SPESCOM SOFTWARE INC - 10-Q Quarterly Report

UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, D.C. 20549

FORM 10-Q

(Mark One)

ý	QUARTERLY REPORT UNDER SECTION 13 OR 15 (d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the Quarterly Period Ended March 31, 2004.

o	TRANSITION REPORT PURSUANT TO SECTION 13 OR 15(d) OF THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934

For the transition period from to .

Commission File Number 0-15935

SPESCOM SOFTWARE INC.

(Exact name of registrant as specified in its charter)

CALIFORNIA		95-3634089
(State or other jurisdiction of incorporation or organization)		(I.R.S. Employer Identification No.)

10052 MESA RIDGE COURT, SUITE 100, SAN DIEGO, CA 92121
(Address of principal executive offices and zip code)

(858) 625-3000
(Registrant’s telephone number, including area code)

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant (1) has filed all reports required to be filed by Section 13 or 15(d) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 during the preceding 12 months (or for such shorter period that the registrant was required to file such reports), and (2) has been subject to such filing requirements for the past 90 days.

YES ý NO o

Indicate by check mark whether the registrant is an accelerated filer (as defined in Rule 12b-2 of the Exchange Act).

YES o NO ý

Number of shares of Common Stock outstanding at April 13, 2004: 34,068,278

Number of Sequentially Numbered Pages: 27

SPESCOM SOFTWARE, INC.

INDEX

PART I.	FINANCIAL INFORMATION

Item 1. Financial Statements and Supplementary Data

	Consolidated Balance Sheets

	Consolidated Statements of Operations

	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows

	Condensed Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements

Item 2. Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations

Item 3. Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Item 4. Controls and Procedures

PART II.	OTHER INFORMATION

Item 1. Legal Proceedings

Item 4. Submission of Matters to a Vote of Security Holders

Item 6. Exhibits and Reports on Form 8-K

PART I. FINANCIAL INFORMATION

ITEM 1. FINANCIAL STATEMENTS AND SUPPLEMENTARY DATA

SPESCOM SOFTWARE INC.

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS

	March 31, 2004			September 30, 2003
	(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	220,000		$	333,000
Receivables, net of allowance for doubtful accounts of $84,000 and $78,000 respectively	652,000			423,000
Other current assets	145,000			169,000
Total current assets	1,017,000			925,000

Property and equipment, net	138,000			213,000
Computer software, net	24,000			63,000
Other assets	28,000			29,000
Total assets	$	1,207,000		$	1,230,000

LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ DEFICIT
Current liabilities:
Accounts payable	$	540,000		$	405,000
Payable to Spescom Ltd.	50,000			46,000
Preferred stock dividend payable to Spescom Ltd.	132,000			—
Accrued liabilities	995,000			1,080,000
Note and accrued interest payable to Spescom Ltd.	803,000			—
Lease obligations – current portion	22,000			23,000
Deferred revenue	2,361,000			2,018,000
Fair value of equity instruments redeemable for common stock	—			1,233,000
Total current liabilities	4,903,000			4,805,000

Notes and accrued interest payable to Spescom Ltd.	—			504,000
Lease obligations	52,000			62,000
Total liabilities	4,955,000			5,371,000

Shareholders’ deficit:
Convertible preferred stock, $1,000 stated value per share, 1,000,000 shares Authorized; 5,291 shares issued and outstanding in 2004 and 2003	6,790,000			6,790,000
Common stock, no par value, 100,000,000 shares authorized; 34,068,278 and 33,929,278 issued and outstanding in 2004 and 2003	74,830,000			73,676,000
Common stock warrants	278,000			278,000
Accumulated other comprehensive loss	(493,000		)	(294,000		)
Accumulated deficit	(85,153,000		)	(84,591,000		)
Total shareholders’ deficit	(3,748,000		)	(4,141,000		)

Total liabilities and shareholders’ deficit	$	1,207,000		$	1,230,000

The accompanying notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

SPESCOM SOFTWARE INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS

(Unaudited)

	For the three months ended March 31,						For the six months ended March 31,
	2004			2003			2004			2003
Revenues:
Licenses	$	359,000		$	367,000		$	1,478,000		$	1,288,000
Services and other	1,242,000			1,448,000			2,248,000			2,816,000
Total revenues	1,601,000			1,815,000			3,726,000			4,104,000

Cost of revenues:
Licenses	53,000			125,000			141,000			400,000
Services and other	541,000			500,000			1,107,000			1,094,000
Total cost of revenues	594,000			625,000			1,248,000			1,494,000

Gross profit	1,007,000			1,190,000			2,478,000			2,610,000

Operating expenses:
Research and development	336,000			414,000			668,000			737,000
Marketing and sales	726,000			657,000			1,331,000			1,283,000
General and administrative	482,000			363,000			989,000			771,000
	1,544,000			1,434,000			2,988,000			2,791,000

Loss from operations	(537,000		)	(244,000		)	(510,000		)	(181,000		)

Interest and other income	1,000			—			6,000			—
Interest and other expense	(37,000		)	(134,000		)	(58,000		)	(259,000		)
Net loss	(573,000		)	(378,000		)	(562,000		)	(440,000		)

Cummulative preferred dividends	(66,000		)	—			(132,000		)	—
Net loss available to common shareholders	$	(639,000	)	$	(378,000	)	$	(694,000	)	$	(440,000	)

Basic and diluted net loss per common share	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.01	)

Shares used in computing basic and diluted net loss per common share	33,979,000			30,847,000			33,954,000			30,844,000

Statement of Comprehensive Income
Net loss	(573,000		)	(378,000		)	(562,000		)	(440,000		)
Other Comprehensive income (loss):
Foreign currency translation adjustment	(151,000		)	30,000			(199,000		)	(18,000		)
Comprehensive Income	$	(724,000	)	$	(348,000	)	$	(761,000	)	$	(458,000	)

The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

SPESCOM SOFTWARE INC.

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS

(Unaudited)

	For the six months ended March 31,
	2004			2003
Cash flows from operating activities:
Net loss	$	(562,000	)	$	(440,000	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
Depreciation and amortization	122,000			235,000
Unpaid interest on notes payable	22,000			224,000
Gain on derivative revaluation	(6,000		)
Value of stock options issued to consultant	46,000			—
Changes in assets and liabilities, net :
Receivables, net	(213,000		)	317,000
Other assets	45,000			178,000
Accounts payable	80,000			(310,000
Accrued liabilities	(206,000		)	(397,000		)
Deferred revenue	272,000			344,000
Net cash provided by (used in) operating activities	(400,000		)	151,000

Cash flows from investing activities:
Purchases of property and equipment	(2,000		)	(27,000		)
Purchases of software	—			(4,000		)
Net cash used in investing activities	(2,000		)	(31,000		)

Cash flows from financing activities:
Proceeds from shareholder loan	600,000			—
Payments on shareholder loan	(305,000		)	—
Proceeds from exercise of stock options	13,000			5,000
Payments on capital lease obligations	(11,000		)	(4,000		)
Net cash provided by financing activities	297,000			1,000

Effect of exchange rate changes on cash	(8,000		)	(3,000		)

Net increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents	(113,000		)	118,000

Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period	333,000			87,000

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period	$	220,000		$	205,000

*See Note 1 for supplemental cash flow information.

The accompanying condensed notes are an integral part of these consolidated financial statements.

SPESCOM SOFTWARE INC.

