CA Finally Changes Its Colors

Sometimes, being predictable is a fantastic way to do business. Just ask the folks over at CA Inc. (formerly Computer Associates). Some of the company’s biggest critics have warmed up to CEO John Swainson and his new CA, which is quietly generating a fairly predictable revenue stream. Here’s the scoop.

First, a little background. Over the past decade, journalist Mark Harrington has been a hard-hitting reporter for Newsday, Long Island’s largest paper. He pulls no punches with his coverage. Harrington frequently asked the hard questions long before financial investigators started probing CA’s books earlier this decade. The accounting scandal at CA ultimately landed former CEO Sanjay Kumar in prison.

Current CEO Swainson has since cleaned up CA’s act. And Harrington’s latest piece, published today in Newsday, paints a dramatically improved picture of CA. In the story, Harrington writes:

In this case, normal is a beautiful thing. Partners, customers and would-be takeover targets can now deal with CA in good faith. Swainson appears to have CA’s house in order.

The VAR Guy first noticed some of CA’s progress in April 2007. Now, Harrington and Newsday solidify the growing market perception that today’s CA really is a new CA.

What a difference patient leadership and time make. During CA’ darkest moments, the media piled on — with Fortune calling Computer Associates “America’s Most Dysfunctional Company” in November 2006.

Perhaps it’s time for Fortune (and The VAR Guy) to give CA a clean bill of health.