Ballmer: Search was our worst mistake

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So this is what scared the EU

Ballmer thinks that within 10 years, all content will be delivered over the internet. He also thinks that if Microsoft give away their proprietary, closed source media player and their proprietary, closed source server software, then buy the rights to as much content as possible, everyone will use Windows and Windows Media Format on whatever device they are using.

He wants to extend Microsoft's monopoly to every device you use that has anything to do with electronic communication or information distribution.

Not a bad aim. However, given Microsoft's proven disregard for anyone's well-being but their own, you can bet that they will do anything, say anything, buy anyone to get what they want. Their goal is not to deliver the best technology, or the best service, or the best of anything. They just want to extend their monopoly to make more money for themselves.

Some people say that Microsoft is just doing the right thing by their shareholders by maximising profit. That argument may hold water if Microsoft ever distributed their profits to their shareholders - but they don't. They distribute their profits mostly to their senior executives (like Ballmer) and to a lesser extent to their employees through share options.

The only value in Microsoft shares is the speculation that someone will pay more for them than you did - the "bigger fool" theory. Microsoft share ownership does not guarantee a dividend, nor are the company's total assets anywhere near their market capitalisation. The price of Microsoft shares is based on their speculative value. On top of that, Microsoft's employee share options dilute their value, removing the only gain their shareholders might make.

So you can't even argue that MS are doing the right thing by their shareholders.

The only people profiting from Microsoft's massive profits are senior executives like Ballmer. If "greed is good", then Ballmer is an absolute saint.

Posted by: Fred Fredrickson   Posted on: 03/25/04 You are currently: a Guest | Members login | Terms of Use

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