CONDENSED NOTES TO THE CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS

(Unaudited)

Note 1 - Basis of Presentation

The accompanying consolidated financial statements as of March 31, 2004 and for the three and six months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 are unaudited. The consolidated financial statements and related notes have been prepared in accordance with generally accepted accounting principles applicable to interim periods. In the opinion of management, the consolidated financial statements reflect all adjustments, consisting only of normal recurring adjustments, necessary for a fair presentation of the consolidated financial position, operating results and cash flows for the periods presented.

The information contained in the following Condensed Notes to the Consolidated Financial Statements is condensed from that which would appear in the annual consolidated financial statements; accordingly, the consolidated financial statements included herein should be reviewed in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes thereto contained in Spescom Software Inc.’s (the “Company”) Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2003. It should be understood that the accounting measurements at an interim date inherently involve greater reliance on estimates than at year-end. The results of operations for the interim periods presented are not necessarily indicative of the results expected for the entire year.

The Company’s future liquidity depends on its ability to generate new system sales of its eB product suite in the near term, which cannot be assured. Failure to generate sufficient system sales to meet the Company’s cash flow needs can be expected to have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, results of operations, and financial condition. The Company’s financial position can be a factor in attracting new customers. In an effort to strengthen the Company’s financial condition and provide capital for expanding marketing and sales capabilities, the Company will continue to explore additional equity or debt financing from third parties. There can be no assurance that additional financing will be available or that the terms of such financing will be acceptable to the Company. The Company believes that its current cash and receivables, as well as additional cash that may be generated from operations, will be sufficient to meet its short-term needs for working capital. However, the Company may not be able to obtain sufficient orders to enable the Company to continue on a cash flow break-even level, which would be necessary to continue operations in the absence of further financing.

Note 2 – Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Principles of Consolidation

The consolidated financial statements are prepared using accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America and include the accounts of the Company and its wholly-owned United Kingdom subsidiary, Spescom Software, Ltd. All significant intercompany balances and transactions have been eliminated.

Foreign Currency

The functional currency of the Company’s United Kingdom subsidiary is the pound sterling. Assets and liabilities are translated into U.S. dollars at end-of-period exchange rates. Revenues and expenses are translated at average exchange rates in effect for the period. Net currency exchange gains or losses resulting from such translations are excluded from net income and are accumulated in a separate component of shareholders’ deficit as accumulated other comprehensive income(loss). Gains and losses resulting from foreign currency transactions, which are not significant, are included in the consolidated statements of operations.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and also requires disclosure of contingent assets and liabilities at the date of the financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting periods. Actual results could differ from those estimates. Significant estimates made by management include revenue recognition estimates, the viability of recognizing deferred income tax assets, capitalized software costs and the valuation of equity instruments, and the allowance for doubtful accounts. Significant changes in these estimates may have a material impact on the financial statements.

Revenue Recognition

The Company’s revenues are derived from sales of its document and configuration management systems that are primarily composed of software and services, including maintenance, training and consulting services, and third party software and hardware. The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with Statement of Position (“SOP”) 97-2 “Software Revenue Recognition” and SOP 98-9, “Modification of SOP 97-2, Software Revenue Recognition with Respect to Certain Transactions” and Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 101.

Software license and third party product revenues are recognized upon shipment of the product if no significant vendor obligations remain and collection is probable. In cases where a significant vendor obligation exists, revenue recognition is delayed until such obligation has been satisfied. For new software products where a historical record has not yet been demonstrated that acceptance is perfunctory, the Company defers recognition of revenue until acceptance has occurred. If an undelivered element of the arrangement exists under the license arrangement, a portion of revenue is deferred based on vendor-specific objective evidence (VSOE) of the fair value of the undelivered element until delivery occurs. If VSOE does not exist for all undelivered elements, all revenue is deferred until sufficient evidence exists or all elements have been delivered. Annual maintenance revenues, which consist of ongoing support and product updates, are recognized on a straight-line basis over the term of the contract. Payments received in advance of performance of the related service for maintenance contracts are recorded as deferred revenue. Revenues from training and consulting services are recognized when the services are performed and adequate evidence of providing such services is available. Contract revenues for long-term contracts or programs requiring specialized systems are recognized using the percentage-of-completion method of accounting, primarily based on contract labor hours incurred to date compared with total estimated labor hours at completion. Provisions for anticipated contract losses are recognized at the time they become known.

Contracts are billed based on the terms of the contract. There are no retentions in billed contract receivables. Unbilled contract receivables relate to revenues earned but not billed at the end of the period.

The Company considers many factors when applying accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America related to revenue recognition. These factors include, but are not limited to:

• The actual contractual terms, such as payment terms, delivery dates, and pricing of the various product and service elements of a contract

• Availability of products to be delivered

• Time period over which services are to be performed

• Creditworthiness of the customer

• The complexity of customizations to the Company’s software required by service contracts

• The sales channel through which the sale is made (direct, VAR, distributor, etc.)

• Discounts given for each element of a contract

• Any commitments made as to installation or implementation of “go live” dates

Each of the relevant factors is analyzed to determine its impact, individually and collectively with other factors, on the revenue to be recognized for any particular contract with a customer. Management is required to make judgments regarding the significance of each factor in applying the revenue recognition standards, as well as whether or not each factor complies with such standards. Any misjudgment or error by management in its evaluation of the factors and the application of the standards, especially with respect to complex or new types of transactions, could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s future operating results.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 107, “Disclosures About Fair Value of Financial Instruments”, requires management to disclose the estimated fair value of certain assets and liabilities defined by SFAS No. 107 as cash or a contractual obligation that both conveys to one entity a right to receive cash or other financial instruments from another entity, and imposes on the other entity the obligation to deliver cash or other financial instruments to the first entity. At March 31, 2004 and September 30, 2003, management believes that the carrying amounts of cash and cash equivalents, short-term investments, accounts receivable and accounts payable, and accrued expenses approximate fair value because of the short maturity of these financial instruments. The Company believes that the carrying value of its loans approximate their fair values based on current market rates of interest.

Concentration of Credit Risk

The Company provides products and services to customers in a variety of industries worldwide, including local governments, petrochemicals, utilities, manufacturing and transportation. Concentration of credit risk with respect to trade receivables is limited due to the geographic and industry dispersion of the Company’s customer base. The Company has not experienced significant credit losses on its customer accounts. Aurora Loan Services, CACI and Sempra Energy accounted for 15% 17% and 11% of trade accounts receivable at March 31, 2004 and there were no customers that accounted for more than 10% of trade accounts receivable at September 30, 2003.

A small number of customers have typically accounted for a large percentage of the Company’s annual revenues. Constellation Energy Group accounted for 24% of revenue for the six months ended March 31, 2004, while Network Rail accounted for 24% of revenue for six months ended March 31, 20003. The Company’s reliance on relatively few customers could have a material adverse effect on the results of its operations on a quarterly basis.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is recorded at cost and depreciated using the straight-line method over useful lives of two to seven years. Leasehold improvements are amortized on a straight-line basis over the shorter of their useful life or the term of the related lease. Expenditures for ordinary repairs and maintenance are expensed as incurred while major additions and improvements are capitalized.

Software Development Costs and Purchased Software

Software development costs and purchased software are capitalized under FAS 86, “Accounting for the Costs of Computer Software to Be Sold, Leased or Otherwise Marketed,” when technological feasibility and marketability of the related product have been established. Software development costs incurred solely in connection with a specific contract are charged to cost of revenues. Capitalized software costs are amortized on a product-by-product basis, beginning when the product is available for general release to customers. Annual amortization expense is calculated using the greater of the ratio of each product’s current gross revenues to the total of current and expected gross revenues or the straight-line method over the estimated useful life of three to four years. Accumulated amortization of capitalized software costs was $254,000 and $215,000 at March 31, 2004 and September 30, 2003, respectively. The related amortization expense was $39,000 and $193,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively.

