How Microsoft Missed The Next Big Thing
Linked by Howard Fosdick on Mon 13th Dec 2010 23:11 UTC
PDAs, Cellphones, Wireless It's hard to predict the future because we humans prefer to think in terms of familiar paradigms. Even the most brilliant of our species are subject to this flaw. Now, Microsoft faces its turn. The owner of the operating system that likely runs your personal computer, the company that achieved monopoly with Windows and ducked the Department of Justice's scythe to keep it, faces a midlife crisis as the world goes gaga over portable consumer devices. This is the story of what's happening to Microsoft in the handheld operating system markets -- and how it parallels the earlier, similar journeys of IBM Corporation and Digital Equipment Corporation. Can Microsoft achieve dominance on mobile devices?
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PhilCassacoff
Member since:
2010-12-07

Steve,

Some good insights. As you can see, I'm very new here, so I haven't figured out the code to list individual quotes.

You make good points, although here in the US, Ohio specifically, it's not uncommon for our clients to have Internet Issues 2 times a month or so.

I am yet to be asked about Linux by a single client. Furthermore, I've brought it up to a couple for simple F&P or what have you, and most of them said something along the lines of "We're a professional organization, we use professional software." I am paraphrasing for a couple clients, however I'm sure you get the gist.

Actually the majority of our clientele is *very* regimented and specific about their documents, especially those which are sent to their clients. Might be a locale thing as you noted, but where we work and consult, those Word templates are as important as the text they contain. Your comments suggest a mindset that differs from not only how we practice business, but how our clients do so. We primarily work in the financial services vertical and executives in that arena WILL drop a vendor/etc based on aesthetics. Perhaps someone more retail based might not. I also can confirm that we have won contracts/agreements based solely on our presentation materials "Looking the best." If you have 4 excellent consultant firms in the room, who all sold the same products at the same price, however only ones word doc looks "Right" on your computer, who's going to get the bid?

And lastly, your point about the /. mindset was spot on; thank God.

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