Stupid is as Stupid does
April 25, 2010
Ever notice how Microsoft is CONSTANTLY “innovating” by trying to muscle their way into markets developed by others? They seem to have this idea that not only should they dominate every arena because afterall, they are the “biggest and best”, but because its like a birth right or something. They are not content being incredibly successful in their given niche, but resent the fact that someone else might be successful in something that they had never given a second thought to, but now see as important.
Take search for example. This market has developed over many years by many players. Microsoft was not interested — until Google made it highly profitable. So in jumps Microsoft, with typically a half-assed approach. After years of failing miserably, they try to buy their way into the market. And then try to leverage their lobbying and other resources to throw up all kinds of roadblocks aimed squarely at Google. This is paying scant dividends.
Why? Because they cannot compete on a level playing field. They do best where there is no competition, or the competition is so hamstrung as to be ineffectual. Its an uphill battle wherever they can’t squash the competition by hook or by crook. Competitiveness is not a strong suit, or even in Bill Gate’s old playbook. Its not how the game is played (at least in their playbook), and not what got them where they are now.
The Linux Snob says: “Come on guys, let the people who have defined the market, and do it best, just do it. You stay with what you do best: dominate in a protected monopoly with mostly mediocre products.”