Long-lived Assets

The Company assesses potential impairments to its long-lived assets when there is evidence that events or changes in circumstances have made recovery of the asset’s carrying value unlikely. An impairment loss would be recognized when the sum of the expected future net cash flows is less than the carrying amount of the asset. The Company concluded in fiscal 2004 that there were no events or changes in circumstances that would indicate that the carrying amounts of long-lived assets were impaired.

Derivatives

Under Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) Issue No. 00-19, Accounting for Derivative Financial Instruments Index to, and Potentially Settle in, a Company’s Own Stock, the initial balance sheet classification of contracts that require net cash settlement are recorded as assets or liabilities and contracts that require settlement in shares are recorded as equity instruments. At each balance sheet date, the Company reviews contracts and equity instruments that are to be settled in common stock to determine if sufficient common shares are available to satisfy the maximum number of shares that could be required to net-share settle the contracts, among other conditions. If sufficient common shares do not exist, then certain contracts are reclassified as a liability based on their fair value. Changes in fair value are accounted for in the consolidated statements of operations.

Stock-Based Compensation

The Company measures compensation expense for its stock-based employee compensation plans using the intrinsic value method and provides pro forma disclosures of net loss and basic and diluted net loss per share as if the fair value-based method had been applied in measuring compensation expense. The Company applies SFAS No.123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation and Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 25 and related Interpretations in accounting for its employee stock-based compensation plan.

No compensation cost was recognized for employee stock option grants during 2004 and 2003 based upon the intrinsic value method, which were fixed in nature, as the options were granted at exercise prices equal to fair market value on the date of grant. Had compensation cost for the Company’s employee stock-based compensation plan been determined based on the fair value at the grant dates the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 148, which amends the disclosure requirements of FAS 123, would have been as follows:

	For the three months ended March 31,						For the six months ended March 31,
	2004			2003			2004			2003
Net loss used in computing net loss per share
As reported	$	(573,000	)	$	(378,000	)	$	(562,000	)	$	(440,000	)
Deduct:
Stock-based employee compensation expense determined under the fair value method	(73,000		)	(23,000		)	(217,000		)	(51,000		)
Pro forma	$	(646,000	)	$	(401,000	)	$	(779,000	)	$	(491,000	)

Basic and diluted net loss per share
As reported	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.01	)
Pro forma	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.01	)	$	(0.02	)	$	(0.02	)

Under FAS 123, the fair value of each option grant is estimated on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model with the following weighted average assumptions used for grants:

	For the three months ended March 31,				For the six months ended March 31,
	2004		2003		2004		2003
Dividend Yield	0	%	0	%	0	%	0	%
Expected Volatility	261	%	238	%	261	%	312	%
Risk free interest rate	3.83		4.90		3.83		4.90
Expected lives (years)	5		5		5		5

Income Taxes

Current income tax expense is the amount of income taxes expected to be payable for the current year. A deferred income tax asset or liability is established for the expected future consequences resulting from the differences in the financial reporting and tax bases of assets and liabilities. Deferred income tax expense (benefit) is the change during the year in the deferred income tax asset or liability. Valuation allowances are established when necessary to reduce deferred tax assets to the amount expected to be “more likely than not” realized in the future based on the Company’s current and expected operating results.

Net Income (Loss) per Common Share

Basic net income (loss) per common share is computed as net income (loss) divided by the weighted average number of common shares outstanding during the year. Diluted net income (loss) per common share is computed as net loss divided by the weighted average number of common shares and potential common shares, using the treasury stock method, outstanding during the year and assumes conversion into common stock at the beginning of each period of all outstanding shares of convertible preferred stock, stock options, warrants and other potential common stock. Computations of diluted net income (loss) per share do not give effect to individual potential common stock for any period in which their inclusion would be anti-dilutive.

Statements of Cash Flows

The following table provides supplemental cash flow information:

	For the three months ended March 31,				For the six months ended March 31,
	2004		2003		2004		2003
Supplemental cash flow information:
Interest paid	$	4,000	$	1,000	$	6,000	$	3,000

Non-cash financing and investing activities:
Accrued preferred stock dividends	$	66,000	$	—	$	132,000	$	—
Fair value of equity instruments redeemable for common stock converted to common stock	$	1,159,000	$	—	$	1,159,000	$	—

Note 3 – Related Party Transactions

In September 2003 $5,291,000 of debt owed to Spescom Ltd. and Spescom UK was converted into preferred stock. The debt converted was comprised of the outstanding principal balance of promissory notes plus accrued but unpaid interest as well as accounts payable due to Spescom UK in the amount of $492,000. On September 30, 2003, the Company issued 5,291 Series F Convertible Preferred Stock to Spescom Ltd. with a stated value of $1,000 per share. The Series F preferred stock are convertible into common stock, beginning 45 days from the issuance date subject to availability of sufficient common shares at a stated conversion price of $0.45 per share subject to certain adjustments. The conversion is at the option of Spescom Ltd. through September 30, 2008.

Related party liabilities consist of the following:

	March 31, 2004		September 30, 2003
	(Unaudited)
Related party liabilities:
Notes and accrued interest payable on demand – Spescom UK	$	803,000	$	504,000

Total liabilities	$	803,000	$	504,000

On November 18, 2003 the Company issued a note payable to Spescom UK with a principal balance of $600,000 bearing interest rate of 5% per annum, with principal payable in two installments of approximately $300,000 plus interest at January 31, 2004 and March 31, 2004. The first payment of $305,000 was made on January 29, 2004 to Spescom UK and the second payment due date was extended to May 31, 2004. The Company expects to make the second payment by the May 31, 2004 due date. Interest expense on the note for the three and six months ended March 31, 2004 amounted to $5,000 and $7,000, respectively. This note is collateralized by a security interest in favor of Spescom UK in respect of all the Company’s assets.

In addition, the Company had two existing demand notes payable to Spescom UK for $400,000 and $100,000, each bearing interest rate of 10% per annum. Spescom Ltd. has agreed that it will not cause Spescom UK to demand repayment under the two notes prior to October 1, 2004. Interest expense on the notes was $18,000 and $33,000 for the three and six months ended March 31, 2004, respectively compared to $24,000 and $48,000 for the same period in 2003, respectively. These notes are collateralized by a security interest in favor of Spescom UK in respect of all the Company’s assets.

Spescom UK provides certain administrative and accounting functions for the Company’s United Kingdom subsidiary. The Company is billed a monthly fee by Spescom UK for reimbursement of certain costs in the United Kingdom including the office facilities, all accounting and human resources services, and certain corporate marketing activities. For the three and six months ended March 31, 2004 the administrative fees totaled $150,000 and $291,000, respectively, compared to $153,000 and $305,000 for the three and six month period ended March 31, 2003. The office rent for the Company’s United Kingdom operations included in the administrative fee totaled $88,000 and $170,000, respectively for the three and six months ended March 31, 2004 compared to $69,000 and $136,000, respectively for the three and six months ended March 31, 2003. At March 31, 2004 and September 2003 the Company had a payable to Spescom UK of $50,000 and $46,000, respectively. In 1999, as part of an agreement to sell the 60% interest in its United Kingdom subsidiary to Spescom UK, the lease for the United Kingdom office facility was to be assigned to Spescom Ltd.; however, the landlord did not grant its consent to the assignment. Since 1999, Spescom Ltd. has paid the lease for the entire office directly to the landlord. The lease expires in March 2006 and has an annual rent of $530,000. A portion of the office has been subleased to third party tenants for an annual rent of $252,000. The sublease also expires March 2006.

