MacDailyNews Take: Microsoft never symbolized the future to anyone who even partially understood what they were witnessing. Microsoft symbolized “oh, look, I can get something that I delude myself is close to a Mac because I’m too cheap and/or ignorant to get the real thing.”
Goldman continues, “Microsoft has been late to the game in crucial modern technologies like mobile, search, media, gaming and tablets. It has even fallen behind in Web browsing, a market it once ruled with an iron fist.”
MacDailyNews Take: Illegally.
Goldman continues, “It’s not like Microsoft didn’t foresee the changes ahead. With a staff of almost 90,000, the company has many of the tech world’s smartest minds on its payroll, and has incubated projects in a wide range of fields that later took off.”
MacDailyNews Take: We, of all people, could run the company better than Ballmer with 1/10th the staff. Imagine what a real CEO could do. (May Ballmer remain Microsoft CEO for as long as it takes!)
Goldman continues, “Experiments like Courier (tablets), HailStorm/Passport (digital identity), and Windows Media Center (content in the cloud) show the company was ahead of the game in many areas — but then it either failed to bring those products to market, or didn’t execute.”
MacDailyNews Take: Courier was total vapor intended to distract from Apple’s real tablet. Obviously, it worked for the easily distracted. That Goldman includes it as an example of being “ahead of the game” is a joke and ought to be embarrassing to him. Ignorance is bliss.
Goldman continues, “‘In this age, the race really is to the swift. You cannot afford to be an hour late or a dollar short,” says Laura DiDio, principal analyst at ITIC. “Now the biggest question is: Can they make it in the 21st century and compete with Google and Apple?’ Some influential analysts think not. Several have downgraded Microsoft’s stock in recent weeks, as PC sales continue to slow and Microsoft struggles with its tablet strategy. The company’s stock is down more than 17% this year.”
“As Apple has proven, success in consumer products can fuel explosive growth. Apple surpassed Microsoft’s market value earlier this year, and is on pace to eclipse the company in sales for 2010,” Goldman reports. “And if Microsoft cedes consumer ground, it risks its enterprise stronghold. Businesses are becoming more willing to allow employees to use their personal devices for work purposes, and a growing number of those gizmos are Macs, iPads, [and] iPhones…”
Full article here.
MacDailyNews Take: It’s telling that even people who are as confused about what Microsoft was/is as Goldman are beginning to see the end. People are finally waking up. The one true innovator will win the war, not the bloated, slow-footed imitator whose only real “win” came when Apple was being run (into the ground) by incompetents.
Haahaa (in an annoying Nelson voice)
Haahaa (in an annoying Nelson voice)
“‘In this age, the race really is to the swift.”
Nope, the race is to the prepared. Steve Jobs and Co. have focused a lot money and years in developing the Apple ecosystem.
“‘In this age, the race really is to the swift.”
Nope, the race is to the prepared. Steve Jobs and Co. have focused a lot money and years in developing the Apple ecosystem.
It’s telling on how Microsoft fooled (or is that payed off?) an entire industry when Goldman thinks that VaporWare products were ‘innovative’.
It’s telling on how Microsoft fooled (or is that payed off?) an entire industry when Goldman thinks that VaporWare products were ‘innovative’.
In general, if something has a Microsoft logo on it, that is like a bull’s eye and that product will either lock up, crash, or just disappoint the user. If there is an upgrade, your Microsoft software and products will need to be replaced because, Microsoft follows their standards not the standard set by the manufacturer of the device or system.
And where is the “Dancing Monkey” app?
In general, if something has a Microsoft logo on it, that is like a bull’s eye and that product will either lock up, crash, or just disappoint the user. If there is an upgrade, your Microsoft software and products will need to be replaced because, Microsoft follows their standards not the standard set by the manufacturer of the device or system.
And where is the “Dancing Monkey” app?
Kudos to @MacTony. He nailed it.
Kudos to @MacTony. He nailed it.
Best quote in the article –
“So it’s up to Microsoft to turn that around by being a leader, rather than a follower, in the consumer market.”
When has that ever happened?
Best quote in the article –
“So it’s up to Microsoft to turn that around by being a leader, rather than a follower, in the consumer market.”
When has that ever happened?
MacTony, I agree. The race goes to companies with vision and the balls to implement it.
MacTony, I agree. The race goes to companies with vision and the balls to implement it.
Sadly, this will be a very slow death. Believe it or not, there is a VERY large world outside the U.S. boarders and, for the most part, the rest of the world is still entrenched in Windows and Office and will be for the next 5-10 years.
Believe me, I am NOT happy about this. But it does seem to be current reality (let us all pray that that reality changes quickly)…
Sadly, this will be a very slow death. Believe it or not, there is a VERY large world outside the U.S. boarders and, for the most part, the rest of the world is still entrenched in Windows and Office and will be for the next 5-10 years.
Believe me, I am NOT happy about this. But it does seem to be current reality (let us all pray that that reality changes quickly)…
“Hour late”
Try three years late +
“Hour late”
Try three years late +
While I agree that Microsoft is a dying company I do take exception with one comment that was made, Specifically, “I can get something that I delude myself is close to a Mac because I’m too cheap and/or ignorant to get the real thing.” While that holds true for some, there still is a segment of the population that can’t afford Apple products. They can get a Dell for $400 with a monitor. True it will suck, but they can still get connected to the internet and work with their digital photos. Until Apple can figure out how to service that market, their will still be a need for Microsoft or some other company that services those folks.
While I agree that Microsoft is a dying company I do take exception with one comment that was made, Specifically, “I can get something that I delude myself is close to a Mac because I’m too cheap and/or ignorant to get the real thing.” While that holds true for some, there still is a segment of the population that can’t afford Apple products. They can get a Dell for $400 with a monitor. True it will suck, but they can still get connected to the internet and work with their digital photos. Until Apple can figure out how to service that market, their will still be a need for Microsoft or some other company that services those folks.
According to MDN, “Courier was total vapor intended to distract from Apple’s real tablet.”. To which I respond “Yeah, Right!” At the time “Courier” was playing its “vapor” role – and I don’t argue this – there was little more than a rumor that Apple was even thinking about the possibility of making a tablet. And Apple was not supporting those vague rumors in any way. Yet the Linux crowd, including the Android folk, were actively floating their own project plans … all of which turned to vapor once the iPad was launched. Actually, many were pulled back for reconsideration when the iPhone debuted.
Yes, we recognize that Apple is the instrument meant to bring down MSFT … now. But THEY saw only an annoying FLEA at the time. Linux appeared the greater danger to them.
According to MDN, “Courier was total vapor intended to distract from Apple’s real tablet.”. To which I respond “Yeah, Right!” At the time “Courier” was playing its “vapor” role – and I don’t argue this – there was little more than a rumor that Apple was even thinking about the possibility of making a tablet. And Apple was not supporting those vague rumors in any way. Yet the Linux crowd, including the Android folk, were actively floating their own project plans … all of which turned to vapor once the iPad was launched. Actually, many were pulled back for reconsideration when the iPhone debuted.
