There is no Plan B

Microsoft has not made much of a dent in Apple's and Google's domination of mobile computing, but a top executive has hinted that it will not stop trying and does not have an alternative strategy.

"We're very focused on continuing the success we have with PCs and taking that to tablets and phones," Microsoft's chief financial officer Peter Klein said at the annual Goldman Sachs Technology and Internet Conference in San Francisco.

Given Microsoft's lack of success so far, he was asked if there was an alternative strategy or 'Plan B' in reserve.

"It's less 'Plan B' than how you execute on the current plan," said Klein. "We aim to evolve this generation of Windows to make sure we have the right set of experiences at the right price points for all customers."

Microsoft Mobile | Windows Phone 8, Surface Tablet | No Plan B

Then listen to your customers, separate the desktop from the MPI and give people what they want!

 

[labeeman]

The Cloud could give IT people pink slips.

Unplugged: Got cloud?

 

[HippsieGypsie]

Bill Gate says getting into mobile was a mistake.

Bill Gates: Microsoft's mobile strategy was "clearly a mistake" | Computerworld Blogs

Not understanding why Gates would make such a statement. I thought the whole idea of 8 is to complete the trifecta of devices; desktop, pad/lappy, and phone. Familiar across the board. Yes?

Gate's was indirectly talking about the Windows Mobile strategy as that was what Microsoft was developing on as a smartphone OS WELL before ios or android. They didn't take it further fast enough or make it better fast enough until Windows Phone. THAT was the execution mistake I bet he's talking about.

Yes, the way they went about it was what he said was a mistake.

Bill Gate says getting into mobile was a mistake.

Bill Gates: Microsoft's mobile strategy was "clearly a mistake" | Computerworld Blogs

Where does he say getting into mobile was a mistake, no wonder things get misconstrued.

No, he never did say that.

"We didn't miss cellphones, but the way that we went about it didn't allow us to get the leadership. So it's clearly a mistake."

Again, "the way that we went about it" was the mistake he referred to.

 

[R0bR]

Spot-on! What many don't understand is that Microsoft HAS to make the move to a more functional UI across platforms where apps and desktop programs coexist. Not to do so means they would be relegated to a desktop only OS vendor with no unified cross-platform solution. That, not Windows 8, is a recipe for corporate suicide (in time, Google would prevail).

It goes a lot deeper than that, it's reduced costs across the board for MS, OEMS and device manufacturers as well. Developing and maintaining an OS is incredibly expensive, now multiply that by desktop, phone, server etc. and the costs get very high. With MS using the same kernel and basically the same OS across their platforms they have not only reduced costs but development as well. It's also cheaper for OEMs and device manufacturers because devices and drivers now work across all platforms. This is why "Blue" will be updates across the board and not specific to Windows 8.

 

[HippsieGypsie]

The PC market isn't declining or disappearing, it has basically reached a plateau and levelled off. One of many charts illustrating what's been going on:

View attachment 16937

OK. I agree with your opening statement, but what the hay does your chart of sales have anything to do with your statement below?

Again, the majority of people don't find Windows 8 difficult to use and they aren't afraid of change. They just don't like some aspects of it and prefer the Windows 7 desktop appearance, even though they like other aspects of Windows 8.

If Microsoft realized this, the world would be a better place.

 

[HippsieGypsie]

Spot-on! What many don't understand is that Microsoft HAS to make the move to a more functional UI across platforms where apps and desktop programs coexist. Not to do so means they would be relegated to a desktop only OS vendor with no unified cross-platform solution. That, not Windows 8, is a recipe for corporate suicide (in time, Google would prevail).

It goes a lot deeper than that, it's reduced costs across the board for MS, OEMS and device manufacturers as well. Developing and maintaining an OS is incredibly expensive, now multiply that by desktop, phone, server etc. and the costs get very high. With MS using the same kernel and basically the same OS across their platforms they have not only reduced costs but development as well. It's also cheaper for OEMs and device manufacturers because devices and drivers now work across all platforms. This is why "Blue" will be updates across the board and not specific to Windows 8.

Great point! You certainly know business, Rob. :thumb:

 

[Ray8]

The PC market isn't declining or disappearing, it has basically reached a plateau and levelled off. One of many charts illustrating what's been going on:

View attachment 16937

OK. I agree with your opening statement, but what the hay does your chart of sales have anything to do with your statement below?

Again, the majority of people don't find Windows 8 difficult to use and they aren't afraid of change. They just don't like some aspects of it and prefer the Windows 7 desktop appearance, even though they like other aspects of Windows 8.

If Microsoft realized this, the world would be a better place.