Spescom Ltd. and the Company have entered into a license agreement pursuant to which Spescom Ltd. has licensed to the Company the right to use the name “Spescom” and to use a trademark owned by Spescom Ltd. related to certain computer software. The Company will not pay any royalties to Spescom Ltd. in connection with this license. The license is for an indefinite term, but is terminable by either party upon 60 days prior written notice. Under the license agreement, Spescom Ltd. has agreed to indemnify and hold harmless the Company and its directors, officers, employees and agents against liabilities arising from any claim brought against the Company that alleges that Spescom Ltd.’s or the Company’s use of the licensed trademark infringes the rights of any third party, provided that the Company is in material compliance with the provisions of the license agreement.

Note 4 – Receivables

	March 31, 2004			September 30, 2003
	(Unaudited)
Receivables consist of:
Receivables	$	736,000		$	501,000
Less: allowance for doubtful accounts	(84,000		)	(78,000		)
	$	652,000		$	423,000

Note 5 – Reconciliation of Net Income (Loss) and Shares Used in Per Share Computations:

	For the three months ended March 31,						For the six months ended March 31,
	2004			2003			2004			2003
Net loss	$	(573,000	)	$	(378,000	)	$	(562,000	)	$	(440,000	)
Weighted average common shares outstanding used in computing basic and diluted net loss per common share	33,979,000			30,847,000			33,954,000			30,844,000

Employee stock options to acquire 1,640,000 and 101,000 shares of common stock were outstanding at March 31, 2004 and 2003, respectively. The shares were not included in the computation of diluted earnings per share because their effect was antidilutive.

In September 2003, the Company issued an option to purchase 2,500,000 shares of common stock to an investment consulting firm involved in a private placement and the Company issued 5,291 shares of Series F Preferred Stock with a stated value of $1,000 per share which are convertible into the Company’s common stock at a stated conversion price of $0.45 per share representing a total of 11,757,778 shares of common stock. In addition in September 2003, the Company issued warrants to participating investors of the private placement to purchase 1,008,335 shares of the Company’s common stock. The stock options, warrants and convertible preferred stock were excluded from calculations of per share amounts, because their effect would be antidilutive.

Note 6 – Segment and Geographic Information

The Company has one business segment, which consists of the development and sale of a suite of integrated document, configuration and records management software product.

Revenues for the three and six month periods ended March 31, 2004 and 2003 by customer location are as follows:

	For the three months ended March 31,				For the six months ended March 31,
	2004		2003		2004		2003
Net sales:
United States	$	938,000	$	929,000	$	2,346,000	$	2,243,000
Europe, primarily United Kingdom	637,000		823,000		1,166,000		1,774,000
Other International	26,000		63,000		214,000		87,000
	$	1,601,000	$	1,815,000	$	3,726,000	$	4,104,000

	March 31, 2004		September 30, 2003
	(Unaudited)
Identifiable assets from continuing operations:
United States	$	540,000	$	941,000
Europe, United Kingdom	667,000		289,000
	$	1,207,000	$	1,230,000

Note 7 - Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In November 2002, the FASB issued FASB Interpretation No. 45 (FIN No. 45), Guarantor’s Accounting and Disclosure Requirements for Guarantees, Including Indirect Guarantees of Indebtedness of Others. FIN No. 45 expands on the accounting guidance of FASB Statements No. 5, 57, and 107 and incorporates without change the provisions of FASB Interpretation No. 34, which is being superseded. FIN No. 45 will affect leasing transactions involving residual guarantees, vendor and manufacturer guarantees, and tax and environmental indemnities. All such guarantees will need to be disclosed in the notes to the financial statements starting with the period ending after December 15, 2002. Existing guarantees will be grandfathered and will not be recognized on the balance sheet. The provisions related to recognizing a liability at inception of the guarantee do not apply to product warranties, indemnification provisions in our software license arrangements or to guarantees accounted for as derivatives. The initial recognition and measurement provision are effective prospectively for

guarantees issued or modified on or after December 31, 2002 and the disclosure requirements apply to guarantees outstanding as of December 31, 2002. This interpretation did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or results of operations as we currently do not have any guarantees or obligations falling under the scope of Interpretation No. 45.

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation - Transition and Disclosure,” an amendment of SFAS No. 123. SFAS No. 148 provides alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. In addition, SFAS No. 148 amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require more prominent and more frequent disclosures in financial statements about the effects of stock-based compensation. This statement is effective for financial statements for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002. We are currently evaluating which method of transition to fair value accounting we will elect.

In January 2003, the Emerging Issues Task Force (EITF) issued No. 00-21, Accounting for Revenue Arrangements with Multiple Deliverables. This EITF establishes the criteria for recognizing revenue in arrangements when several items are bundled into one agreement. EITF 00-21 does not allow revenue recognition unless the fair value of the undelivered element(s) is available and the element has stand-alone value to the customer. EITF 00-21 also provides guidance on allocating the total contract revenue to the individual elements based upon the available fair value of each deliverable. This interpretation is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or consolidated results of operations.

In January 2003, the FASB issued Interpretation 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities. In general, a variable interest entity is a corporation, partnership, trust, or any other legal structure used for business purposes that either (a) do not have equity investors with voting rights or (b) have equity investors that do not provide sufficient financial resources for the entity to support its activities. Interpretation 46 requires a variable interest entity to be consolidated by a company if that company is subject to a majority of the risk of loss from the variable interest entity’s activities or entitled to receive a majority of the entity’s residual returns or both. The consolidation requirements of Interpretation 46 apply immediately to variable interest entities created after January 31, 2003. The consolidation requirements apply to older entities in the first fiscal year or interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. Certain of the disclosure requirements apply in all financial statements issued after January 31, 2003, regardless of when the variable interest entity was established. This interpretation is not expected to have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or consolidated results of operations as we currently do not have any variable interest entities falling within the scope of Interpretation 46.

In April 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 149, “Amendment of Statement 133 on Derivative Instruments and Hedging Activities.” SFAS No. 149 amends and clarifies accounting for derivative instruments, including certain derivative instruments embedded in other contracts and for hedging activities under SFAS 133, effective for reporting periods ending after June 30, 2003. In particular, SFAS No. 149 clarifies under what circumstances a contract within an initial net investment meets the characteristic of a derivative and when a derivative contains a financing component that warrants special reporting in the statement of cash flows. SFAS No. 149 is generally effective for contracts entered into or modified after June 30, 2003. The adoption of SFAS 149 had a material effect on our consolidated financial position or consolidated results of operations. See Note 9 Derivatives.

In May 2003, the FASB issued SFAS No. 150, “Accounting for Certain Financial Instruments with Characteristics of Both Liabilities and Equity.” SFAS No. 150 establishes standards for how an issuer classifies and measures certain financial instruments with characteristics of both liabilities and equity. It requires that an issuer classify a financial instrument that is within its scope as a liability (or an asset in some circumstances). Many of those instruments were previously classified as equity. SFAS No. 150 is effective for financial instruments entered into or modified after May 31, 2003, and otherwise is effective at the beginning of the first interim period beginning after June 15, 2003. The adoption of SFAS No. 150 did not have a material effect on our consolidated financial position or consolidated results of operations as we currently do not have any financial instruments falling within the scope of SFAS No. 150.

