The Hits and Misses of Microsoft

The web is abuzz with articles related to Bill Gates’ retreat from Microsoft, and the BBC, too, partakes in this buzz. The BBC decided to list a few of Bill Gates’ and Microsoft’s predictions and drastic moves, and came to a list of hits and misses. Five misses, four hits.

One of the hits concerns the popular catchphrase “a computer on every desk and in every home”. The BBC credits Microsoft for putting a computer in every home and on every desk, and I think it’s difficult not to agree with the British Broadcasting Company. Even though they surely played an important role in this one, it’s hard to imagine there wouldn’t have been another company if Microsoft hadn’t been at the right time and in the right place. What would the world look like if Apple – or the Amiga? – had taken 90% of the desktop market?

As a miss, the BBC lists Windows’ security and the Trustworthy Computing initiative. I find this a rather dubious choice – sure, Windows XP has a lousy track record, but its second service pack made things a lot better. Windows Vista is doing quite well too – and Windows Vista is the first consumer operating system developed under the Trustworthy Computing initiative. In other words, it seems as if the initiative is doing its job, so listing it as a miss seems a bit out of line.

For the rest, it’s an interesting list.

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