What Next for Microsoft??
Last Saturday, the 20th, MSFTextrememakeover posed the question, "What if Microsoft wasn't a screwup?"
The market, it seems, doesn't much care about what might happen if MSFT weren't a screwup. They only care that MSFT is one, and is in total denial about it. As critical as I have been, I have always been optimistic that this company could eventually get back on track. That optimism is fading. Turns out the market was right five years ago when they ignored Ballmer's rosy outlook and disconnected MSFT from the broader averages. Flash forward to today, and again the market is sending a negative message while Ballmer waxes poetic. Only now, the market is the sole one with any credibility.
On Sunday, the 21st, Silicon Valley Blog posed the question, "Is Microsoft Irrevocably Broken?"
Additionally, in order to be taken seriously as a stock or as a company, investors have to believe in the management and its direction. Bill Gates has lessened his influence on the company, working more on non-profits. And Steve Ballmer doesn't have the credibility and the ability to inspire employees and customers the way Steve Jobs, Sergey Brin and Larry Page have. It could be time for a change there, as Microsoft looks more and more like yesterday's IBM than tomorrow's Google. The question is, is the company broken, and can it be saved.
On Monday, the 22nd, The Wall Street Journal reported, "Microsoft Bows to EU Regulators On 2004 Antitrust Measures."
The case touched only two corners of the sprawling Microsoft software empire-- operating systems for a single class of computer servers, and software that plays audio and video files. The EU had told Microsoft to unbundle the Media Player software it sells with its ubiquitous Windows operating system, and to give competitors the data they need to make their software work effectively with Windows
Is the company broken?? -- NO, not yet.
Can it be saved?? -- YES, depending...
...on its handling of the Antitrust Matter!!!
We need a small change in attitude on the part of all affected participants -- no matter our personal prejudices, we each have a stake in the success of Microsoft.
The crux of the antitrust matter is the bundling of applications with the operating system. Under the bundling problem lies a technological controversy about the scientific merit of computer programming. Whether Vista represents a technological advance or not, is irrelevant right now. We need to recognize that meeting the requirements of the EU will be very difficult with the present technology -- requiring much negotiation.
I have a better idea!!!
Create a new product line by unbundling at the Windows 2000 level. Market an operating system plus a Windows middleware, each with the necessary support applications
Acquire my product line and introduce a ScrapBook middleware with the necessary support applications.
Revise and introduce necessary Development Kits, compilers, linkers, along with MSDN documentation.
Obviously, there are a lot of details to be discussed -- and THAT is the crux of my proposal -- ALL OF THE DETAILS SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO AN OPEN DISCUSSION -- NO MORE HIDDEN AGENDAS. (That small change in attitude I mentioned above)
Product Information - http://pdmsb.com
Off-line discussion forums - http://nationalcomputerassociation.com
Contact - Doug Skoglund skoglund@pdmsb.comPlease put a [MYWAY] in your subject line if you wish to contact me.
The market, it seems, doesn't much care about what might happen if MSFT weren't a screwup. They only care that MSFT is one, and is in total denial about it. As critical as I have been, I have always been optimistic that this company could eventually get back on track. That optimism is fading. Turns out the market was right five years ago when they ignored Ballmer's rosy outlook and disconnected MSFT from the broader averages. Flash forward to today, and again the market is sending a negative message while Ballmer waxes poetic. Only now, the market is the sole one with any credibility.
On Sunday, the 21st, Silicon Valley Blog posed the question, "Is Microsoft Irrevocably Broken?"
Additionally, in order to be taken seriously as a stock or as a company, investors have to believe in the management and its direction. Bill Gates has lessened his influence on the company, working more on non-profits. And Steve Ballmer doesn't have the credibility and the ability to inspire employees and customers the way Steve Jobs, Sergey Brin and Larry Page have. It could be time for a change there, as Microsoft looks more and more like yesterday's IBM than tomorrow's Google. The question is, is the company broken, and can it be saved.
On Monday, the 22nd, The Wall Street Journal reported, "Microsoft Bows to EU Regulators On 2004 Antitrust Measures."
The case touched only two corners of the sprawling Microsoft software empire-- operating systems for a single class of computer servers, and software that plays audio and video files. The EU had told Microsoft to unbundle the Media Player software it sells with its ubiquitous Windows operating system, and to give competitors the data they need to make their software work effectively with Windows
Is the company broken?? -- NO, not yet.
Can it be saved?? -- YES, depending...
...on its handling of the Antitrust Matter!!!
We need a small change in attitude on the part of all affected participants -- no matter our personal prejudices, we each have a stake in the success of Microsoft.
The crux of the antitrust matter is the bundling of applications with the operating system. Under the bundling problem lies a technological controversy about the scientific merit of computer programming. Whether Vista represents a technological advance or not, is irrelevant right now. We need to recognize that meeting the requirements of the EU will be very difficult with the present technology -- requiring much negotiation.
I have a better idea!!!
Create a new product line by unbundling at the Windows 2000 level. Market an operating system plus a Windows middleware, each with the necessary support applications
Acquire my product line and introduce a ScrapBook middleware with the necessary support applications.
Revise and introduce necessary Development Kits, compilers, linkers, along with MSDN documentation.
Obviously, there are a lot of details to be discussed -- and THAT is the crux of my proposal -- ALL OF THE DETAILS SHOULD BE SUBJECT TO AN OPEN DISCUSSION -- NO MORE HIDDEN AGENDAS. (That small change in attitude I mentioned above)
Product Information - http://pdmsb.com
Off-line discussion forums - http://nationalcomputerassociation.com
Contact - Doug Skoglund skoglund@pdmsb.comPlease put a [MYWAY] in your subject line if you wish to contact me.
posted by Doug Skoglund at
8:20 AM
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