Note 8 – Equity

During the quarter ended, March 31, 2004 the company reclassified 5,291 shares of preferred stock valued at $6,790,000 related to the conversion of debt owed to Spescom and Spescom UK to equity from mezzanine equity (see Note 9). The Company recorded accrued dividends on the preferred stock of $65,000 and interest on unpaid accrued dividends of $1,000. Finally, the Company issued 90,000 shares of common stock valued at $46,000 to the Company’s investor relations firm for services rendered.

Note 9—Derivatives

At September 30, 2003, the Company did not have a sufficient number of authorized shares of its common stock to satisfy potential exercises of 1,108,335 warrants held by investors and 1,150,000 options held by non-employees. As a result, the fair value of such equity instruments was reclassified from shareholders’ deficit to current liabilities. The fair value of the warrants and options was determined using the Black-Scholes model at the date of reclassification and totaled $1,233,000. As of December 31, 2003 the total options held by non-employees was reduced by 130,000 options from 1,150,000 to 1,020,000 due to the exercise of 50,000 options and the expiration of 80,000 options. The Company recognized a gain of $5,000 on the revaluation of the remaining warrants and options as of December 31, 2003 The Annual Meeting of Shareholders was held on January 30, 2004. At the meeting, the shareholders approved a proposal to amend the Company’s Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of shares of authorized common stock from 40,000,000 to 100,000,000 shares. As a result, the Company has sufficient number of shares of common stock authorized to satisfy potential exercises of 1,108,335 warrants held by investors and 1,150,000 options held by non-employees. The fair value of such equity instruments of $1,159,000 was reclassified from current liabilities to equity and a gain of $1,000 was recognized on the revaluation of the warrants and options to equity during the quarter ended March 31, 2004. In addition the preferred stock of $6,790,000 was reclassified to equity from mezzanine equity.

ITEM 2. MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

Forward – Looking Statements

This report contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. These forward-looking statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from historical results or anticipated results, including those set forth under “Certain Factors That May Affect Future Results” below and elsewhere in, or incorporated by reference into, this report.

When used in the following discussion, the words “believes,” “anticipates” and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Such statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ materially from those projected. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date hereof. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly release the result of any revisions to these forward-looking statements, which may be made to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events.

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the Selected Consolidated Financial Data and the Consolidated Financial Statements, including the Notes thereto.

CRITICAL ACCOUNTING POLICIES

The consolidated financial statements are prepared in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America. As such, management is required to make judgments, estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities at the date of the consolidated financial statements and the reported amounts of revenues and expenses during the reporting period. The significant accounting policies which are most critical to aid in fully understanding and evaluating reported financial results include the following:

Revenue Recognition

The Company enters into contractual arrangements with end-users that may include licensing of the Company’s software products, product support and maintenance services, consulting services or various combinations thereof, including the sale of such products or services separately. The Company recognizes revenue in accordance with Statement of Position (“SOP”) 97-2 “Software Revenue Recognition” and SOP 98-9, “Modification of SOP 97-2, Software Revenue Recognition, with Respect to Certain Transactions” and Staff Accounting Bulletin (“SAB”) No. 101.

services are recognized when the services are performed and adequate evidence of providing such services is available. Contract revenues for long-term contracts or programs requiring specialized systems are recognized using the percentage-of-completion method of accounting, primarily based on contract labor hours incurred to date compared with total estimated labor hours at completion. Provisions for anticipated contract losses are recognized at the time they become known.

• The actual contractual terms, such as payment terms, delivery dates, and pricing of the various product and service elements of a contract

• Availability of products to be delivered

• Time period over which services are to be performed

• Creditworthiness of the customer

• The complexity of customizations to the Company’s software required by service contracts

• The sales channel through which the sale is made (direct, VAR, distributor, etc.)

• Discounts given for each element of a contract

• Any commitments made as to installation or implementation of “go live” dates

Allowance for Doubtful Accounts

The Company sells its products directly to end-users, generally requiring a significant up-front payment and remaining terms appropriate for the creditworthiness of the customer. The Company also sells its products to VARs and other software distributors generally under terms appropriate for the creditworthiness of the VAR or distributor. The Company retains no continuing obligations on sales to VARs. Receivables from customers are generally unsecured. The Company continuously monitors its customer account balances and actively pursues collections on past due balances. The Company maintains an allowance for doubtful accounts which is comprised of a general reserve based on historical collections performance plus a specific reserve for certain known customer collections issues. If actual bad debts are greater than the reserves calculated based on historical trends and known customer issues, the Company may be required to book additional bad debt expense which could have a material adverse effect on our business, results of operations and financial condition for the periods in which such additional expense occurs.

RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following table sets forth the condensed consolidated statement of operations expressed as a percentage of total revenue for the periods indicated:

	For the three months ended March 31,				For the six months ended March 31,
	2004		2003		2004		2003
Revenues
Licenses	22	%	20	%	40	%	31	%
Services and other	78	%	80	%	60	%	69	%
Total revenues	100	%	100	%	100	%	100	%

Cost of revenues
Licenses	3	%	7	%	4	%	10	%
Services and other	34	%	28	%	30	%	26	%
	37	%	34	%	34	%	36	%

Gross profit	63	%	66	%	66	%	64	%

Operating expenses:
Research and development	22	%	23	%	17	%	18	%
Marketing and sales	45	%	36	%	36	%	31	%
General and administrative	30	%	20	%	27	%	19	%
	97	%	79	%	80	%	68	%

Income (loss) from operations	(34	)%	(13	)%	(14	)%	(4	)%

Interest income and other income	—		—		—		—
Interest expense and other expense	(2	)%	(7	)%	(1	)%	(7	)%

Net Income (loss)	(36	)%	(21	)%	(15	)%	(11	)%

Revenues

License Revenues

(in thousands)

	Three Months Ended March 31,						Percent Change		Six Months Ended March 31,						Percent Change
	2004			2003			Percent Change		2004			2003			Percent Change
License Revenue	$	359		$	367		-2	%	$	1,478		$	1,288		15	%
Percentage of total revenue	22		%	20		%			40		%	31		%

License revenues decreased by $8,000, or 2%, to $359,000 from $367,000 for the three months ended March 1, 2004 as compared to the same period in 2003. The slight decrease for the quarter was due to timing of orders received from several customers. License revenues increased by $190,000, or 15%, to $1,478,000 from $1,288,000 for the six months ended March 31, 2004 as compared to the same period in 2003. The increase was due primarily to a sale to a new customer, Constellation Energy Group of $750,000 compared to two sales of $369,000 and $250,000 to Network Rail, formerly Railtrack and Bechtel, respectively during the corresponding period in the prior year. The Company is continuing to see higher sales of the eB product suite as a result of customers expanding their existing software systems and an increase in software orders from new customers in response to a higher demand for a comprehensive content management solution needed for business process compliance, corporate record keeping and enterprise collaboration.

We anticipate that the demand for enterprise document, configuration and records management software solutions will continue to increase if overall economic conditions continue to strengthen. The Company’s license revenues fluctuate from quarter to quarter, but we have experienced and expect to continue to see increased license revenue opportunities as more users are deployed throughout existing customer enterprises and as we make additional sales to new customers.

Although the Company has historically generated the majority of its revenues from its direct sales force, the Company has also established a network of third-party VARs, system integrators and OEMs who build and sell systems (with components or complete systems provided by the Company) that address specific customer needs within various industries, including those targeted directly by the Company. Sales through indirect channels for the three months ended March 31, 2004 amounted to $190,000, or 12% of total revenue compared to $35,000 or 2% of total revenue for the same period in 2003. Sales through indirect channels for the six months ended March 31, 2004 amounted to $300,000, or 8% of total revenue compared to $48,000 or 1% of total revenue for the same period in 2003.

