Microsoft – Post Gates

Aug 14, 2006 | blog

FYI – I’ve had some thoughts floating around in my head for weeks and never posted on them.  While they are not completed, I’ve decided to post away, just to get them out “there”.  I may be back to update this over time.

Here are my ideas for Microsoft after Bill Gates is not in direct control – or even if he is in control.  I think these are things that the company needs to either investigate or simply do.

1. Support Linux
2. Port the Office Family to Red Hat, Fedora, Mandrake, Suse, etc…
3. License the Windows networking protocols under a free method to all comers
4. Create bulk pricing for end-consumers for all products
5. Create an inexpensive licensing program for consumers in the same light as corporate SA programs.
6. Keep it cheap – initial license $100, each additional $25 or whatever
7. Move all products to a subscription model, with quarterly builds that are available to all customers for no additional cost.
8. Leverage the “Live” Internet properties to support the SAAS model as needed (already there in some areas)
9. Spin the “controversial” software like IE and Media Player out as separate products that compete within the market place
10. Deliver on promises you make – or if it is not technically possible (i.e. see WinFS), then talk about the issues in an open conversation with your customers Realize that you are increasingly not everything to everyone. You have tremendous resources – focus on the things you do best.
11. You’re not hip – don’t try to be
12. Learn better naming practices – (hmm, “Microsoft Windows Mobile Pocket PC Phone Edition” or “Palm Treo” or “BlackBerry”? – ’nuff said). There is/was nothing wrong with software versioning instead of “year” names – Windows NT 4.0 or Windows 2000?  Give me the version info – and don’t try to say that the average consumer didn’t understand, that excuse was rubbish.
13. Corporations depend on your systems – make them bulletproof
14. Don’t rely on others to write stable code – pretend any code not written by MS is a virus, then you will be able to isolate and eliminate all potential problems that 3rd party software and drivers can cause to the OS. Of course this means that your code simply cannot fail – there is no other answer.

Is Gates departure a sign of a new direction?

Jul 3, 2006 | blog

Here’s a thought… What if Gates is actually leaving Microsoft to start a new venture?  Can Gates (being a visionary) see the handwriting on the wall that fat clients like Windows are fast becoming irrelevant?  No the industry is not in trouble yet, but think of the things you can do without a PC now – startling isn’t it!  Yes, you still need a good beefy PC to run your streaming media, CD/DVD ripping, photo/video editing, gaming, etc… at home, but for most things a simple device will do quite nicely.
However, think about the average person who mainly consumes information? Do they need a full blown computer with a big expensive OS like Windows, and big fat expensive apps like Office? Nope. Gates knows this, and his competitive spirit will not be sitting idle giving away his fortune.  Don’t get me wrong on this, I have no doubt that Gates and his foundation will do great things, and I believe he has every intention to do so.

My main thought here is not to count Bill Gates out of the industry by any means. With a quick sharp intellect, and his ability to see trends others may miss, I’m betting he won’t be sitting on the sidelines for long. The June 2008 timetable is set for a reason – we’ll have to see what that will end up being. Interesting I’m sure.

Any hints Bill?

Bill Gates – The Next Chapter

Jun 16, 2006 | blog

And that’s all this news raging about Bill Gates is – the next chapter. Obviously it’s the next chapter in his life, and in Microsoft’s.It’s also the next chapter for the technology industry, and computing as a whole. I’ve purposely avoided reading too many articles on the topic of his “moving” to part time.

The little bit I read was Scoble’s Heading to the BBC post, and Jeff Jarvis’ post The meaning of Bill. Both are insightful and told me more about the meaning of this change than any 5 second sound bite.

Regardless of your opinion of Bill Gates, at least read these two pieces.

UPDATE: Mathew Ingram also has makes some interesting points on Microsoft and questions what would be best for the company.