Windows - LIVE
That is right, coming to a web portal near you…the next great revolution. WINDOWS (WINDOWs, WINDOws, WINDows, echo…) and OFFICE (OFFICe, OFFIce, OFFice, OFfice, echo…) LIVE (LIVe, LIve, Live, live)…
Yes it is true, the Redmond gang invaded San Fran yesterday and announced their new vision and future path in relation to web based services and application. They are going to roll out both client and server side applications that will allow users to work online and possibly even store and share their documents across the web. Basically this is a response to the fact that more and more people are moving away from the traditional software on their local PC to do things like word processing, photo management, and even spreadsheet work. This move by Microsoft had to come and is similar to when they finally admitted that the web was real and begin to compete with the then dominate brower - Netscape. Their method of competition then, properitary code, MS only standards, bundling, etc, which lead to lawsuits and settlements. This time is suppose to be different.
Now, though, there’s no hint that Microsoft will run afoul of the law. Its new services are based on widely accepted industry standards, rather than its own proprietary technologies. “I don’t see them leveraging their monopolies this time,” says analyst Charlene Li of tech market researcher Forrester Research. “This is about them having to convince users that their services are something they want. It’s an acknowledgement that the users get to choose.” - From Business Week Story
I hope Ms Li is right, but the day that I do not see Microsoft leverage their monopoly I expect to see the natural occurance of flying swine.
Continuing on, the announcement was built up for a while, but then it’s impact was reduced even before the announcements. Mostly this was a “here is where we are going” announcement, not a “this is how we are going to get there” announcement.
Microsoft’s San Francisco event was high on vision and low on specifics. That may have been why the PR people set out to lower expectations. Much in the first batch of offerings are rebranded products from its MSN business, with some clever updates. - From Business Week Story
For me this entire thing is great only because it will make those already in the market better. I love REAL compeittion, something Microsoft has always avoided. As for me, I will continue to support non Microsoft solutions in all application areas no matter what Microsoft does. I personally use Corel / Word Perfect, Macromedia (I know Adobe owns them but they still operate seperately) , and the Firefox browser just to name a few. I also exclusively run AMD chips. Man I am full up on the rebel coder thing ain’t I. I do use and support MS XP as it is the standard, it finally got powerfull, and flawed or not it works better then the compeitition because it is compatible with software that does everything I want to do. I point this out, because I do not think you should have to write or create a appliciation (or the latest beta) everytime you need / want to do something. Linux on the the desktop of the average user is still a pipe dream from what I see, and OS X is a great toy but the Mac will never be a real mainstream machince again.
Here are full stories about the announcement.
Businessweek
CNET
Forbes.com
BBC News
SF Chronicle
San Jose Mercury News
Register UK