The increase in indirect sales of $155,000 and $252,000 for the three and six months ended March 31, 2004 is due primarily to increased sales from one distributor in the United Kingdom.

A small number of customers have typically accounted for a large percentage of the Company’s annual revenues. CACI and Constellation Group accounted for 11% and 10%, respectively of revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2004 , while Railtrack accounted for 20% of revenue for three months ended March 31, 2003. Constellation Energy Group accounted for 24% of revenue for the six months ended March 31, 2004, while Network Rail accounted for 24% of revenue for six months ended March 31, 2003. The Company’s reliance on relatively few customers could have a material adverse effect on its results of operations on a quarterly basis.

Service and Other Revenues

(in thousands)

	Three Months Ended March 31,						Percent Change		Six Months Ended March 31,						Percent Change
	2004			2003			Percent Change		2004			2003			Percent Change
Service Revenue	$	1,242		$	1,448		-14	%	$	2,248		$	2,816		-20	%
Percentage of total revenue	78		%	80		%			60		%	69		%

Services and other revenues are comprised of maintenance and non-maintenance services. Non-maintenance services typically relate to business process studies, implementation of systems and training which vary with the level of license revenues while maintenance revenue is primarily dependent on customers renewing their annual maintenance support contracts.

Services and other revenue decreased in absolute dollars and as a percentage of total revenue for the three and six months ended March 31, 2004, as compared to the corresponding prior year periods. The $206,000, or 14%, decrease in the three months ended March 31, 2004 as compared to the same periods in 2003 was comprised of a $257,000, or 18%, reduction in non-maintenance service revenue which was offset by an increase of $51,000, or 4%, in maintenance revenue. The $568,000, or 20%, decrease in the six months ended March 31, 2004 as compared to the same period in 2003 consisted of a 20% reduction in non-maintenance service revenue and maintenance revenue remained unchanged. The decrease in overall service revenue in both periods presented was attributable reduced non-maintenance service revenue. In the three and six months ended March 31, 2004 the company had one large implementation service contract as compared to two large implementation service contracts for the same period in 2003.

We anticipate that service and other revenue will fluctuate primarily due to fluctuations in sales to new customers, which require more services that typically include a business process study, integration with other business systems and training. In addition, we expect that service and other revenues will continue to fluctuate from quarter to quarter based on the timing of customer orders.

Cost of Revenues

Cost of License Revenues

(in thousands)

	Three Months Ended March 31,						Percent Change		Six Months Ended March 31,						Percent Change
	2004			2003			Percent Change		2004			2003			Percent Change
Cost of License Revenue	$	53		$	125		-58	%	$	141		$	400		-65	%
Percentage of license revenue	15		%	34		%			10		%	31		%

Cost of licenses revenues consists of costs associated with reselling third-party products and amortization of internal software development costs.

Cost of license revenue decreased in absolute dollars and as a percentage of associated license revenue in both the three and six months ended March 31, 2004, as compared to the same periods in 2003. In the three months ended March 31, 2004as compared to the same period in 2003, there was an overall decrease of $82,000, or 66%, which was related to reduced amortization expense of capitalized software costs as a result of the a majority of such costs being fully amortized in 2003. The overall decrease was offset by an increase of $10,000, or 8%, in third-party costs due to higher sales of third-party products as a percentage of total sales, resulting in a $72,000, or 58%, decrease in cost of license revenue for the three months ended March 31, 2004, as compared to the same period in 2003. The overall decrease in cost of license revenues resulted in an improvement in gross profit percentage of license revenues to 85% for the three months ended March 31, 2004 as compared to 66% for the same period a year ago.

The costs of licensed revenues in the six months ended March 31, 2004 decreased $259,000, or 65% as compared to the same period in 2003. Approximately $230,000 of this decrease was related to reduced amortization expense of capitalized software as mentioned above. The remaining decrease of $29,000, was due to decreased third-party costs due to lower sales of third-party products as a percentage of total sales. The overall decrease in cost of license revenues resulted in an improvement in gross profit percentage of license revenues to 90% for the six months ended March 31, 2004 as compared to 70% for the same period a year ago.

We expect the cost of license revenues to fluctuate based on customer requirements for third-party software products since these costs have the largest impact on cost of license revenues.

Cost of Services and Other Revenues

(in thousands)

	Three Months Ended March 31,						Percent Change		Six Months Ended March 31,						Percent Change
	2004			2003			Percent Change		2004			2003			Percent Change
Cost of service and other revenue	$	541		$	500		8	%	$	1,107		$	1,094		1	%
Percentage of service and other revenue	44		%	35		%			49		%	39		%

Cost of services and other revenues consists primarily of personnel-related costs in providing consulting services, training to customers and support. It also includes costs associated with reselling third-party hardware and maintenance, which includes telephone support costs

Cost of services and other revenue increased in absolute dollars and as a percentage of associated service and other revenue in both the three and six months ended March 31, 2004 as compared to the same periods in 2003. The $41,000, or 8% and $13,000, or 1%, increase in the three and six months ended March 31, 2004, respectively, as compared to the same periods in 2003, was due primarily to increased labor and related costs. The increase in cost of services and other revenue combined with the decrease in service and other revenues resulted in a decrease in gross profit of 56% from services and other revenue for the three month period ended March 31, 2004 as compared to 65% for the same period a year ago. The gross profit from services and other revenue as a percentage of services and other revenues decreased to 51% for the six months ended March 31, 2004 as compared to 61% for the same period a year ago due to a 20% decrease in service and other revenues while cost of revenues increased 1% as the personnel dedicated to customer contracts remained relatively unchanged. We expect the cost of service and other revenues to fluctuate in absolute dollar amounts and as a percentage of total revenues as the related service revenue fluctuates.

Operating Expenses

Research and Development

(in thousands)

	Three Months Ended March 31,						Percent Change		Six Months Ended March 31,						Percent Change
	2004			2003			Percent Change		2004			2003			Percent Change
Research and development expenses	$	336		$	414		-19	%	$	668		$	737		-9	%
Percentage of total revenue	21		%	23		%			17		%	18		%

Research and development expenses consist of salaries and benefits for software developers as well as an allocation of corporate expenses, calculated on the basis of headcount, such as corporate insurance, facilities, telephone and other.

Research and development expenses decreased in absolute dollars in the three and six months ended March 31, 2004, as compared to the same periods in 2003. The $78,000, or 19%, and $69,000, or 9%, decrease in the respective three and six month periods was due primarily to reduced labor and related costs. In the prior year the Company was focused its efforts in product improvement which resulted in a new software release. In addition the Company reduced facility costs by moving to a smaller facility in the current year.

We believe that continued investment in research and development is a critical factor in maintaining our competitive position and we expect research and development costs to remain at the current levels in absolute dollar amounts in the next several quarters.

Marketing and Sales

(in thousands)

	Three Months Ended March 31,						Percent Change		Six Months Ended March 31,						Percent Change
	2004			2003			Percent Change		2004			2003			Percent Change
Marketing and sales expenses	$	726		$	657		11	%	$	1,331		$	1,283		4	%
Percentage of total revenue	45		%	36		%			36		%	31		%

Marketing and sales expenses consist of salaries, cost of benefits, sales commissions and other expenses related to the direct sales force, as well as allocation of overall corporate expenses, calculated on the basis of headcount, related to items such as corporate insurance, facilities, telephone and other.

