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Office, Windows and Small Businesses
Early next week, JupiterResearch will publish my final report--on small businesses' plans for deploying Office 2007 and Windows Vista. As the report explains, small businesses are expected to adopt the two products at a brisker pace than larger establishments. The...
The Zune Deal Maker
Colleagues Michael Gartenberg and David Card offer perspective on two different Zune topics: Universal Music's $1/per-player cut of Zune sales and how 79 points really is 99 cents. I just can't resist throwing in my 20 cents. Nobody partners like...
Windows Vista is Golden
Oh my, this afternoon Microsoft released Windows Vista to manufacturing. The software is code complete. On Monday, I wrote that Microsoft would want to RTM Window Vista this week, "ideally no later than Wednesday." It's Wednesday, and Windows Vista code...
Xbox Goes to the Movies
Around nine last night I was working late, when Outlook snatched up an e-mail from Microsoft. The company had announced that it would make TV shows and movies, including HD content, available for Xbox. Colleague Michael Gartenberg's first take on...
One Down, One to Go
Today, Microsoft announced that it had released to manufacturing its forthcoming Office 2007 productivity suite. The question everyone will ask me today: How far behind will be Windows Vista? Any day, I expect. Release of Internet Explorer 7 and Windows...
The Microsoft and Novell Partnership
Earlier this afternoon, the Wall Street Journal reported that Microsoft and Novell had entered into a licensing agreement regarding SuSe Linux. About 30 minutes ago, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer made the formal announcement of the deal. While the Journal did...
Piracy and Security
I'm not the biggest fan of newer Microsoft anti-piracy programs, such as Office Genuine Advantage or Software Protection Platform. I find that Microsoft's objectives conflict with the interests of its paying customers. That said, there is one area where Microsoft's...
Driving the Accounting Express Lane
Yesterday, Microsoft announced a free "Express" version of its small business accounting software, with some integration available with Office Live. The new application is hugely significant, for reasons that might not be immediately obvious. Office Accounting Express 2007 is Microsoft's...
Genuine What?
I've been head down in a project, which has slowed blogging. This morning, I want to do quick catchup on a couple topics, starting with Office Genuine Advantage. Microsoft has now officially launched OGA, which is kin to Windows Genuine...
New Report on Microsoft 2007 Products
Today, JupiterResearch Published my report, "Microsoft's 2007 Product Strategy: What It Means to Partners and Competitors." The report briefly lays out what are Microsoft's "anchor" products--or platforms, if you like--largely focusing on server software. in the report there's a pretty...
Microsoft Fiscal 2007, Q1 Results
This afternoon, Microsoft announced results for its fiscal 2007 first quarter, ended September 30. Quarterly revenues were $10.81 billion, up 11 percent from a year earlier. Operating income rose 11 percent year over year to $4.47 billion from $4.05 billion....
Insecure Me
The very public dispute between Microsoft and former partners McAfee and Symantec has generated a whole lot of buzz (and concern) about operating system security. Yesterday, I learned from shocking experience, how security vulnerabilities can result from weak security policy....
Make Guarantee's Promise Clear
This afternoon, Microsoft finally announced the long-anticipated Windows Vista coupon program (a.k.a., Technology Guarantee); yes, there is one for Office 2007, too. Under the programs, consumers purchasing Windows XP and/or Office 2003 on PCs would be eligible for free or...
My Goodness
I'm fascinated by corporate culture and how vernacular spreads through a company's messaging. Sometime last year, I heard someone at Microsoft use the word "goodness" to describe one of the company's new products. I found the usage unusual in context...
When Partner Means "To Part Ways"
With security vendors raising holy hell over Windows Vista PatchGuard and Adobe circling the wagons around PDF, there wouldn't seem to be any other big partners left for Microsoft to compete with. If John Markoff's New York Times story, "Microsoft...