I was responding to two separate points made by sashlon, the first that PC sales are declining (which they aren't); the second that people find Windows 8 "'confusing' or 'unproductive'", which they don't, they simply find some aspects not to their liking (understanding and disliking are two separate issues). I was also being sarcastic about a further comment to sashlon, which continues the meme that users are the problem, not Windows 8.

 

[sashlon]

Well, you know what they say about sarcasm...

Also, those sales figures don't take the last 2 quarters into account where, according to most of the info out there, there's been a huge jump in tablet sales, and and PC sales are stagnant at best.

Also, I never said users were the problem. I said if you don't want to use Windows 8 then don't use it. Use what you're happy with.

 

[Ray8]

Well, you know what they say about sarcasm...

Also, those sales figures don't take the last 2 quarters into account where, according to most of the info out there, there's been a huge jump in tablet sales, and and PC sales are stagnant at best.

Also, I never said users were the problem. I said if you don't want to use Windows 8 then don't use it. Use what you're happy with.

I don't know. What do they say about sarcasm?

I also pointed out that the graph was but one of many showing the 'steady state' status of PCs. It has been at this steady state for many years. The PC market is pretty much saturated and there hasn't been much scope for growth for years. I made no statement about the sales of tablets.

Nor did I say that you said users were the problem, but you did say:

People lament about it being 'confusing' or 'unproductive'. People are often afraid or unsettled by change. If you don't like windows 8, then don't suffer needlessly.

Most people who are critical of some aspects of Windows 8 do not find it confusing or unproductive, are afraid or unsettled by change, or are suffering. I'm not sure where you've gained this idea? However, that does seem to be the common view, amongst a few, whenever anyone raises any criticism of Windows 8.

 

[labeeman]

I just saw an add on TV about iPad that made sense unlike the dance M$ adds.

 

[Ray8]

I watched two of them on YouTube:

Apple - iPad - TV Ad - Together - YouTube

Apple - iPad - TV Ad - Alive - YouTube

A small difference between those and the Microsoft ads.

 

[sashlon]

Well, you know what they say about sarcasm...

Also, those sales figures don't take the last 2 quarters into account where, according to most of the info out there, there's been a huge jump in tablet sales, and and PC sales are stagnant at best.

Also, I never said users were the problem. I said if you don't want to use Windows 8 then don't use it. Use what you're happy with.

I don't know. What do they say about sarcasm?

I also pointed out that the graph was but one of many showing the 'steady state' status of PCs. It has been at this steady state for many years. The PC market is pretty much saturated and there hasn't been much scope for growth for years. I made no statement about the sales of tablets.

Nor did I say that you said users were the problem, but you did say:

People lament about it being 'confusing' or 'unproductive'. People are often afraid or unsettled by change. If you don't like windows 8, then don't suffer needlessly.

Most people who are critical of some aspects of Windows 8 do not find it confusing or unproductive, are afraid or unsettled by change, or are suffering. I'm not sure where you've gained this idea? However, that does seem to be the common view, amongst a few, whenever anyone raises any criticism of Windows 8.

Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit.

 

[Coke Robot]

Sarcasm is generally a polite way of being rude...

 

[Ray8]

Oh, you're now trying to define the meaning of sarcasm. Here it is (from varying sources):

the use of remarks which clearly mean the opposite of what they say, and which are made in order to hurt someone's feelings or to criticize something in a humorous way

1. A cutting, often ironic remark intended to wound.
2. A form of wit that is marked by the use of sarcastic language and is intended to make its victim the butt of contempt or
ridicule.

A tongue of which the user speaks of something the complete opposite of what the user means. It often has the best comedic value.

the b_arstard stepchild of irony

Your body's natural defense against stupid.

A word that gives you the possibility to play with your imagination when asked stupid questions.

A very British form of humour which derives laughs from saying something while really meaning something else. Often (though not always, contrary to popular belief) used in scathing remarks.

I think most fits what I said. Oddly, none of the references had:

Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit.

 

[sashlon]

Oh, you're now trying to define the meaning of sarcasm. Here it is (from varying sources):

the use of remarks which clearly mean the opposite of what they say, and which are made in order to hurt someone's feelings or to criticize something in a humorous way

1. A cutting, often ironic remark intended to wound.
2. A form of wit that is marked by the use of sarcastic language and is intended to make its victim the butt of contempt or
ridicule.

A tongue of which the user speaks of something the complete opposite of what the user means. It often has the best comedic value.

the b_arstard stepchild of irony

Your body's natural defense against stupid.

A word that gives you the possibility to play with your imagination when asked stupid questions.

