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Microsoft's License to Confuse | |
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||
| Time: 08:59 EST/13:59 GMT | News Source: The Register | Posted By: Byron Hinson | ||
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Microsoft Corp has blamed confusion over forthcoming changes to its licensing model for sparking a revolt among enterprise customers, who are threatening to throw out Windows operating systems and applications for cheaper alternatives, Gavin Clarke writes. The Redmond, Washington-based company told Computerwire it will launch a widespread campaign this month to educate users, press and analysts and win support for its unpopular Microsoft Licensing 6.0 Program. The program is due to take effect on August 1. | ||
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| #1 By 2960 (156.80.64.135) at 4/15/2002 9:15:44 AM |
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Broken down, it's pretty simple I think.
It costs more money. IT departments don't like that. Especially these days. TL |
| #2 By 135 (209.180.28.6) at 4/15/2002 11:00:07 AM |
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I can definately see where Microsoft would like to see a steady revenue source.
But I can also see the point of IT. We upgraded to NT4 in 1997, and we are only just now upgrading to XP in 2002, and that move will probably not be finished until 2003. *THAT* is the upgrade cycle for a company that operates on the cutting edge of technology, there are still companies who are using Windows 3.1 despite it not being y2k compliant. Part of the problem I see Microsoft having is that Office XP is very near the end of a lifecycle. I just don't think there is much more they could do in this realm. We'll have to see, but I can understand why many companies would simply go "Look, XP is the last version we're going to be buying for the next 6 years." So it's my opinion that Microsoft needs to move in another direction. That is, realize the benefits of the steady revenue source from subscriptions, but offer it in such a way that it is compelling to the customers. What do I mean by that? Make it cheap. Price it such that there is no question whether or not to go this route. This post was edited by sodablue on Monday, April 15, 2002 at 11:00. |
| #3 By 2960 (156.80.64.135) at 4/15/2002 2:27:11 PM |
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Soda,
I agree, but differently :) I too agree that Microsoft needs to STOP betting the farm on Windows and Office. Both are to the point where really minor updates and bug fixes will carry them for many years. And they can't expect Corporations to just throw money away just because Microsoft wants them too, and is Hurtin' for a money fix. What Microsoft needs to do is quit living in the past, on past products, and really start doing that thing they have only paid lip-service too up to this point. INNOVATE. Create new, compelling products that people and companies want to buy. Stop trying to assimilate every known particle of energy in the Galaxy, get off their butt's, and WRITE SOME NEW SOFTWARE! .NET is just another avenue they thought up to generate sustained cash-flow, without having to truly innovate and come out with new products. They need to start creating NEW PRODUCTS. It really is as simple as that. But, this brings up a good point that I saw someone else write somewhere else on the web. Microsoft may not be doing what it obviously needs to do because it doesn't _know how_ to truly innovate and design/deliver brand-new products to market. TL |
| #4 By 135 (209.180.28.6) at 4/15/2002 3:00:20 PM |
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binhex - Agreed. I also think that there is the additional soft cost associate with people not upgrading. It makes the Windows market all that much more powerful if everybody is on the latest Windows XP instead of still running Windows 95.
TechLarry - .Net was created to make Windows more powerful, not because of any cash-flow potential, but if the development is made easier for Windows, developers will write more powerful applications which make Windows all the more attractive. I don't know why you don't consider .Net to be innovative, because it is. I've yet to see Apple come up with anything nearly as cool or exciting. |
| #5 By 5444 (208.180.245.59) at 4/15/2002 6:09:17 PM |
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#11,
well I can give one very good reason. while sitting on 35 billion on cash the value of the company has gone from slightly over 200 billion to slightly over 100 billion. in the tech downturn. So the cash reserve is a different issue depending on the type of company you are running. And when lean times come, having the cash researve to cover operating expenses without laying people off is a good thing. (believe me, I wish my company was as foresited as MS was at that, and I wouldn't be sitting in the Unemployment line now, with my ex company almost on the brink of Bankruptcy) MS still spends over a billion dollars per year on R&D, Some would say that the .net framework is a rip off of Java, but any that have worked with it in any detail, will know that it is much improved of that platform. Along with that, It brings a MUCH, well putting it simply. Windows API in the past was a laughing stock in the industry, it worked. but it wasn't easy to work with. with the framework, they bring a much improved API. and a very good replacement for DNA, Finally we may see what was promised with Cairo in 1995. over the next 2 windows releases. So there is still billions of dollars to be invested in that path of improving the windows platform. Consolidation of the File systems into one accross all platforms. integration of the framework as the bases of the windows API. A fully programmable shell. The internet changed the module of the windows OS. and has influenced what XP, Longhorn and Blackcomb will be. Perhaps with the death of 9x, we can move on to a more unified windows platform. El |
| #6 By 135 (208.50.201.48) at 4/16/2002 12:12:47 AM |
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#13 - I don't think anybody was suggesting working for free. However, if the profit margins are so high as to be able to retain a $35 billion bank balance and profit margins that outpace every other company in the US, then maybe you can afford to lower your prices.
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