Wk 10 Reflection: Microsoft’s close-minded approach spells mobile failure
Microsoft Is Losing Fight for Consumers, Analyst Says
By STEVE LOHR
http://bits.blogs.nytimes.com/2009/12/10/microsoft-is-losing-fight-for-consumers-analyst-says/?ref=technology
After all of our discussions over open source versus proprietary platforms, I found this article very interesting. The author makes a loft prediction that Microsoft’s battle in the consumer market is almost over. Why? Mostly, his theory revolves around the idea that handheld devices are becoming the hub of all consumer-focused software development. If that is true, then Microsoft is already losing the race to Apple, RIM, and Google (given the initial popularity of Android phones). Lohr’s second point is that the software market is breaking into two camps; consumer and enterprise. Companies like Apple will derive their revenues from the consumer, while behemoths like IBM, Microsoft, and HP will focus on businesses.
I wonder how much of Microsoft’s failings in the consumer market are based upon their reluctance to open their code to the community. The iPhone began to truly dominate the landscape with its decision to open up third party app development. The same is true with the promise of the Android platform. Once again, Microsoft was late to the party and is losing badly. While they did not hold on for dear life in this market like they did during their fight with Linux, it looks like it may be too little too late. While I disagree with the author that their losses in the handheld market will shut them out of the consumer market altogether, I do agree that they have lost the handheld battle for good, mostly because of their reluctance to adapt to a new, open platform model.