Yes, we recognize that Apple is the instrument meant to bring down MSFT … now. But THEY saw only an annoying FLEA at the time. Linux appeared the greater danger to them.
I seem to remember something about microsoft loaning/investing in a dying company some years ago called “Apple”. At the time this Apple company was about to go under and needed cash. Maybe Apple should now help it’s struggling benefactor.
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I seem to remember something about microsoft loaning/investing in a dying company some years ago called “Apple”. At the time this Apple company was about to go under and needed cash. Maybe Apple should now help it’s struggling benefactor.
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You can have all the brightest and best minds surrounding you, but if you lack leadership and vision, your ship will sink. MS has proven this over the past 25 years. Now the truth is being exposed.
You can have all the brightest and best minds surrounding you, but if you lack leadership and vision, your ship will sink. MS has proven this over the past 25 years. Now the truth is being exposed.
Tech coach potatos are slow to see the future while watching information on the next article on that HD boob-tube. Yet, they finally absorb the information through some magical method or by realizing their articles are not coming true. What ever the reason, they seem stunned as the screen turns blue on their computer and the TV goes black as their high carb food runs out!
Tech coach potatos are slow to see the future while watching information on the next article on that HD boob-tube. Yet, they finally absorb the information through some magical method or by realizing their articles are not coming true. What ever the reason, they seem stunned as the screen turns blue on their computer and the TV goes black as their high carb food runs out!
I just got my invitation to join Windows Live Documents and when I click on the link, I get a webpage with “null” (both Safari and Firefox). Fail!
I just got my invitation to join Windows Live Documents and when I click on the link, I get a webpage with “null” (both Safari and Firefox). Fail!
Ned, You don’t believe a Dell or HP running Linux can service that market? I fully agree with you that Apple has not (and OUGHT not) serviced to low-budget portion of the desktop market, but that segment is shrinking and shifting. The iPad is eating into some of it and the Linux crowd into more. Between them, they should be able to reduce Windows to a bit player.
Apple doesn’t WANT a big chunk of the low-profit sub-$999 market. Look at the mini … all the Mac that could fit into the case designed for the AppleTV! An afterthought!
Ned, You don’t believe a Dell or HP running Linux can service that market? I fully agree with you that Apple has not (and OUGHT not) serviced to low-budget portion of the desktop market, but that segment is shrinking and shifting. The iPad is eating into some of it and the Linux crowd into more. Between them, they should be able to reduce Windows to a bit player.
Apple doesn’t WANT a big chunk of the low-profit sub-$999 market. Look at the mini … all the Mac that could fit into the case designed for the AppleTV! An afterthought!
…”I seem to remember something about microsoft loaning/investing in a dying company some years ago called “Apple”. At the time this Apple company was about to go under and needed cash.”
I don’t think anyone believes MS and Apple had quite reversed their position from the late 90’s yet, but when they do, perhaps Apple’s $150M (adjusted for inflation at that point) could help MS sustain their buisnes until they find a replacement CEO who will know what he’s doing. Actually, this may end up happening when Ballmer decides to retire (once his youngest is done with college).
Let’s not forget, though, Microsoft’s $150M investment in Apple stock (back in 1997) was a symbolic 5% worth, and they eventually sold it all (many years ago, at hefty profit, of course). More significant moment that arguably saved Mac was MS’s commitment to continue development of MS Office for Mac for the next five years.
…”I seem to remember something about microsoft loaning/investing in a dying company some years ago called “Apple”. At the time this Apple company was about to go under and needed cash.”
I don’t think anyone believes MS and Apple had quite reversed their position from the late 90’s yet, but when they do, perhaps Apple’s $150M (adjusted for inflation at that point) could help MS sustain their buisnes until they find a replacement CEO who will know what he’s doing. Actually, this may end up happening when Ballmer decides to retire (once his youngest is done with college).
Let’s not forget, though, Microsoft’s $150M investment in Apple stock (back in 1997) was a symbolic 5% worth, and they eventually sold it all (many years ago, at hefty profit, of course). More significant moment that arguably saved Mac was MS’s commitment to continue development of MS Office for Mac for the next five years.
Ned: spot on!
I support a company of 60k+ employees. It’s easy to see trends if others rather than my own. MS is going no where! Apple is simply growing. A new generation can afford something different. Some may say better. Better for whom? If you’re tech (and can fix your own issues) MS is a fine alternative. Make no mistake, vmfusion is one of their hottest selling apps. And so for a reason.
Ned: spot on!
I support a company of 60k+ employees. It’s easy to see trends if others rather than my own. MS is going no where! Apple is simply growing. A new generation can afford something different. Some may say better. Better for whom? If you’re tech (and can fix your own issues) MS is a fine alternative. Make no mistake, vmfusion is one of their hottest selling apps. And so for a reason.
@Ned
“… there still is a segment of the population that can’t afford Apple products. They can get a Dell for $400 with a monitor. True it will suck, but they can still get connected to the internet and work with their digital photos. Until Apple can figure out how to service that market, …”
Ned, perhaps you haven’t heard of an obscure, new gizmo from Apple, that a few people have taken to, called,
the “iPad”?
@Ned
“… there still is a segment of the population that can’t afford Apple products. They can get a Dell for $400 with a monitor. True it will suck, but they can still get connected to the internet and work with their digital photos. Until Apple can figure out how to service that market, …”
Ned, perhaps you haven’t heard of an obscure, new gizmo from Apple, that a few people have taken to, called,
the “iPad”?
@Ned
This is true. I’ve always said for years the reason that companies like Dell and Microsoft succeed is because people will always settle for less as long as it costs less. The difference between having a crappy computer and having NO computer is huge.
@Ned
This is true. I’ve always said for years the reason that companies like Dell and Microsoft succeed is because people will always settle for less as long as it costs less. The difference between having a crappy computer and having NO computer is huge.
@NHL But you need a computer to update, sync, etc. your iPad, so it is not truly a laptop replacement. Until the iPad can do all this without the need for another computer, then it is not truly a laptop replacement.
@NHL But you need a computer to update, sync, etc. your iPad, so it is not truly a laptop replacement. Until the iPad can do all this without the need for another computer, then it is not truly a laptop replacement.
@NHL,
Yes, I have heards of the iPAD. In fact, I own one and love it. My entire home is full of Apple products. I cut my teeth as a programmer on an Apple IIe when I was 8 years old.
At $499 the iPad is still more expensive than a cheap Dell. For us Apple fans, that may not matter as we do tend to have more disposable income. However, there are those for whom that extra $99 or more makes a huge difference. It is true the Apple may never service that market and that is fine. Their financials indicate they have and continue to make the right strategic decisions. My point is that by not offering a product to those folks, a viable market segment remains open for Microsoft (or possibly Linux) and thus Microsoft may be around for sometime all be it in a dimished state.
@NHL,
Yes, I have heards of the iPAD. In fact, I own one and love it. My entire home is full of Apple products. I cut my teeth as a programmer on an Apple IIe when I was 8 years old.