A very British form of humour which derives laughs from saying something while really meaning something else. Often (though not always, contrary to popular belief) used in scathing remarks.

I think most fits what I said. Oddly, none of the references had:

Sarcasm is the lowest form of wit.

Sigh. Do you make a habit of badgering people? Great way to interact with a new poster.

Anyway, I'll play your childish game. Found these in 2 minutes:
http://venturebeat.com/2013/02/18/tablet-sales-will-surpass-pc-sales-by-late-2012-or-early-2013/
http://www.firstpost.com/tech/microsoft-defends-pc-ecosystem-with-2-bn-loan-to-dell-615646.html
http://www.fierceenterprisecommunications.com/press-releases/gartner-says-pc-market-western-europe-declined-117-percent-fourth-quarter-2
http://www.benzinga.com/trading-ideas/13/02/3327017/pc-era-continues-to-fade

And:
http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/british/sarcasm

There. Well done, you got me to play at your level.

 

[Coke Robot]

I watched two of them on YouTube:

Apple - iPad - TV Ad - Together - YouTube

Apple - iPad - TV Ad - Alive - YouTube

A small difference between those and the Microsoft ads.

Thinking about this (as I just saw one of those ipad commercials just now) if one were to watch that commercial next to one of the Surface commercials, what grabs your attention and holds it more? A white background with a crowd yelling a random adjective and seeing random snippets of some apps versus a large crowd of people break dancing and tossing and clicking touch covers together and in the case of the Pro, tapping, typing, and writing with the stylus?

A normal subject would probably be more intrigued by the break dancing than anything...

 

[Ray8]

Sigh. Do you make a habit of badgering people? Great way to interact with a new poster.

If this was an Australian forum, where we tend to be somewhat forthright, you would never have posted that statement, well aware that you would be crucified. And, as a 'new' poster, you appear to be well prepared to take on that which you decry. We are so innocent and naïve, are we not?

 

[Ray8]

Thinking about this (as I just saw one of those ipad commercials just now) if one were to watch that commercial next to one of the Surface commercials, what grabs your attention and holds it more? A white background with a crowd yelling a random adjective and seeing random snippets of some apps versus a large crowd of people break dancing and tossing and clicking touch covers together and in the case of the Pro, tapping, typing, and writing with the stylus?

A normal subject would probably be more intrigued by the break dancing than anything...

As much as I don't like Apple, the ads were simple, clear, to the point, aimed at the 'everyman' and quite engaging.

I'm half expecting Microsoft to bring in 50c or some other rap/hip hop artist (I use the term artist very loosely) to engage with what they see the common man (or woman).

I think your and my definition of 'normal' subject differs wildly.

 

[Dave76]

I don't think Microsoft made a mistake at all.

The PC market has been declining for years. That's not going to change. People's computing needs are changing. The tablet and the smartphone are here to stay wether you like it or not. Sure, they could bury their heads in the sand and pretend that nothing has changed, and be dead in a few years.

Windows 8 is here. It is what it is. It's exactly how they intended to release it. The reasons behind the metro/desktop combo are pretty obvious really. People lament about it being 'confusing' or 'unproductive'. I figured windows 8 out in a few days back when the Release Preview came out. Its really not that hard. Also, it is as productive as you make it.

Microsoft is trying to build a platform with PCs, tablets and smartphones that is as unified as possible. That's why Windows 8 is the same on a laptop as it is on a tablet, with or without touch. Apple and Google have been doing this for years. Microsoft's first real effort to match them is the windows 8/RT/phone platform, and they've done a great job. My wife has an iPad 3, I have a Nexus 7 and a Surface RT. The Surface RT smokes the other two in web browsing speed, productivity, battery life and general speed. The only area its lacking in is apps. Those will come.

Windows 8 on a computer is great. I have never enjoyed an OS so much. You can make it whatever you want. Want a Start Button? Easily done. Want to skip the Metro interface? Easily done. Want to unify the two interfaces? Easily done. Its highly customizable.

People are often afraid or unsettled by change. If you don't like windows 8, then don't suffer needlessly. Use windows 7. It does still work after all. I think Microsoft have done great with it though. I'm looking forward to the future. I want to see what 'Blue' will bring, and I'm itching to buy a new computer in July, so I can trick it out, just the way I want it.

Well said, they have to stay relevant or get left behind, W8 is a step in that direction. They will improve it.

 

[Software Tools]

Sigh. Do you make a habit of badgering people?

G'day "pot"! :huh:

 

[Wenda]

Just for funsies, let's trash BeOS for awhile today...

Geez, I thought I was the only one who'd ever heard of it.
Good one!...
(I actually have a copy, somewhere).
Wenda.