Hey Coacha, just go buy a Mac 🙂
For so many years Microsoft was the big dog in desktop and laptop computing. They were the 800 lb. gorilla and were feared by many as being the dominant player in the marketplace, squashing the competition, eliminating innovation, not giving other companies the chance to be in the game.
In the lawsuit, United States v. Microsoft was a set of civil actions filed against Microsoft Corporation pursuant to the Sherman Antitrust Act of 1890 Section 1 and 2 on May 8, 1998 by the United States Department of Justice (DOJ) and 20 U.S. states. Joel I. Klein was the lead prosecutor. The plaintiffs alleged that Microsoft abused monopoly power on Intel-based personal computers in its handling of operating system sales and web browser sales. The issue central to the case was whether Microsoft was allowed to bundle its flagship Internet Explorer (IE) web browser software with its Microsoft Windows operating system. Bundling them together is alleged to have been responsible for Microsoft’s victory in the browser wars as every Windows user had a copy of Internet Explorer. For more about this case go to http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/United_States_v._Microsoft
My how things have changed. Here is the current market share for the top web browsers:
Not that long ago Microsoft ruled the software world. With the proliferation of the internet however, the rules of engagement changes and so did the playing field for the competition. Along came Google, Safari and Firefox in the browser space, and then of course Facebook, Twitter, Linked In, You Tube, Tumblr and all of the other initially web based applications. Then the mobile world came and with it over 500,000 new applications have been developed to engage consumers in everything related to their respective lives; games, directions, shopping, reference, sports, social. Yes there is an app for that!
Browsing on mobile phones sucks. Most web-sites are not mobile ready. This is one of the key reasons why apps are so awesome. Easy to use, all of the important functionality is included and it is quick and easy to navigate. Awesome stuff. Not a mention about Microsoft in this world. I own an iPhone and it is a terrific product.
Speaking about the iPhone, here is an interesting fact for you. Apple’s iPhone business alone is larger than all of Microsoft’s businesses combined. In case you were not listening or are multitasking, let me say that again. Apple’s iPhone business alone is larger than all of Microsoft’s businesses combined.
The iPhone is responsible for over half of Apple’s total revenue. Apple is now significantly larger than Microsoft’s. Actually, it’s more than twice as large. Last quarter, Microsoft brought in $20.89 billion in revenue. Apple brought in $46.33 billion. Oh did I mention what the market caps are of these two companies. Microsoft is $253 billion – Apple is $423 billion. Things have changed indeed.
Time to sing along to Bowie:
I still don’t know what I was waiting for
And my time was running wild
A million dead-end streets
Every time I thought I’d got it made
It seemed the taste was not so sweet
So I turned myself to face me
But I’ve never caught a glimpse
Of how the others must see the faker
I’m much too fast to take that test, Ch, ch, ch, ch changes
Just when you think you figured it out it will change again. Enjoy the day.
Webman
The one thing that is constant is change. 10 years from now it will be different but for right now, Apple rules the market.
Webman's View 