Computer Associates claimed it's not one of those ISVs that limped out of calendar Q2 like Siebel, whose earnings fell 16% because sales suddenly dropped at the end of quarter, clipping revenues almost 10%.

Still CA had cut its June revenue projections by $35 million a couple of weeks ago and yesterday it pulled in its prospects for the next nine months less, it said, because of the "conservative spending environment" that demands a quick ROI than its disappointing services operation and the renewal level in its subscription mix.

It said it would do $3.4 billion-$3.5 billion in fiscal '05 ending in March rather than $3.5 billion-$3.7 billion and realize only 25 cents-30 cents, not 28 cents-33 cents. It called the original estimates "too optimistic."

CA posted its June first quarter on Thursday and said revenues were up 9% year-over-year to $860 million, beating its revised estimate, and came up with earnings of $53 million, or nine cents a share. The earnings were better than the five-seven cents expected, an improvement credited to cost controls. The company called the results "solid."

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