WinExtra - Latest Comments in Microsoft needs an intervention

Re: Microsoft needs an intervention

StevenHodson — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 12:55:04 -0000

I'm glad to see Xbox is making a profit even though its millions are far
from the billions that the OS or Office divisions make. Like Brett Norquist
noted in a post not long ago Xbox and Zune are the only two divisions in
Microsoft that have managed to understand the *cool factor* that is the
driving force of the younger generations that are driving their profits. The
rest of the company still are in the utilitarion stage no matter how much
eye candy they dress their products up in.

As for the corporate angle I would agree that currently little competition
for Microsoft but this is the prime area where they are indeed resting on
their laruels because they don't think they have any direct threats. That
however could be a dangerous attittude to have as Apple is beginning to make
inroads there as well - granted it isn't a rush of companies going that
route but it is happening all the same.

Re: Microsoft needs an intervention

StevenHodson — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 11:55:04 -0000

Re: Microsoft needs an intervention

TDavid — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 09:57:44 -0000

Here's something you might want to read, if you haven't already (and Zune is mentioned in a positive light, imagine that):
http://www.dailytech.com/Xbox+360+Drives+Micros...

You also skipped refuting the corporate angle. Little competition there.

Re: Microsoft needs an intervention

TDavid — Tue, 29 Apr 2008 08:57:44 -0000

Re: Microsoft needs an intervention

StevenHodson — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 20:59:02 -0000

I would have to agree with you Doug

Re: Microsoft needs an intervention

StevenHodson — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:59:02 -0000

I would have to agree with you Doug

Re: Microsoft needs an intervention

StevenHodson — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:58:02 -0000

Xbox Live might well be an anomoly within Microsoft but for all the press it
recieves it still hasn't or is just now beginning to make money - after how
many years of being as directionless as the rest of the company. As for
redefining music distribution we have Zune - yet another directionless
division.

As much as I dislike the naming convention the Live Services division could
*eventually* be the main course Microsoft goes but right now as Mary Jo
quotes her sources as saying it is as badly mismanaged and directionless as
any other division.

Re: Microsoft needs an intervention

Douglas Karr — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:41:51 -0000

It sounds to me like they simply have too many employees and too many managers. I've worked for great companies and some pretty bad ones. There was one thing in common with the companies that were unable to innovate, though. They all felt powerless.

I likened it to building an assembly line with a thousand people and each one is allowed to press the stop button. Without a streamlined, empowered team, innovation is nothing short of a miracle.

Re: Microsoft needs an intervention

TDavid — Mon, 28 Apr 2008 19:26:55 -0000

Steven - what about the Xbox Live angle? I'm guessing you didn't mention it because you haven't followed what's happening there(?)

Games like Rock Band and Guitar Hero are redefining music distribution online.

The Live marketplace is growing, dominating and *the* place to be for the younger gaming generation. Don't be surprised if this division becomes the future for Microsoft. Can't underestimate the power of gaming. Look at the history behind solitaire.

Also, there is the corporate side of Microsoft and they still have massive penetration in that market.