Microsoft and Google are the two most valuable technology companies, according to Bloomberg, and they are engaged in a battle to control “how consumers and corporations work, shop, communicate and go about their digital lives,” according to an article in the NY Times on 12/16/07. Google sees all these things happening through a Web-based system, but Microsoft envisions a future where most of these things happen through desktop PC software.By offering Web-based computer software applications, called Google Apps, for word processing, email and spreadsheets to companies, universities and consumers, Google is trying to change the software business and in the process is directly challenging Microsoft’s PC software empire. “If Google succeeds, a lot of the value that Microsoft provides today is potentially obsolete,” David Yoffie, a professor at the Harvard Business School, told the Times.Taking on Microsoft will not be an easy task for Google. Microsoft has a commanding position in the personal productivity software business, with a share in excess of 90% and with Microsoft’s Office Suite running on 500 million computers, according to the Times. It’s certain that Microsoft will fight tenaciously to defend their business. They already are investing heavily in Web-based software, large data centers and are adding Internet features, to counter Google’s advances in these areas. Microsoft’s strategy appears to be one where they will embrace the web, while trying to maintain the profitability of their PC based business.Some of the advantages of Google’s software include being able to develop and release it more rapidly than conventional software, new features and improvements can be added quickly and you can access it from any online connection, without being tied to your PC. Eric Schmidt, Google’a CEO, told the Times that small businesses could greatly reduce their costs and technology headaches by adopting Google’s web offerings. Dave Girouard, who runs Google’s enterprise business, told the Times, “a lot of big companies” will soon be using Google Apps. Jeff Raikes from Microsoft dismisses Google’s optimism as wishful thinking, in the Times article. Google must also face the fact that many large companies view Microsoft as a safe choice and may be reluctant to switch software vendors. Companies and individuals may also be reluctant to store sensitive information on Google’s servers.Ultimately, the success of Google’s Web-based software will be dependent upon the cost and ease of use. Business people in a variety of industries are watching this venture closely, to see if Google can be successful in an area outside of Internet search. In the near term, I believe Microsoft will continue to be the dominant force in the software business, but if Google succeeds overtime, Microsoft will likely have to lower their prices, which will cut into their profit margins. Whatever the outcome, it should be interesting to watch these two technology heavyweights battle it out for control of the digital universe.
Tag Archives: business
Shoe Repairs And Several Other Things When I Was 7
Shoe Repairs And Several Other Things When I Was 7
My Dad repaired most of our shoes believe it or not, I can hardly believe it myself now. With 7 pairs of shoes always needing repairs I think he was quite clever to learn how to “Keep us in shoe Leather” to coin a phrase!
He bought several different sizes of cast iron cobbler’s “lasts”. Last, the old English “Laest” meaning footprint. Lasts were holding devices shaped like a human foot. I have no idea where he would have bought the shoe leather. Only that it was a beautiful creamy, shiny colour and the smell was lovely.
But I do remember our shoes turned upside down on and fitted into these lasts, my Dad cutting the leather around the shape of the shoe, and then hammering nails, into the leather shape. Sometimes we’d feel one or 2 of those nails poking through the insides of our shoes, but our dad always fixed it.
Hiking and Swimming Galas
Dad was a very outdoorsy type, unlike my mother, who was probably too busy indoors. She also enjoyed the peace and quiet when he took us off for the day!
Anyway, he often took us hiking in the mountains where we’d have a picnic of sandwiches and flasks of tea. And more often than not we went by steam train.
We loved poking our heads out of the window until our eyes hurt like mad from a blast of soot blowing back from the engine. But sore, bloodshot eyes never dampened our enthusiasm.
Dad was an avid swimmer and water polo player, and he used to take us to swimming galas, as they were called back then. He often took part in these galas. And again we always travelled by steam train.
Rowing Over To Ireland’s Eye
That’s what we did back then, we had to go by rowboat, the only way to get to Ireland’s eye, which is 15 minutes from mainland Howth. From there we could see Malahide, Lambay Island and Howth Head of course. These days you can take a Round Trip Cruise on a small cruise ship!
But we thoroughly enjoyed rowing and once there we couldn’t wait to climb the rocks, and have a swim. We picnicked and watched the friendly seals doing their thing and showing off.
Not to mention all kinds of birdlife including the Puffin.The Martello Tower was also interesting but a bit dangerous to attempt entering. I’m getting lost in the past as I write, and have to drag myself back to the present.
Fun Outings with The camera Club
Dad was also a very keen amateur photographer, and was a member of a camera Club. There were many Sunday photography outings and along with us came other kids of the members of the club.
And we always had great fun while the adults busied themselves taking photos of everything and anything, it seemed to us. Dad was so serious about his photography that he set up a dark room where he developed and printed his photographs.
All black and white at the time. He and his camera club entered many of their favourites in exhibitions throughout Europe. I’m quite proud to say that many cups and medals were won by Dad. They have been shared amongst all his grandchildren which I find quite special.
He liked taking portraits of us kids too, mostly when we were in a state of untidiness, usually during play. Dad always preferred the natural look of messy hair and clothes in the photos of his children.