Microsoft gets deeper into gizmos

TalkBack 4 of 14:

Next »

« Previous

• Thread View
• Flat View

He would have better to say...

Filled out would have been better to say "Software is in certain sectors rapidly becoming a commodity." Is software currently a commodity? No. Will it become completely commoditized? Probably not. His point though was that if enough commoditization happens through Open Source, then Microsoft will have to look into co-branding and branding hardware to survive; if only through lock-in.

That noted, mice and joysticks are the least of Microsoft's current foray into hardware. The PocketPC and Windows' Tablet Computer and certain "smart" mobile phones are notable examples of cobranding with external companies. The X-box is a good example of direct branding, though as you rightly indicate: the X-box is a stealth device for selling software and services and even more hardware. Yet, even so, these four are examples of how Microsoft is moving into branding and cobranding hardware in an effort to find sustainable profit in a world where they are increasingly targetted by indefatigable and relentlessly improving open source software products. Microsoft can see the money where we cannot?

That said, if all you think of Linux is that it can run Apache really well, then you really should learn more of Linux. Apache was Linux' foot in the door, but as other OSS projects have improved substantially: the door is cracking wider. What Microsft fears is that eventually the foot will become a leg, the leg will become a hip, and the door will fling open to reveal an 800 pound penguin who can sit wherever he likes. That's why they're exploring other markets, including direct and indirect hardware.

'nough said I think. Chew that all over and get back to me. And please excuse the mixed metaphors. Time is 0200 here and I'm feeling the punch of insomnia.

Posted by: John Le'Brecage   Posted on: 10/24/03 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

Alert moderator to an offensive message

Subscribe to this discussion via Email or RSS

SponsoredWhite Papers, Webcasts, and Downloads

• Building the Virtualized Enterprise with VMware Iinfrastructure VMware VMware virtualization software has been adopted by over 120,000 enterprise ... Download Now
• The True Costs of Virtual Server Solutions VMware In an economic environment that is repeatedly heralding the message "do ... Download Now
• VMware Infrastructure: A Guide to Bottom-Line Benefits VMware Frustrated by the costs of maintain ever larger data centers?or building ... Download Now