At $499 the iPad is still more expensive than a cheap Dell. For us Apple fans, that may not matter as we do tend to have more disposable income. However, there are those for whom that extra $99 or more makes a huge difference. It is true the Apple may never service that market and that is fine. Their financials indicate they have and continue to make the right strategic decisions. My point is that by not offering a product to those folks, a viable market segment remains open for Microsoft (or possibly Linux) and thus Microsoft may be around for sometime all be it in a dimished state.
Well I think Apple somewhat trying to save Microsoft by mentioning Mac Office 2011 at the October Apple Event. Microsoft has not been truly innovative. That tabletop touchscreen computer that’s was running off a Core Duo 2 or for Mac users a Mac mini doesn’t count because it was $15,000. It seems Microsoft abandoned that already like WebTV, Zune, MSN Direct plus more. People are tired of being suckered in by Microsoft. This is why I wonder why they even would dare to open a Microsoft Store especially at Mall America across from the Apple Store. Microsoft needs to be original actually stop fighting Apple and support them more. If Steve Balmers wasn’t such a idiot he should had Office on iPhone in 2008 and iPad this year. What CEO takes over after Ballmers is going to see ALL his mistakes and make better business decisions.
Well I think Apple somewhat trying to save Microsoft by mentioning Mac Office 2011 at the October Apple Event. Microsoft has not been truly innovative. That tabletop touchscreen computer that’s was running off a Core Duo 2 or for Mac users a Mac mini doesn’t count because it was $15,000. It seems Microsoft abandoned that already like WebTV, Zune, MSN Direct plus more. People are tired of being suckered in by Microsoft. This is why I wonder why they even would dare to open a Microsoft Store especially at Mall America across from the Apple Store. Microsoft needs to be original actually stop fighting Apple and support them more. If Steve Balmers wasn’t such a idiot he should had Office on iPhone in 2008 and iPad this year. What CEO takes over after Ballmers is going to see ALL his mistakes and make better business decisions.
Next big event will be the day Google passes Microsoft in market cap, which is swiftly approaching. When that occurs MSFT stock will fall big time and Ballmer will be ousted.
In five years time when Windows revenue has dried up their loss leader divisions such as XBox will be either sold off or scrapped. They will be like a bigger version of Sega, writing apps for other peoples’ platforms.
The rot set in back in 99-2000. It just took the world a while to notice.
Next big event will be the day Google passes Microsoft in market cap, which is swiftly approaching. When that occurs MSFT stock will fall big time and Ballmer will be ousted.
In five years time when Windows revenue has dried up their loss leader divisions such as XBox will be either sold off or scrapped. They will be like a bigger version of Sega, writing apps for other peoples’ platforms.
The rot set in back in 99-2000. It just took the world a while to notice.
One accurate statement here is that ms has many of the tech world’s smartest minds on the payroll. However, within the tech world, ms is famous for not letting those minds have any influence or even do anything.
I wish CNN wouldn’t post these articles. Msft stockholders might see them and demand new management.
One accurate statement here is that ms has many of the tech world’s smartest minds on the payroll. However, within the tech world, ms is famous for not letting those minds have any influence or even do anything.
I wish CNN wouldn’t post these articles. Msft stockholders might see them and demand new management.
@Ned,
Yup, the 400 dollar market is a tough one. But, get an iPad for $499 and you have a portable computer capable of most task that one would use. It is fully capable of over seven hours of battery life, fits in the hand, travels to any place in the world, can log into remotely to a PC/Mac, and can do documents. Hey did I mention games, CAD, finance, Internet, books, and many other of the 300k apps.
Hey, portable, cheap, sturdy, and if bored-watch Netflix, ABC, public Tv or make a phone call. Yea,
Apple has not figured out that 400 dollar market yet-but they nail the 499 and above market that fits in your hand.
@Ned,
Yup, the 400 dollar market is a tough one. But, get an iPad for $499 and you have a portable computer capable of most task that one would use. It is fully capable of over seven hours of battery life, fits in the hand, travels to any place in the world, can log into remotely to a PC/Mac, and can do documents. Hey did I mention games, CAD, finance, Internet, books, and many other of the 300k apps.
Hey, portable, cheap, sturdy, and if bored-watch Netflix, ABC, public Tv or make a phone call. Yea,
Apple has not figured out that 400 dollar market yet-but they nail the 499 and above market that fits in your hand.
“Bealeagured” Microsoft with a severe mental Ballmer handicap! Heh, heh.
God, it feels good doesn’t it?!
“Bealeagured” Microsoft with a severe mental Ballmer handicap! Heh, heh.
God, it feels good doesn’t it?!
@Ned
You have a valid point about accessibility to cheap PCs. Companies that make those products have to sell lots of boxes to make money. Dell are in trouble now because someone is doing better than them and are hitting their market share.
There will always be a cheap market set for any product.
Apple will not go into that market. They have even said why (quality being the main issue). So they have introduced the iPad which is a huge hit and is apparently taking a lot from the cheap portable PC market.
Apple could make cheap PCs but why do so when you have the skill set to make higher value products that make more per unit. When Apple run out of ideas then they’ll go the cheap route. Let’s hope that never happens!!
@Ned
You have a valid point about accessibility to cheap PCs. Companies that make those products have to sell lots of boxes to make money. Dell are in trouble now because someone is doing better than them and are hitting their market share.
There will always be a cheap market set for any product.
Apple will not go into that market. They have even said why (quality being the main issue). So they have introduced the iPad which is a huge hit and is apparently taking a lot from the cheap portable PC market.
Apple could make cheap PCs but why do so when you have the skill set to make higher value products that make more per unit. When Apple run out of ideas then they’ll go the cheap route. Let’s hope that never happens!!
OMG! We could be hearing “beleagured Microsoft” for the next ten years the moment it occurs to MDN that they can say that now.
You know what would be more arrogant than that? If Mrs Gates’s little boy Billy decides to copy Jobs and return to save Microsoft!
Ugh, I just threw up in my mouth a little.
OMG! We could be hearing “beleagured Microsoft” for the next ten years the moment it occurs to MDN that they can say that now.
You know what would be more arrogant than that? If Mrs Gates’s little boy Billy decides to copy Jobs and return to save Microsoft!
Ugh, I just threw up in my mouth a little.
@Ned,
I can’t *afford* Apple products… which is precisely why I won’t do without them. I not only value my limited resources, I value my time, my sanity and my productivity — all the more so when my resources are limited.
Things like TCO and productive time become very important factors to those whose resources are limited. My wife and I are freelancers who donate the majority of our time to non-profit work, rather than going after high-paying clients. I would love a PowerBook — but I love my iPad at one third the price. My wife uses a three year-old white iMac. I make due with second-hand machines (currently a dual 2.5 G5 PowerMac with two older monitors).
Where there is a will there is a way. I would never trade my five or six year-old second-hand PowerMac for a new Dell, no matter how much you paid me. My PowerMac is on 24/7 every day of the year and I have spent zero time and money on it.