Marketing and sales expenses increased in absolute dollars and as a percentage of total revenue for the three and six months ended March 31, 2004, as compared to the same periods in 2003. The increase of $69,000, or 11%, for the three months ended March 31, 2004 was due to increased marketing costs of $49,000 including tradeshows, user conferences, travel and advertising. In addition, commissions earned increased by $20,000 from the prior year.

The increase of $48,000, or 4%, for the six months ended March 31, 2004 as compared to the same period in 2003 was due to increased marketing costs of $116,000 relating to tradeshows, user conferences, travel and advertising which was partially offset by a reduction in outside consultants of $43,000 due to our bringing certain marketing and sales services in-house and reduced occupancy costs of $23,000 due to our moving the corporate offices into a smaller facility.

We expect marketing and sales expense to increase in absolute dollar amounts and as a percentage of total revenue as a result of the planned expansion of our sales and marketing efforts in the next several quarters.

General and Administrative

(in thousands

	Three Months Ended March 31,						Percent Change		Six Months Ended March 31,						Percent Change
	2004			2003			Percent Change		2004			2003			Percent Change
General and administrative expenses	$	482		$	363		33	%	$	989		$	771		28	%
Percentage of total revenue	30		%	20		%			27		%	19		%

General and administrative expenses consist primarily of personnel costs for finance, information technology, human resources and general management, as well as outside professional services and an allocation of overall corporate expenses, calculated on the basis of headcount, such as corporate insurance, facilities, telephone and other.

General and administrative expenses increased in absolute dollars and as a percentage of total revenue for the three and six months ended March 31, 2004, as compared to the same period in 2003. The 33%, or $119,000 increase in the three months ended March 31, 2004 as compared to the same period in 2003, was primarily due to increased accounting and legal fees of $45,000 relating to several registration statement filings, increased costs associated with the annual shareholder meeting of $30,000 and increased investor relations costs of $27,000 relating to a new public relations firm engaged in September 2003.

The 28%, or $218,000 increase in the six months ended March 31, 2004 as compared to the same period in 2003 was due primarily to an increase in accounting and legal fees of $132,000 relating to routine SEC review of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended September 30, 2002 and several registration filings. In addition, the Company incurred additional expenses of $56,000 relating to a new public relations firm engaged in September, 2003, and increased costs of $30,000 associated with the annual shareholder meeting held in January, 2004.

We expect that general and administrative expenses will fluctuate in absolute dollars based on the timing of accounting and legal matters such as the Company’s recent registration statement filings.

INTEREST EXPENSE

Interest expense consists primarily of fixed interest obligations on our outstanding debt to Spescom Ltd. as well as interest paid on capital lease obligations. Interest expense was $37,000 and $58,000 for the three and six months ended March 31, 2004, respectively, as compared to $134,000 and $259,000 for the comparable periods in 2003. The decrease is due to decreased debt balances owed to Spescom UK due to the conversion of debt to convertible preferred stock in September 2003.

LIQUIDITY AND CAPITAL RESOURCES

At March 31, 2004, the Company’s cash and cash equivalents totaled $220,000 as compared to $333,000 at March 31, 2003. Its current ratio (current assets divided by current liabilities) was .21 at March 31, 2004.

For the six months ended March 31, 2004, cash provided by financing activities totaled $297,000, primarily from a short-term note payable issued to Spescom Ltd.. Cash used in operating activities totaled $400,000 and primarily relates to the decrease in receivables which resulted from the collection of a large receivable during the quarter.

The Company has received loans from Spescom Ltd. in the past to meet its obligations. The outstanding balance of its loans from Spescom increased to $803,000 at March 31, 2004 from $504,000 at September 30, 2003 due to the issuance of a $600,000 short-term note payable to Spescom UK. Such loans are secured by all of the assets of the Company. The short-term note payable was due in two payments of approximately $300,000 in January 31, 2004 and March 31, 2004. The first payment of $305,000 was made on January 29, 2004 and the second payment has been extended to May 31, 2004. The remaining notes are due in October 2004.

In fiscal year 2003, Spescom Ltd. supported the Company’s operations by extending the due dates of notes payable and by converting $5.3 million in debt and other obligations owed to Spescom Ltd. to preferred stock. The preferred stock is entitled to receive dividends of 5% of the stated value per share per annum, payable on a quarterly basis in cash or common stock. The Company shall pay interest on all accrued but unpaid dividends at 8% per anum compounded annually from the date of accrual until paid. The Company has recorded accrued dividends on the preferred stock of $131,000 and interest of $1,000 as of March 31, 2004. Spescom Ltd. has stated that it has the ability and will continue to fund the Company’s operations through October 1, 2004, if necessary.

However, the funding of such loans may be delayed or prevented by currency exchange regulations of the Republic of South Africa, under which Spescom is required to apply for and obtain the approval of the South African Reserve Bank before providing any funds to the Company. Spescom Ltd. is presently unaware of any reason why such Reserve Bank approval should not be given.

CONTRACTUAL OBLIGATIONS AND COMMERCIAL COMMITMENTS

The following summarizes our contractual obligations and other commitments at March 31, 2004, and the effect such obligations could have on our liquidity and cash flow in future periods:

	Amount of Commitment Expiring by Period
	Less Than 1 Year		1-3 Years		4-5 Years		Over 5 Years	Total
Notes and Accounts Payable to Spescom	$	803,000	$	—	$	—	—	$	803,000
Capital Lease Obligations	22,000		50,000		2,000			74,000
Operating Lease Obligations	237,000		749,000		371,000		—	1,357,000
Total	$	1,062,000	$	799,000	$	373,000	—	$	2,234,000

The notes and accounts payable to Spescom increased $300,000 from September 30, 2003 to March 31, 2004. This increase is due to a $600,000 short term note payable issued by the Company to Spescom UK. The Company paid the first payment of $305,000 of principal and interest on January 29, 2004 and the remaining balance of $300,000 plus accrued interest is due on May 31, 2004.

OFF-BALANCE SHEET ARRANGEMENTS

At March 31, 2004 and September 30, 2003, we did not have any other relationships with unconsolidated entities or financial partnerships, including entities often referred to as structured finance or special purpose entities that would have been established for the purpose of facilitating off-balance sheet arrangements or other contractually narrow or limited purposes. Therefore, we are not materially exposed to any financing, liquidity, market or credit risk that could arise if we were engaged in such relationships.

CERTAIN FACTORS THAT MAY AFFECT FUTURE RESULTS

Foreign Currency

The Company’s geographic markets are primarily in the United States and Europe, with some sales in other parts of the world. For the six months ended March 31, 2004, revenues from the United States were 64% of total revenues, and revenues from Europe and other locations were 36% of total revenues. This compares to 52% and 48% respectively for the same period a year ago. Revenues from our United Kingdom subsidiary can fluctuate from quarter to quarter based on the timing of customer orders. The reduced revenue in the current quarter was partially offset by a foreign currency gain of $84,000 due to a weakened dollar value compared to the sterling pound. Changes in foreign currency rates, the condition of local economies, and the general volatility of software markets may result in a higher or lower proportion of foreign revenues in the future. Although the Company’s operating and pricing strategies take into account changes in exchange rates over time, future fluctuations in the value of foreign currencies may have a material adverse effect on the Company’s business, operating results and financial condition.

Inflation

The Company believes that inflation has not had a material effect on its operations to date. Although the Company enters into fixed-price contracts, management does not believe that inflation will have an adverse material impact on its operations for the foreseeable future, as the Company takes into account expected inflation in its contract proposals and is generally able to project its costs based on forecasted contract requirements.

