NetworkKing76

Why Isn't Microsoft's Strategy Working Anymore?

In general, there is more risk in innovating. MSFT allows other companies take the risk to determine that a market is viable. There is little to gain in the initial uptake of technology. The most money is made during the growth to maturation stage.

After the market is validated, MSFT cobbles together technology from their skunkworks. The first version of all of their software is horrible. Historically, MSFT has used customer feedback to improve the product to the point that the third version is usually widely accepted.

I will say that Vista and Live Services is "World Windows" 1.0 with Windows 7, Bing, etc. representing 2.0. The next version of these apps which I foresee consolidation (barring silly anti-trust allegations) of these apps to create seamless interface for "World Windows" 3.0. By this time all of the infrastructure and technology (i.e. security, collaboration, etc.) will be mature enough for widespread adoption of your version of World Windows.

Is It as Simple as New-GM vs. Old-GM?

I am curious if GM is exploring separating manufacturing from design, etc. like the technology industry. I think people are using the excuses of decades ago for not doing this. Design and manufacturing must be closely linked...blah...blah..... the 21st century! You can design an entire car on a computer and run test models and start all over again.

A manufacturing GM could integrate its value chain (i.e. buy largest suppliers) and develop platforms that can be customized for or by each customer (i.e. "New" GM, New Saturn and Hummer owners, up-and-coming car companies). Now is a perfect time to do it before demand returns to historical levels. **note: people aren't going to continue repairing the same 8-10 yr old car but so long...

GM of the Future: Much Smaller and Actually Profitable

I agree with this article completely...which is why I hoping that the Auto Task Force would not just play along. Constant cost-cutting is self-deprecating like you said.

Why aren't hybrids marketed as premium vehicles (GT, XLE, Eddie Bauer, etc)? Ford has come out with "Eco-Boost" (sp?) which is a step in the right direction. Combine that tech with hybrid and you have a faster vehicle with better fuel economy. (Best of Both World's) Plus they could move to fewer engine platforms (or will the union allow that?)

Partial employee (or Union) ownership will align them with the business and provide incentive to increase value and quality (they have made improvements in quality and design).

Microsoft's Mobile Misfortune

It is the perfect time for MSFT to show the fruits of their Danger acquisition. I'm thinking about a consumer smartphone (xPhone) device that merges their Zune and Live networks. Community eco-systems is what really makes the iPhone successful.

Music will be an added benefit on this device since the world owns iPods already. The real killer app is connected mobile gaming (Live network) over 3G/Wi-Fi & future 4G. They should make it so that you can play against friends in your local vicinity as well. The Live Network can be used to truly make money on the mobile platform like Apple makes 99 cents for each song. Let's not forget movies/sitcoms/etc.

Let the floodgates open...

Depression? Recession? No, It's the Great Restructuring

Great article Jeff...For some of the commenters. The horse and mule were excellent tools for transportation and moving goods when compared to human muscle alone. I'm sure there was resistance to the machines that later replaced these methods. I'm seeing the same mindset in some of these comments.

Businesses have been ignoring the customers for several years. Yes mass manufacturing has worked as well as the franchise model and vanilla suburbs but people have slowly started to backlash against this mass generalization. People have individual personalities that are not recognized in the market. There has been no move towards Mass Customization and making it more profitable. The profits were too fat before...so now that those profits have disappeared, it is the perfect opportunity to look at serving the needs of the people (and make money in the process).

Cisco's Odd, But Logical, Move into Servers

Cisco's plan makes a lot of sense to me. Blade servers will replace many older servers and mainframes over time. The integrated management piece is key along with the desire to package plenty of routers, etc. So where does Cisco experience the returns to justify this endeavor?

Services...Right now IBM pretty much dominates this arena which is a high margin business. Cisco could offer up a broader hardware package than IBM and provide support and/or management of the whole Data Center.

I don't think it is necessary for Cisco to buy VMWare and BMC but they will definitely close partners.

As far as I'm concerned, Cisco is making a lot of long-term investments that will produce significant results in the next 5 years. I'm buying this stock!