3 ms·
You are correct in that perspective, but Microsoft is supposed to be the smartest kid in the class. They've said so. And taking them on their word, analysts a
by brg 15y ago
You are correct in that perspective, but Microsoft is supposed to be the smartest kid in the class. They've said so. And taking them on their word, analysts are supposed to compare it against the other brilliant companies in the sector.
Even so, look at the comparison this way. Google and Apple both created and captured new markets; Google with online advertising and Apple with mobile devices. This proves that there was a huge amount of room for innovation and growth in the last ten years. But comparatively, MS has done nothing. It hasn't grown in any direction.
And what makes the comparison even more relevant is that MS has actively attempted, and failed, to copy both of the other leaders--Ad center is a failure, MS online strategy is balkanized and schizophrenic, the zune is dead, and WP7 is not gaining traction. That failure is reflected in the chart.
- contextfree 15y agoOver the last decade they broke into the enterprise and built the server & tools business into something with income that exceeds the Windows client business in some quarters. They also appear to have built Xbox/Kinect into a $2 billion/year business. I don't think that's nothing.
- kenjackson 15y agoEven so, look at the comparison this way. Google and Apple both created and captured new markets; The test isn't how a company does when its taking over a new market. It's what it does when its losing its old market. The real comparison isn't is MS better than Google or Apple. MS has already had their climb. The real question is "is MS IBM or DEC?"
- enjo 15y agoIs adcenter a failure? I have no idea what their data looks like, but I do know that bids have gotten quite competitive (much more Google like) since the Yahoo partnership.
- brg 15y agoAs the revenue generating end of Microsoft's online services division, the popular bar chart showing quarterly losses exceeding 600M says that it is a failure. This may turn around if Bing hits its magic number in terms of market share. But one would think that the division will have to have start stemming its tide of losses if it is to be given a chance.
- contextfree 15y agoI remember reading somewhere that Microsoft is targeting 2014 as the year that Bing is supposed to stop losing money. I can't seem to find it again though.