2008 Woodie Awards
Microsoft's downfall coming soon? Not really.
Matt Cook
Issue date: 2/13/07 Section: Technology
Has anyone who reads technology news noticed a sharp increase in the number of articles and columns about Microsoft Corp. lately? I have.
It seems industry analysts and tech writers have reason to believe that Microsoft is not going to hold on at the top forever. While I cannot dispute the fact that Microsoft's software is run on more computers than any other company's, Microsoft's reign may not last forever.
For one, Apple's implementation of Intel Core Processors in its Macintosh computers has led some consumers to move away from Microsoft's Windows operating system. Apple Inc. has seen its overall market share increase from about five percent to six percent, surpassing Toshiba and growing close to Gateway Computers, two companies that run Windows almost exclusively.
Another indicator of Microsoft's supposed demise is the sluggish sales in the first two weeks of Vista and Office 2007. I personally think that sales will pick up as consumers replace old computers - they will have to choose between the new Windows or switching operating systems (to Mac or Linux) which can be a challenge to overcome. Mac has done its part to assure consumers that a transition is worth the effort. Take a look at their TV commercial campaign for proof.
Microsoft's Office suite sales are under attack as well. Openoffice.org, Google Docs and Spreadsheets and other office suites available for free are undermining Microsoft's "bread and butter" applications - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
Some analysts say that the company will follow the trend of its Zune music player: well publicized and talked about by the public, but poorly received with slow sales.
Still other writers will point out that Bill Gates, Microsoft's chairman, is going into semi-retirement and turning the daily operations of the company over to Chief Technology Officers Ray Ozzie and Craig Mundie. It will be interesting to see what direction they lead the company as it enters a second generation of leadership.
My opinion, for what it's worth, is that Microsoft won't go away and won't fall from its hard-earned top position. Mac may make significant gains in the operating system and computer sales areas. Other office suites may make Microsoft Office obsolete. In the end, however, Microsoft will not die a horrible death.
It seems industry analysts and tech writers have reason to believe that Microsoft is not going to hold on at the top forever. While I cannot dispute the fact that Microsoft's software is run on more computers than any other company's, Microsoft's reign may not last forever.
For one, Apple's implementation of Intel Core Processors in its Macintosh computers has led some consumers to move away from Microsoft's Windows operating system. Apple Inc. has seen its overall market share increase from about five percent to six percent, surpassing Toshiba and growing close to Gateway Computers, two companies that run Windows almost exclusively.
Another indicator of Microsoft's supposed demise is the sluggish sales in the first two weeks of Vista and Office 2007. I personally think that sales will pick up as consumers replace old computers - they will have to choose between the new Windows or switching operating systems (to Mac or Linux) which can be a challenge to overcome. Mac has done its part to assure consumers that a transition is worth the effort. Take a look at their TV commercial campaign for proof.
Microsoft's Office suite sales are under attack as well. Openoffice.org, Google Docs and Spreadsheets and other office suites available for free are undermining Microsoft's "bread and butter" applications - Word, Excel, PowerPoint, etc.
Some analysts say that the company will follow the trend of its Zune music player: well publicized and talked about by the public, but poorly received with slow sales.
Still other writers will point out that Bill Gates, Microsoft's chairman, is going into semi-retirement and turning the daily operations of the company over to Chief Technology Officers Ray Ozzie and Craig Mundie. It will be interesting to see what direction they lead the company as it enters a second generation of leadership.
My opinion, for what it's worth, is that Microsoft won't go away and won't fall from its hard-earned top position. Mac may make significant gains in the operating system and computer sales areas. Other office suites may make Microsoft Office obsolete. In the end, however, Microsoft will not die a horrible death.
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