@Ned,
I can’t *afford* Apple products… which is precisely why I won’t do without them. I not only value my limited resources, I value my time, my sanity and my productivity — all the more so when my resources are limited.
Things like TCO and productive time become very important factors to those whose resources are limited. My wife and I are freelancers who donate the majority of our time to non-profit work, rather than going after high-paying clients. I would love a PowerBook — but I love my iPad at one third the price. My wife uses a three year-old white iMac. I make due with second-hand machines (currently a dual 2.5 G5 PowerMac with two older monitors).
Where there is a will there is a way. I would never trade my five or six year-old second-hand PowerMac for a new Dell, no matter how much you paid me. My PowerMac is on 24/7 every day of the year and I have spent zero time and money on it.
…well…okaaay…you could give me a year’s salary so I don’t have to worry about getting any work done on the Dell until I get a new Mac.
…well…okaaay…you could give me a year’s salary so I don’t have to worry about getting any work done on the Dell until I get a new Mac.
The important part here is that an increasing number of mainstream journalists are recognising the reality. It’s a good step. Let’s just take this one step at a time.
The important part here is that an increasing number of mainstream journalists are recognising the reality. It’s a good step. Let’s just take this one step at a time.
“they can get a Dell for $400 with a monitor.”
They can also get a used/refurbished Mac for $400 with a monitor. They’ll be able to connect it to the internet and work with their digital photos. And unlike the Dell, it won’t suck. What’s your point?
“they can get a Dell for $400 with a monitor.”
They can also get a used/refurbished Mac for $400 with a monitor. They’ll be able to connect it to the internet and work with their digital photos. And unlike the Dell, it won’t suck. What’s your point?
Actually, this may end up happening when Ballmer decides to retire (once his youngest is done with college).
Yeah. Poor Ballmer hasn’t enough billions to tide the family over and at the same time pay for his kid’s degree in oil changes.
Actually, this may end up happening when Ballmer decides to retire (once his youngest is done with college).
Yeah. Poor Ballmer hasn’t enough billions to tide the family over and at the same time pay for his kid’s degree in oil changes.
In our haste to congratulate Apple, don’t forget the once said similar about Apple. Apple can’t take their foot off the accelerator.
In our haste to congratulate Apple, don’t forget the once said similar about Apple. Apple can’t take their foot off the accelerator.
400 dollar market + 3 $50 games = $550 = $500 iPad + 4 $5 games + 30 $0.99 games
400 dollar market + 3 $50 games = $550 = $500 iPad + 4 $5 games + 30 $0.99 games
@CreditDue
I think that this would be fine. Adjusted for inflation, let’s get Apple to invest $250 million (chump change) in Microsoft, and commit to produce iTunes and QuickTime for Windows for the next 5 years.
I think that would be fair, except for the fact that unlike MS’s investment in Apple, Apple would be very likely to lose money on the deal.
MW:progress – A concept foreign to MSthinking.
@CreditDue
I think that this would be fine. Adjusted for inflation, let’s get Apple to invest $250 million (chump change) in Microsoft, and commit to produce iTunes and QuickTime for Windows for the next 5 years.
I think that would be fair, except for the fact that unlike MS’s investment in Apple, Apple would be very likely to lose money on the deal.
MW:progress – A concept foreign to MSthinking.
Further choice quotes from the source article, emphasis = mine:
“Windows Phone 7 has promise, but Microsoft dug itself an enormous hole with the subpar Windows Mobile platform. With its market share currently sitting below 5%, developers are taking a “wait and see” approach.”
“Microsoft’s media platform Zune was dead on arrival.“
“Bing is growing, but substantially all of that growth has come at the expense of its business partner, Yahoo — not its archrival Google.“
“Microsoft’s attempts to build a social network through Windows Live have failed to gain traction. It has no real answer to Facebook.“
And there’s more…
Further choice quotes from the source article, emphasis = mine:
“Windows Phone 7 has promise, but Microsoft dug itself an enormous hole with the subpar Windows Mobile platform. With its market share currently sitting below 5%, developers are taking a “wait and see” approach.”
“Microsoft’s media platform Zune was dead on arrival.“
“Bing is growing, but substantially all of that growth has come at the expense of its business partner, Yahoo — not its archrival Google.“
“Microsoft’s attempts to build a social network through Windows Live have failed to gain traction. It has no real answer to Facebook.“
And there’s more…
“MacDailyNews Take: Microsoft never symbolized the future to anyone”
But what about The Road Ahead?”
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“MacDailyNews Take: Microsoft never symbolized the future to anyone”
But what about The Road Ahead?”
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@Jersey_Trader sez: “And where is the “Dancing Monkey” app?”
Seriously! There are lots of Gates-Head-Shot games. There’s a dancing Jobs visualizer for iTunes. So WHERE is the Dancing Monkey app?!
@Jersey_Trader sez: “And where is the “Dancing Monkey” app?”
Seriously! There are lots of Gates-Head-Shot games. There’s a dancing Jobs visualizer for iTunes. So WHERE is the Dancing Monkey app?!
“In this age, the race really is to the swift. You cannot afford to be an hour late or a dollar short,”
Microsoft is never a dollar short, just an hour/day/years late.
“In this age, the race really is to the swift. You cannot afford to be an hour late or a dollar short,”
Microsoft is never a dollar short, just an hour/day/years late.
Such an insightful crowd today! @The Other Steve sez: “But what about “The Road Ahead?””
I bought a $1 copy off the cutout rack at the bookstore. It was actually a profoundly prophetic book. The road ahead for Microsoft has been just like Gate’s book: Full of ideas ripped off from someone else. I can’t recall the book containing a single original thought.
Meanwhile, the road ahead for the computer community is far more interesting and innovative with Microsoft fading to black.
Such an insightful crowd today! @The Other Steve sez: “But what about “The Road Ahead?””
I bought a $1 copy off the cutout rack at the bookstore. It was actually a profoundly prophetic book. The road ahead for Microsoft has been just like Gate’s book: Full of ideas ripped off from someone else. I can’t recall the book containing a single original thought.
Meanwhile, the road ahead for the computer community is far more interesting and innovative with Microsoft fading to black.
Now I know this is a Mac website, but I want to assume even-keeled, unbiased POV will exist here and there; so I will touch upon a few points.
– “oh, look, I can get something that I delude myself is close to a Mac because I’m too cheap and/or ignorant to get the real thing.”
Would that include those who have solid PCs that offer much more power than a Mac, but still less the price? And who really experience no problems on PCs? For instance, I purchased my HP Elite almost 6 months ago for under $1000 after taxes & shipping: Core i7, 8GB RAM, 1GB graphics card. At the same time, a Mac Pro starting at $2500 had a quad-core Xeon (solid no doubt, but no hyperthreading & older gen to the i7), and 3GB RAM. 3GB. At $2500. And don’t tell me about system stability. It’s been several months. No crash. Not one. Similar to the 5-year old PC it replaced that NEVER crashed once. And as some have stated, some people simply need basic email & Internet machines, with the occasional Word or PowerPoint document.
