software maker i2 Technologies posted a profit for its third quarter, despite a considerable decline in revenue.

Third-quarter earnings were $7m on revenue of $117m - a precipitous drop from earnings of $34m on $374m in revenue for the same quarter last year.

Software licences this quarter totalled $14m, down from $21m for the same quarter last year. 

i2 officials, who have recently announced plans to focus on growth for 2004, chose to look on the bright side.

"Across many of the key metrics we track, there are signs that the market for our products and services is beginning to strengthen," said Sanjiv Sidhu, i2's chairman and chief executive officer.

"These signs indicate that the fourth quarter may be a turning point for i2."

Marc L Songini writes for Computerworld