ITEM 3. QUANTITATIVE AND QUALITATIVE DISCLOSURES ABOUT MARKET RISK

Interest Rate Risk

The Company’s exposure to market rate risk for changes in interest rates relates primarily to the Company’s investment portfolio. As of March 31, 2004 the Company had investments in money market accounts totaling $180,000. The Company does not use derivative financial instruments in its investment portfolio. The Company places its investment with high quality issuers and follows internally developed guidelines to limit the amount of credit exposure to any one issuer. Additionally, in an attempt to limit interest rate risk, the Company follows guidelines to limit the average and longest single maturity dates. The Company is adverse to principal loss and ensures the safety and preservation of its invested funds by limiting default, market and reinvestment risk. The Company’s investments include money market accounts, as of March 31, 2004.

ITEM 4. CONTROLS AND PROCEDURES

The Company carried out an evaluation, under the supervision and with the participation of the Company’s management, including the Company’s Chief Executive Officer and Chief Financial Officer, of the effectiveness of the design and operation of the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures pursuant to Exchange Act Rule 13a-14. Based upon that evaluation, we have concluded that, as of March 31, 2004, the Company’s disclosure controls and procedures are effective in recording, processing, summarizing and reporting within the time periods specified in the SEC’s rules and forms material information relating to the Company (including its consolidated subsidiaries) required to be included in the Company’s periodic SEC filings.

During the last fiscal quarter, there were no significant changes in the Company’s internal control over financial reporting or in other factors that materially affected, or are reasonably likely to materially affect, the Company’s internal controls over financial reporting.

PART II. OTHER INFORMATION

ITEM 1 – LEGAL PROCEEDINGS

The Company is involved from time to time in litigation arising in the normal course of business. Management believes that any liability with respect to such routine litigation, individually or in the aggregate, is not likely to be material to the Company’s consolidated financial position or results of operations.

ITEM 4 – SUBMISSION OF MATTERS TO A VOTE OF SECURITY HOLDERS

The Annual Meeting of Shareholders was held on January 30, 2004. At the meeting, the shareholders approved three proposals. The shareholders approved a proposal to amend the Company’s 1996 Stock Incentive Plan to increase the aggregate number of shares of common stock reserved for issuance from 2,425,000 to 5,425,000 shares. The proposal was approved with 22,231,632 voting for, 683,033 voting against and 156,208 abstaining. The shareholders also approved a proposal to amend the Company’s Articles of Incorporation to increase the number of shares of authorized common stock from 40,000,000 to 100,000,000 shares. The proposal was approved with 29,930,478 voting for, 652,144 voting against and 126,944 abstaining. The shareholders also approved a proposal to amend the Company’s Articles of Incorporation to change the name of the Company to Spescom Software Inc. from Altris Software Inc. The proposal was approved with 30,464,823 voting for, 155,225 voting against and 89,518 abstaining.

In addition, at the meeting, the shareholders approved the election of the following individuals as directors who will hold office until the next annual meeting: Carl Mostert, D. Ross Hamilton, Hilton Issacman, Johann Leitner, James P. Myers and Larry D. Unruh.

ITEM 6 – EXHIBITS AND REPORTS ON FORM 8-K:

(a)	Exhibits

3.1*	Registrant’s Articles of Incorporation, as amended.

3.2*	Registrant’s Bylaws, as amended.

10.1 (1)	Lease between The Irvine Company and Spescom Software Inc., dated February 25, 2001.

10.2 (2)	10.0% promissory note due October 15, 2003 in principal amount of $1,235,076 issued by Spescom Software Inc. to Spescom Ltd. South Africa on February 15, 2002.

10.3 (3)	10.0% promissory note due October 15, 2003 in principal amount of $1,810,383 issued by Spescom Software Inc. to Spescom Ltd., a United Kingdom corporation, on February 15, 2002.

10.4 (4)	Security agreement between Spescom Software Inc. and Spescom Limited, a United Kingdom corporation and Spescom Limited, a South African corporation and collectively with Spescom UK dated February 15, 2002.

10.5 (5)	10% promissory note due upon demand in principal amount of $400,000 issued by Spescom Software Inc. to Spescom Ltd., a United Kingdom corporation, on March 15, 2002.

10.6 (6)	Security agreement dated March 15, 2002 between Spescom Software Inc., a California corporation and Spescom Ltd., a United Kingdom corporation.

10.7 (7)	Pledge agreement executed March 15, 2002 by and between Spescom Software Inc., a California corporation, Spescom Ltd., a United Kingdom corporation, and Solomon Ward Seidenwurm & Smith, LLP.

10.8 (8)	10.0% promissory note due upon demand in principal amount of $500,000 issued by Spescom Software Inc. to Spescom Ltd., a United Kingdom corporation, on April 19, 2002.

10.9 (9)	10.0% promissory note due upon demand in principal amount of $700,000 issued by Spescom Software Inc. to Spescom Ltd., a United Kingdom corporation, on May 31, 2002.

10.10 (10)	5.0% promissory note due in two payments of $300,000 in principal and accrued interest on January 31, 2004 and March 31, 2004, respectively issued by Spescom Software Inc. to Spescom Ltd., a United Kingdom corporation, on November 18, 2003.

31.1	Section 302 Certification by Carl Mostert, Chief Executive Officer.

31.2	Section 302 Certification by John W. Low, Chief Financial Officer.

32.1	Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

32.2	Certification pursuant to 18 U.S.C. Section 1350, as adopted pursuant to Section 906 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.

(b)	Reports on Form 8-K.

	We furnished the SEC a report on Form 8-K dated February 2, 2004 that announced the approval from the Company’s shareholders an amendment to the Articles of Incorporation to change the name from Altris Software Inc. to Spescom Software Inc. We furnished to the SEC two reports on Form 8-K dated April 21, 2004. The first 8-K announced the dismissal of Grant Thornton, LLP as the principal independent accountants of the Company. In addition, the Company announced the appointment of Singer, Lewak, Greenbaum and Goldstein, LLP as the new principal independent accountants. The Second 8-K announced the appointment of Michael Silverman to the Board of Directors of the Company. We furnished the SEC a report on Form 8-K dated April 26, 2004 that announced preliminary results for the Company’s second fiscal quarter ended March 31, 2004. Revenues were approximately $1.6 million with an estimated loss of approximately $573,000 or $0.02 per share.

(1)	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.27 to the Form 10-K filed on November 23, 2001.
(2)	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.28 to the Form 10-Q filed on May 15, 2002.
(3)	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.29 to the Form 10-Q filed on May 15, 2002.
(4)	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.30 to the Form 10-Q filed on May 15, 2002.
(5)	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.31 to the Form 10-Q filed on May 15, 2002.
(6)	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.32 to the Form 10-Q filed on May 15, 2002.
(7)	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.33 to the Form 10-Q filed on May 15, 2002.
(8)	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.34 to the Form 10-Q filed on August 14, 2002.
(9)	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.35 to the Form 10-Q filed on August 14, 2002.
(10)	Incorporated by reference to Exhibit 10.10 to the Form 10-Q filed on February 13, 2004.
*	Incorporated herein by this reference from previous filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission.

SIGNATURES

Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned thereunto duly authorized.

Signature	Title	Date

/s/ Carl Mostert	Director and Chief Executive Officer (Principal Executive Officer)	May 14, 2004
Carl Mostert

/s/ John W. Low	Chief Financial Officer and Secretary (Principal Financial and Accounting Officer)	May 14, 2004
John W. Low