And what about applications not available for the Mac? Is the 3ds Max user stupid for not buying a Mac? You know, seeing as it’s not available for a Mac? And yes, you can run it on a Windows partition on a Mac, but then you’d have to purchase a copy of Windows now, wouldn’t you? Don’t forget, most computer decisions are made by the applications people run. And where available across platforms, businesses will look at cost. How many companies do you really think can afford thousands of Mac client machines?
– And let’s not forget, Apple’s presence has been mostly in the home consumer market. They are nearly non-existent in enterprise computing, where Microsoft remains huge. iPhones and iPads have a niche in the enterprise, no doubt, but only as extensions of the proper client machine. No office user replaces his office computer with and iPad.
Apple and Microsoft do have their place in computing; Microsoft does have a lot to do, especially in mobile computing. But not all computing is mobile computing. Mobile computing is mostly content consumption; the content creation itself is usually on desktops, workstations, and laptops. This will not change, seeing as mobile computing, by definition, will mean relatively smaller screens and lesser power (no matter how powerful and energy-efficient processors become, you can always fit much more into larger machines).
And as successful as Apple is in mobile, they are not necessarily unstoppable; they did once dominate desktop computing, you know.
Now I know this is a Mac website, but I want to assume even-keeled, unbiased POV will exist here and there; so I will touch upon a few points.
– “oh, look, I can get something that I delude myself is close to a Mac because I’m too cheap and/or ignorant to get the real thing.”
Would that include those who have solid PCs that offer much more power than a Mac, but still less the price? And who really experience no problems on PCs? For instance, I purchased my HP Elite almost 6 months ago for under $1000 after taxes & shipping: Core i7, 8GB RAM, 1GB graphics card. At the same time, a Mac Pro starting at $2500 had a quad-core Xeon (solid no doubt, but no hyperthreading & older gen to the i7), and 3GB RAM. 3GB. At $2500. And don’t tell me about system stability. It’s been several months. No crash. Not one. Similar to the 5-year old PC it replaced that NEVER crashed once. And as some have stated, some people simply need basic email & Internet machines, with the occasional Word or PowerPoint document.
And what about applications not available for the Mac? Is the 3ds Max user stupid for not buying a Mac? You know, seeing as it’s not available for a Mac? And yes, you can run it on a Windows partition on a Mac, but then you’d have to purchase a copy of Windows now, wouldn’t you? Don’t forget, most computer decisions are made by the applications people run. And where available across platforms, businesses will look at cost. How many companies do you really think can afford thousands of Mac client machines?
– And let’s not forget, Apple’s presence has been mostly in the home consumer market. They are nearly non-existent in enterprise computing, where Microsoft remains huge. iPhones and iPads have a niche in the enterprise, no doubt, but only as extensions of the proper client machine. No office user replaces his office computer with and iPad.
Apple and Microsoft do have their place in computing; Microsoft does have a lot to do, especially in mobile computing. But not all computing is mobile computing. Mobile computing is mostly content consumption; the content creation itself is usually on desktops, workstations, and laptops. This will not change, seeing as mobile computing, by definition, will mean relatively smaller screens and lesser power (no matter how powerful and energy-efficient processors become, you can always fit much more into larger machines).
And as successful as Apple is in mobile, they are not necessarily unstoppable; they did once dominate desktop computing, you know.
Innovation?? Microsoft…. Sorry they have NEVER EVER been that. As a copy product company. They are A+. They have copy or bough they way this far. And people are seeing the Emperor has no cloths on now. You can only generate Smoke and Mirrors so long before people realize there is nothing there.
The main difference between Microsoft and Apple is organization. MS is the typical fiefdom, too many people etc company. You can see it in ideas that would be great but either sabotaged or not stopped in the design process when its obvious it wont work!
Microsoft is like the part from that stupid Chita Chita Bang Bang movie. Where the king captures Pots’s Father and demands he makes a auto for him that has these wonderful features. The other capture scientist start hanging thing off of a Bulgarian car during the musical number and it explodes at the end of the song. The actor playing the king kind of looks like Balmer.
Innovation?? Microsoft…. Sorry they have NEVER EVER been that. As a copy product company. They are A+. They have copy or bough they way this far. And people are seeing the Emperor has no cloths on now. You can only generate Smoke and Mirrors so long before people realize there is nothing there.
The main difference between Microsoft and Apple is organization. MS is the typical fiefdom, too many people etc company. You can see it in ideas that would be great but either sabotaged or not stopped in the design process when its obvious it wont work!
Microsoft is like the part from that stupid Chita Chita Bang Bang movie. Where the king captures Pots’s Father and demands he makes a auto for him that has these wonderful features. The other capture scientist start hanging thing off of a Bulgarian car during the musical number and it explodes at the end of the song. The actor playing the king kind of looks like Balmer.
Microsoft? Who?
Next…
Microsoft? Who?
Next…
This is a very good article that highlights the growing trend that there is a tectonic shift going on in the market. It also reflects Microsoft’s primary drive to bring shareholder value by monopolizing markets using the strategy that made it successful.
However, that strategy is not translating to future success. Here is what I would if I were running Microsoft:
1. Sell off units that really aren’t core to the company success and aren’t profitable.
2. Unify technologies as a go-forward direction rather than allow business units to compete against each other.
3. Reduce the number of developers and have the teams work on different products so that there is more of a seamless experience between products.
4. Instead of trying to corner markets by buying everyone up, corner markets by competing openly for business which forces innovation and creativity. Buy only companies that provide a unique strategic value.
5. Stop suing everyone and everybody because they don’t have all their licensing in order. That does not bode well for long term support.
6. Forget about taking on Google and Apple. Rather, find a way to leverage them and ride the wave together. You can build loyalty and customer stickiness with your core products if you put in features that get people to consume services that you’re not good at.
I’m willing to bet that if Microsoft sold off most of their divisions and kept Office and Azure, Windows, Exchange, and SQL Server, they would be even more profitable and would have billions more in the bank from selling off the money-losing software divisions.
Then they could be even more focused on introducing the next generation of Windows (without a registry) that would also enable the next generation of hardware.
This is a very good article that highlights the growing trend that there is a tectonic shift going on in the market. It also reflects Microsoft’s primary drive to bring shareholder value by monopolizing markets using the strategy that made it successful.
However, that strategy is not translating to future success. Here is what I would if I were running Microsoft:
1. Sell off units that really aren’t core to the company success and aren’t profitable.
2. Unify technologies as a go-forward direction rather than allow business units to compete against each other.
3. Reduce the number of developers and have the teams work on different products so that there is more of a seamless experience between products.
4. Instead of trying to corner markets by buying everyone up, corner markets by competing openly for business which forces innovation and creativity. Buy only companies that provide a unique strategic value.
5. Stop suing everyone and everybody because they don’t have all their licensing in order. That does not bode well for long term support.
6. Forget about taking on Google and Apple. Rather, find a way to leverage them and ride the wave together. You can build loyalty and customer stickiness with your core products if you put in features that get people to consume services that you’re not good at.
