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The Fall of Google, the Rebirth of Microsoft and the Changing Face of Apple and Linux
Microsoft is evil and Google isn't, right? Maybe not, after recent events, writes columnist Rob Enderle. He also is revising his impression of Richard Stallman as an advocate of freedom, and Apple as a company that makes all the right marketing moves. :: more ::
The iPhone 3G: Why You Should Wait Until September
Apple is an expert at social engineering. They, and specifically Steve Jobs, can build product feeding frenzies unlike any company I've ever covered. I can still recall the first iPod which sold in surprising numbers that first Christmas and had the highest return rate of any product I've ever seen because most who got it for Christmas couldn't actually use it (because it initially ran only on Apple hardware). I can't recall any other vendor who created so much excitement for a product that people completely missed the fact they couldn’t actually use it. :: more ::
Microsoft Equipt: The beginning of the next-generation of Microsoft
When I was briefed on Microsoft Equipt a few days ago, I couldn't help but take this in context with Bill Gates' departure and reflect on the post-Gates Microsoft. For much of Microsoft's history, the company has been known primarily for two very successful products - Windows and Office. Sometimes this connection has been less than positive. Back in 2000, I had a conversation with back then new Microsoft president Steve Ballmer and was fascinated that he believed that the market would eventually move to a subscription model. With Equipt, Microsoft takes its biggest step in this direction and it makes me wonder whether Windows will, or should, someday follow. :: more ::
The second coming of Vista: Microsoft strikes back
Unless you have been living under a rock, you already know that Microsoft's latest operating system has not been a big success. Apple takes great pleasure in Microsoft's struggles and has been rolling a competitive campaign that not only makes fun of the product, but appears to make fun of Microsoft's founder as well, typically not in a very nice way. As you might imagine, Microsoft employees don't find this situation pleasant and Steve Ballmer, who both runs Microsoft and considers Bill Gates one of his closest friends, is less than amused. :: more ::
[Rob, on Yahoo's early June announcements regarding online advertising deals and other initiatives] "The company is effectively in a fight for its life and that can provide a lot of motivation to get things done and show progress…Right now they are spending a great deal of time looking busy, but running around in circles ever faster doesn't get you to a destination."
Yahoo unveils deals in bid to play up strength
[Rob, on Blackberry's upcoming new smartphones] "The BlackBerry Bold is the first big hedge against the iPhone, and the Thunder is a direct attack."
Ripe for picking: Apple or BlackBerry
[Rob, on on the Google/Yahoo advertising deal] "Without Microsoft, this probably would stand up to regulatory scrutiny…But Microsoft has increased its presence on Capitol Hill significantly…and there are restraint of trade issues, so by the nature of Google's size and because Microsoft is going to be pounding on a lot of doors, I think this is going to be a problem."
Google, Yahoo, and the Elephant In the Room
[Rob, on Bill Gates stepping down] "He's built a company that is by any measure the most powerful technology company in the world today…It's hard to find a single person or any group of people that can embody both the authority and the vision that Bill Gates had."
Bill Gates, Version 2.0
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