Josh Thompson

Why Companies Really Turn to Open Source Software

"So long as the tech [browser] was locked down by a single commercial company, we saw very little in terms of real innovation."

The scenario is similar to record labels previously controlling what was released compared to initially pirating and eventually the free for all on youtube, blog sites, itunes, etc.
It does confirms the opening up of a new distribution channel is democratizing to innovation. This process is not unique to software. 15+ years ago I was told that the overnight delivery business model destroyed the concept of a distributorship because products could be shipped directly from the manufacturer.
An unanswered question is why can't a large for-profit company recreate the innovation of open source? The flaw of Open Source is at its core it is saying: "can't we all just work together...who needs self interest?" When MSFT creates the "feeling" of an open source community and a marketplace for that community with Azure developers it will all go back to normal.

Is Microsoft Ready to Throw in the Towel on Zune?

"MSFT came too late to the iPod show" = There is no such thing as coming too late to a technology market since technology reinvents itself every few years.

Microsoft: Losing Market Share in a Non-Existent Browser Market?

"If the browser market was not that important, Google would not have released Chrome"

That does not make any sense, and it indicates that the meaning of this article went right past you.

The Rewriting of Open Source History

Open Source is like FDR's New Deal. It's been reinvented and used to accomplish so many goals, it has become a mess. Open Source appears to work until it achieves success, then a few participants look for ways to profit and mini-MSFTs pop up everywhere. It turns ugly as soon as money is put on the table; when everyone is making contributions and no visible earnings picture is on the horizon, everyone's happily playing. Open Source turns into a battle of money and personality when it achieves success, that will probably be its nemesis. P.S. I liked the article.

Microsoft: A Solid Investment in Technology

Until GOOG lifts its self imposed restriction of all their software running all in the cloud, they will not be able to offer a quality product to compete with MSFT Office. They probably cannot lift this restriction or they'll be competing with MSFT on MSFT's playing field.

The Future of Internet Is Mobile

A headline that not only grabs your attention but it also true. That is refreshing. Mobile is appealing to advertisers who can pick their audience based upon a GPS reporting where the viewer is currently located.

With Tasks, Google Raises Stakes Against Outlook

The concept of moving all to the cloud is like making the claim that with restaurants and pizza delivery, home kitchen appliances are no longer needed. This claim would only makes sense to the pizza delivery person.

I use the cloud for backup, and it has come in handy many times, but I sometimes use my local CPU, memory, and Harddrive. I suppose that would be value combo meal Number 1.

Is the Microsoft Empire Cracking?

" don't think Microsoft can reinvent itself"

That would be inconsistent with being in business 20 years.

"All its victories in competition were achieved by "leveraging" its OS monopoly"

The cash from the OS sales came in handy, but it was not the source of all future victories.

Microsoft's Office for the Web Will be Ready No Time Soon

Zoho Google-like software has always existed along side Microsoft Office. It use to go by the name "public domain" software. Only the name has changed. There's also WordPad and NotePad.

IBM Drops Two Bombs on Microsoft

Instead of writing IBM Drops Two Bombs on Microsoft, could you also have said IBM says Two prayers. The article pointed out weaknesses of MSFT and how the competition is trying to play on those weaknesses.

In the comments, I read that MSFT is responding or has already fixed the weaknesses the article described and also pointed out how the Two Bombs are actually recycled ideas.
The Two bombs to drop on IBM is they are recycling their old business model and the price point reflects market weakness.

Microsoft vs. Open Source: Differences Explained by the Real World

A positive effect of Open source is MSFT almost gives away office pro software to markets that would be very hyper-sensitive to price like college students. They also give away developer and server software to student-developers under their dreamsparks program
There are hyper-sensitive managers also. Eventually the learning curve costs replaces purchase savings, and no peer managers follow the self- appointment open source advocate manager. MSFT still is the winner.

European Union Continues to Beat on Microsoft

code for "not Microsoft" although the concept of “open standards” is absurd.
I would like to know what is absurd about open standards. I have not read this perspective before. I suppose it means, IT that gives a company an advantage will not be from open source, as it cannot give any single company an advantage. The competitive advantage is what every company is looking for or paying for.

Microsoft Online Store May Drive Another Nail in Retail Coffin

the prices appears to be the full suggested retail price. that is sticker shock.

Do Google Docs and Spreadsheets Pose a Threat to Office?

>>The performance isn't always great, but the functionality is excellent
This description supports the concept of services + software. Microsoft just won.

On Nov 14 02:21 AM Y.I. wrote:

> Microsoft's hold on the office apps market will take a long time
> to disintegrate -- but eventually it will. I've become an avid user
> of Google docs. The performance isn't always great, but the functionality
> is excellent, and once you start sharing docs the collaboration is
> just amazing.
>
> My guess is that when netbooks get real traction, there will be a
> more dramatic shift to online apps.
>

PC Makers Face Netbook Peril - Barron's

Why don't you talk about how the Chevy Chevette is going to eliminate the Corvette because a Chevy Chevette has four wheels, a steering wheel and can go over 55 miles per hour. Or maybe how the Ford Granada will replace the Mercedes Benz because both are a greyish color.