I’m willing to bet that if Microsoft sold off most of their divisions and kept Office and Azure, Windows, Exchange, and SQL Server, they would be even more profitable and would have billions more in the bank from selling off the money-losing software divisions.
Then they could be even more focused on introducing the next generation of Windows (without a registry) that would also enable the next generation of hardware.
“Microsoft is a dying consumer brand”
Horsefeathers!
MS is a dyeing company,the article yet another “prop up MS” piece. The lack of shame among the “tech press” is appalling.
Ms is not wearing any clothing and the press rabbles on about how they forgot to wear shoes, yeah but how about the rest of it you are clearly avoiding,
And the nonsense about MS having once been an “innovator”, is laughable at best. It is interesting he picked courier as an example of MS innovation. Very deja vu for those old enough to remember the knowledge navigator.
Organizations rot from the inside out, typically by the time it become noticeable on the outside, the fall is inevitable.
“Microsoft is a dying consumer brand”
Horsefeathers!
MS is a dyeing company,the article yet another “prop up MS” piece. The lack of shame among the “tech press” is appalling.
Ms is not wearing any clothing and the press rabbles on about how they forgot to wear shoes, yeah but how about the rest of it you are clearly avoiding,
And the nonsense about MS having once been an “innovator”, is laughable at best. It is interesting he picked courier as an example of MS innovation. Very deja vu for those old enough to remember the knowledge navigator.
Organizations rot from the inside out, typically by the time it become noticeable on the outside, the fall is inevitable.
In 5-years Microsoft will be competing with Oracle and IBM for a small slice of the server market. Vista, Windows 7 and anything else built on that kernel will suck!
If you are okay with daily crashes, severe system updates and spam, stay with Microsoft. If you want something that simply works, then fork over the extra cash for Apple. Nothing has changed, ladies and gentlemen, in this world you get exactly what you pay for.
I got my iPad when it first came out. I have a 15-inch Macbook Pro that’s only a year old and I haven’t touched it since I got my iPad. I have a Core Duo back up tower with a 24″ monitor that’s running the only MS OS i will ever run…and that’s Windows XP.
I will never purchase or run another Windows operating system, when I retire my Windows back-up system for a Mac back-up system. I’m tired of viruses (had to reinstall my Windows Machine 3-times in the last two-years). I’m tired of expensive anti-virus software and never ending updates.
Microsoft is like 4-Track audio cassettes, CDs, Cassette tapes, VCRs, Buggy Whips, Horse-less Carriages, Mimeographs, Typewriters, Milli-Vanilli, Keypunch Machines, Manual Cash Registers, Newspapers, Human Bank Tellers…and soon to be Cable Companies…they’re all unnecessary, outdated and antiquated. Good luck Microsoft. Thanks for all the memories off lost hours, aggravation, stress and wasted life.
In 5-years Microsoft will be competing with Oracle and IBM for a small slice of the server market. Vista, Windows 7 and anything else built on that kernel will suck!
If you are okay with daily crashes, severe system updates and spam, stay with Microsoft. If you want something that simply works, then fork over the extra cash for Apple. Nothing has changed, ladies and gentlemen, in this world you get exactly what you pay for.
I got my iPad when it first came out. I have a 15-inch Macbook Pro that’s only a year old and I haven’t touched it since I got my iPad. I have a Core Duo back up tower with a 24″ monitor that’s running the only MS OS i will ever run…and that’s Windows XP.
I will never purchase or run another Windows operating system, when I retire my Windows back-up system for a Mac back-up system. I’m tired of viruses (had to reinstall my Windows Machine 3-times in the last two-years). I’m tired of expensive anti-virus software and never ending updates.
Microsoft is like 4-Track audio cassettes, CDs, Cassette tapes, VCRs, Buggy Whips, Horse-less Carriages, Mimeographs, Typewriters, Milli-Vanilli, Keypunch Machines, Manual Cash Registers, Newspapers, Human Bank Tellers…and soon to be Cable Companies…they’re all unnecessary, outdated and antiquated. Good luck Microsoft. Thanks for all the memories off lost hours, aggravation, stress and wasted life.
Welcome to the 21st century, Jim. You just realized that M$ can’t cut it? They’ve never been ahead of the curve. Back in the days when MS-DOS was in IBM 8080 machines with monochrome text, no sound, no color, and no graphics it was already behind 6502 and 6510 Commodore, Apple, Atari, etc. which already had color and sound, as well as graphics. Adopting M$ products has ALWAYS been a step backwards.
Welcome to the 21st century, Jim. You just realized that M$ can’t cut it? They’ve never been ahead of the curve. Back in the days when MS-DOS was in IBM 8080 machines with monochrome text, no sound, no color, and no graphics it was already behind 6502 and 6510 Commodore, Apple, Atari, etc. which already had color and sound, as well as graphics. Adopting M$ products has ALWAYS been a step backwards.
Oh yeah:
HAPPY FRACKING BIRTHDAY
BILL GATES!
Born October 28, 1955
in Seattle, Washington, USA.
Apologies world.
(o_0)
Oh yeah:
HAPPY FRACKING BIRTHDAY
BILL GATES!
Born October 28, 1955
in Seattle, Washington, USA.
Apologies world.
(o_0)
CreditDue,
[I seem to remember something about microsoft loaning/investing in a dying company some years ago called “Apple”.]
Here we go, again. That ‘investment’ from MS was because Bill Gates wanted Internet Explorer to be the default browser for Mac OS 8. Problem was, that Mac OS 8 CDs and packaging were already printed and pressed, ready to go. I guess throwing $150 million fixed BG3’s problem.
[At the time this Apple company was about to go under]
Yes, they were. Could have been due to a spineless sugar-water salesman, that gave away Apple’s crown jewels to MS — for an assurance that MS would continue to make Mac software. (see below)
[and needed cash.]
Apple had, at the time, $2Billion in liquid assets.
[Maybe Apple should now help it’s struggling benefactor.]
Hmm. Benefactor, eh? Does any of the following sound familiar:
– ‘knife the baby’,
– stalling on the release of Office ’97 only to release Office ’98 and try to look like a hero at a certain Macworld event,
– never releasing Access database software for the Mac
– never releasing Virtual Basic for the Mac
– never releasing non-feature crippled mail software for the Mac
– always releasing the Mac versions of MS Office software without feature parity to the Windows versions
– expect EVERY Mac user to buy MS Office software (for full price, I might add). Yet, publicly announces that none of Microsoft’s employees or their families are allowed to own an iPod or iPhone.
Yeah, that sounds like the behavior of a benefactor.
CreditDue,
[I seem to remember something about microsoft loaning/investing in a dying company some years ago called “Apple”.]
Here we go, again. That ‘investment’ from MS was because Bill Gates wanted Internet Explorer to be the default browser for Mac OS 8. Problem was, that Mac OS 8 CDs and packaging were already printed and pressed, ready to go. I guess throwing $150 million fixed BG3’s problem.
[At the time this Apple company was about to go under]
Yes, they were. Could have been due to a spineless sugar-water salesman, that gave away Apple’s crown jewels to MS — for an assurance that MS would continue to make Mac software. (see below)
[and needed cash.]
Apple had, at the time, $2Billion in liquid assets.
[Maybe Apple should now help it’s struggling benefactor.]
Hmm. Benefactor, eh? Does any of the following sound familiar:
– ‘knife the baby’,
– stalling on the release of Office ’97 only to release Office ’98 and try to look like a hero at a certain Macworld event,
– never releasing Access database software for the Mac
– never releasing Virtual Basic for the Mac
– never releasing non-feature crippled mail software for the Mac
– always releasing the Mac versions of MS Office software without feature parity to the Windows versions
– expect EVERY Mac user to buy MS Office software (for full price, I might add). Yet, publicly announces that none of Microsoft’s employees or their families are allowed to own an iPod or iPhone.
Yeah, that sounds like the behavior of a benefactor.
Forgot to add:
– Stealing Quicktime code for Windows media.
Forgot to add:
– Stealing Quicktime code for Windows media.
@do tun.o,
So Microsoft designed the motherboard on that reliable HP you have? While you may have very stable systems that doesn’t mean you are very representative of PC users in general. And of course there is the issue that you give Microsoft credit for that which they did not do.
There are certainly apps that exist only for Windows just as there are significant apps that exist only for Mac. But more and more developers are seeing the Mac market as too big to ignore, like Autodesk.
Hollywood runs more and more on the Mac. Finalcut is all but an industry standard, if not de facto. That would be a files of content creation.
Apple has also been very successful in Soho and small to medium size business where the real economic growth is. While it is true that while most in business will not replace their laptop with an iPad, the ease of use of that iPad will and is having many think that their next computer might be a Mac.
As far as the myth that Apple once dominated the desktop, the fact is that Apple never had much more than 10% of the desktop market.
Finally, you might want to reread the title of the article which makes the assertion the Microsoft is dying as a consumer company. it doesn’t assert that Microsoft is dying as a company altogether.
We are all guilty of mistaking our own ignorance and prejudice for the truth.
@do tun.o,
So Microsoft designed the motherboard on that reliable HP you have? While you may have very stable systems that doesn’t mean you are very representative of PC users in general. And of course there is the issue that you give Microsoft credit for that which they did not do.
There are certainly apps that exist only for Windows just as there are significant apps that exist only for Mac. But more and more developers are seeing the Mac market as too big to ignore, like Autodesk.
Hollywood runs more and more on the Mac. Finalcut is all but an industry standard, if not de facto. That would be a files of content creation.
Apple has also been very successful in Soho and small to medium size business where the real economic growth is. While it is true that while most in business will not replace their laptop with an iPad, the ease of use of that iPad will and is having many think that their next computer might be a Mac.
As far as the myth that Apple once dominated the desktop, the fact is that Apple never had much more than 10% of the desktop market.
Finally, you might want to reread the title of the article which makes the assertion the Microsoft is dying as a consumer company. it doesn’t assert that Microsoft is dying as a company altogether.
We are all guilty of mistaking our own ignorance and prejudice for the truth.
NCG598:
Sorry but as much as I love my iPad and iPhone…it cannot replace a desktop or laptop in the $400 range. Cant Access my jump drives. LAN storage. Try booking a vacation with a flash site. Try saving an online statement. We want it to be there… But just not quite there. Easy tiger!
NCG598:
Sorry but as much as I love my iPad and iPhone…it cannot replace a desktop or laptop in the $400 range. Cant Access my jump drives. LAN storage. Try booking a vacation with a flash site. Try saving an online statement. We want it to be there… But just not quite there. Easy tiger!
$499+tx and $70+tx keyboard is already $600 and it can’t print to all printers or grab my excel file from USB or dVD media without some serious engineering.
Still a place for $400 systems. Still need a system to convert to iPad.
It accesses content. It doesn’t create.
Not it’s intention.(let me not get preachy… It does whatever u intend it to do)
$499+tx and $70+tx keyboard is already $600 and it can’t print to all printers or grab my excel file from USB or dVD media without some serious engineering.
Still a place for $400 systems. Still need a system to convert to iPad.
It accesses content. It doesn’t create.
Not it’s intention.(let me not get preachy… It does whatever u intend it to do)
Apple has already shown us what a super low cost computer could be for the masses.
No, not the Mac Mini or iPad or even iPod Touch. They’ve already given us a glimpse of a possible future with the new $99 AppleTV.
Imagine if Apple extended some iOS Apps like Safari, email, iWork, VNC, etc. to work on the AppleTV. Then added support for low cost USB devices such as keyboard, mice, trackpads, webcams, card readers, and external drives. HDMI adapters are pretty cheap as are USB hubs. 15″ 720p LCD monitors are around $100. So it’s conceivable that Apple can offer a standalone iOS based computing device that included a wired keyboard, wired mouse and non-touch LCD monitor for around $199-249.
If Apple doesn’t do this and the jailbreakers can, I’ll be buying another AppleTV just to experiment with.
Apple has already shown us what a super low cost computer could be for the masses.
No, not the Mac Mini or iPad or even iPod Touch. They’ve already given us a glimpse of a possible future with the new $99 AppleTV.
Imagine if Apple extended some iOS Apps like Safari, email, iWork, VNC, etc. to work on the AppleTV. Then added support for low cost USB devices such as keyboard, mice, trackpads, webcams, card readers, and external drives. HDMI adapters are pretty cheap as are USB hubs. 15″ 720p LCD monitors are around $100. So it’s conceivable that Apple can offer a standalone iOS based computing device that included a wired keyboard, wired mouse and non-touch LCD monitor for around $199-249.
If Apple doesn’t do this and the jailbreakers can, I’ll be buying another AppleTV just to experiment with.
@ Digitlal Mercenary,
Of course Microsoft did not design the hardware; but their OS runs on it doesn’t it? And system stability is due to hardware and software integrity, isn’t it? You know, it’s really not a big deal to admit if Microsoft did something right; when a Windows PC crashes, critics blame Microsoft, but when it is solid, suddenly everyone remembers MS never built the hardware anyway.
And yes, Apple has been successful in its own way (which I did acknowledge in my previous post). SOHO and medium size has seen a rise in Mac use, yes, but they are still overwhelmingly Windows PCs. And in large businesses, until Apple offers mid-level machines at mid-level prices, they will always be kept to the art department and maybe CEO’s office; nonetheless, Apple should still remain profitable because a niche presence still turns in a healthy profit (for one thing, overhead costs are also smaller when you focus on a market segment); my emphasis is that it gives no indication of a death for Microsoft.
Indeed, Apple itself keeps Microsoft alive: since MacOS isn’t (legally) available for non-Mac hardware, Windows is pretty much default. Ask yourself: if Microsoft suddenly collapsed (yes, even in the consumer market only), could Apple keep up with the global demand of computers? No, unless their OS can be installed on 3rd party hardware (one of the very criticisms against Windows platforms by the Mac base).
Apple does dominate in certain fields, just as MS does in others. Yes, Final Cut is pretty much industry standard; like I previously stated, computer usage is driven first by application usage (then cost where multi-platform options are available). A Final Cut user will use a Mac; so will most iTunes developers. A 3ds Max user will use Windows PCs; so will a Visual Studio developer.
[Finally, you might want to reread the title of the article which makes the assertion the Microsoft is dying as a consumer company. it doesn’t assert that Microsoft is dying as a company altogether.]
Exactly my point; my response states that Microsoft is far from dying (not even as a consumer company); the article body subtly suggests otherwise from its own title (just look at the last “MacDailyNews Take” on the article), and certainly the multitude of comments here.
No company is too big to fail, but Microsoft would have to work very hard to actually collapse; the enterprise presence alone is huge. And remember, these companies run more on long-term contracts with one another than anything else. Many companies and Government offices have volume discount deals with Microsoft and, say, Dell, populating their office cubicles with Windows clients cycle after cycle.
I’m not sure you really read my comment unprejudiced; it never sided with either company, rather a justification for respective consumer purchases (remember I started with the accusation of stupidity against Windows users). I also addressed the one-sided emphasis on mobile computing. People have a tendency to gush over novelties and trends; mobile computing won’t kill traditional computing but coexist with it. I don’t see how this kills MS, even in the consumer market – Windows PCs are still 96% or so globally; Macs are at about 2%. Yet somehow, because I have a Mac and so do my friends around me, MS is doomed?!
In the foreseeable future, I still see MS and Apple being players; Apple seems to have positioned itself into mobile computing primarily now (good for them, really; mobile computing was hitherto an Wild West); MS continues to dominate work machines. Neither kills the other, now or in the future.
I’m not sure any of these points are based on ignorance or prejudice as much as a realistic view of the computing landscape without the obligation to wear either team’s jerseys.
@ Digitlal Mercenary,
Of course Microsoft did not design the hardware; but their OS runs on it doesn’t it? And system stability is due to hardware and software integrity, isn’t it? You know, it’s really not a big deal to admit if Microsoft did something right; when a Windows PC crashes, critics blame Microsoft, but when it is solid, suddenly everyone remembers MS never built the hardware anyway.
And yes, Apple has been successful in its own way (which I did acknowledge in my previous post). SOHO and medium size has seen a rise in Mac use, yes, but they are still overwhelmingly Windows PCs. And in large businesses, until Apple offers mid-level machines at mid-level prices, they will always be kept to the art department and maybe CEO’s office; nonetheless, Apple should still remain profitable because a niche presence still turns in a healthy profit (for one thing, overhead costs are also smaller when you focus on a market segment); my emphasis is that it gives no indication of a death for Microsoft.
Indeed, Apple itself keeps Microsoft alive: since MacOS isn’t (legally) available for non-Mac hardware, Windows is pretty much default. Ask yourself: if Microsoft suddenly collapsed (yes, even in the consumer market only), could Apple keep up with the global demand of computers? No, unless their OS can be installed on 3rd party hardware (one of the very criticisms against Windows platforms by the Mac base).
Apple does dominate in certain fields, just as MS does in others. Yes, Final Cut is pretty much industry standard; like I previously stated, computer usage is driven first by application usage (then cost where multi-platform options are available). A Final Cut user will use a Mac; so will most iTunes developers. A 3ds Max user will use Windows PCs; so will a Visual Studio developer.
[Finally, you might want to reread the title of the article which makes the assertion the Microsoft is dying as a consumer company. it doesn’t assert that Microsoft is dying as a company altogether.]
Exactly my point; my response states that Microsoft is far from dying (not even as a consumer company); the article body subtly suggests otherwise from its own title (just look at the last “MacDailyNews Take” on the article), and certainly the multitude of comments here.
No company is too big to fail, but Microsoft would have to work very hard to actually collapse; the enterprise presence alone is huge. And remember, these companies run more on long-term contracts with one another than anything else. Many companies and Government offices have volume discount deals with Microsoft and, say, Dell, populating their office cubicles with Windows clients cycle after cycle.
I’m not sure you really read my comment unprejudiced; it never sided with either company, rather a justification for respective consumer purchases (remember I started with the accusation of stupidity against Windows users). I also addressed the one-sided emphasis on mobile computing. People have a tendency to gush over novelties and trends; mobile computing won’t kill traditional computing but coexist with it. I don’t see how this kills MS, even in the consumer market – Windows PCs are still 96% or so globally; Macs are at about 2%. Yet somehow, because I have a Mac and so do my friends around me, MS is doomed?!
In the foreseeable future, I still see MS and Apple being players; Apple seems to have positioned itself into mobile computing primarily now (good for them, really; mobile computing was hitherto an Wild West); MS continues to dominate work machines. Neither kills the other, now or in the future.
I’m not sure any of these points are based on ignorance or prejudice as much as a realistic view of the computing landscape without the obligation to wear either team’s jerseys.
iPad is not a computer. It’s in a league of it’s own. It cannot save any docs nor reach them without int access. Let’s leave that out of this wonderful debate.
Next round.
iPad is not a computer. It’s in a league of it’s own. It cannot save any docs nor reach them without int access. Let’s leave that out of this wonderful debate.
Next round.
@ kevin why would you want a keyboard with an ipad
@ kevin why would you want a keyboard with an ipad
Ned, Ned, Ned.
I know people who have bought $400 Dell desktops. They use them for about a year to a year and a half and have them so infested with malwear that they either trash the computer or pay $150 to some Geek Patrol dude to wipe it clean and start over.
In two to three years they spend more than an iMac owner on their Dell, repeat buys, anti-virus software, photo editing software and/or pro help.
Penny wise, pound foolish.
Ned, Ned, Ned.
I know people who have bought $400 Dell desktops. They use them for about a year to a year and a half and have them so infested with malwear that they either trash the computer or pay $150 to some Geek Patrol dude to wipe it clean and start over.
In two to three years they spend more than an iMac owner on their Dell, repeat buys, anti-virus software, photo editing software and/or pro help.
Penny wise, pound foolish.
“Several have downgraded Microsoft’s stock in recent weeks, as PC sales continue to slow and Microsoft struggles with its tablet strategy.”
and Microsoft struggles with its tablet strategy….
and with its smart phone strategy….
and with its desktop “flagship” operating system Windows 7 and 8…
and with its Zune media player…
“I like our strategy I like it a lot”, said Steve Ballmer.
Me too!! I said.
“Several have downgraded Microsoft’s stock in recent weeks, as PC sales continue to slow and Microsoft struggles with its tablet strategy.”
and Microsoft struggles with its tablet strategy….
and with its smart phone strategy….
and with its desktop “flagship” operating system Windows 7 and 8…
and with its Zune media player…
“I like our strategy I like it a lot”, said Steve Ballmer.
Me too!! I said.
You can’t win a race when you start years behind with a fat ass named Ballmer tied to your waist, and pulling in the wrong direction.
You can’t win a race when you start years behind with a fat ass named Ballmer tied to your waist, and pulling in the wrong direction.