Steve Ballmer: We Won't Be Out-Innovated By Apple Anymore 610
An anonymous reader tips an article about comments from Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer regarding Microsoft's attitude toward Apple. It seems Microsoft is tired of being behind the curve in most areas of the tech market, and will be trying very hard to prevent Apple and other companies from beating them to the punch in the future. From the article:
"In a recent interview, Ballmer explained that the company had ceded innovations in hardware and software to Apple, but that the-times-they-are-a-'changin. 'We are trying to make absolutely clear we are not going to leave any space uncovered to Apple,' Ballmer explained. 'Not the consumer cloud. Not hardware software innovation. We are not leaving any of that to Apple by itself. Not going to happen. Not on our watch.' ... An admirable goal, but it's fair to argue that attempting to innovate everywhere results in innovation nowhere. A big part of the reason Apple has been so successful is that they devote the bulk of their attention to only a few select market areas. By trying to innovate everywhere, so to speak, Microsoft runs the continued risk of spreading itself too thin and not really having a fundamental impact in any one market."
Sorry (Score:5, Funny)
Well, that's it then. (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Translation (Score:5, Funny)
MS board to Ballmer: "No we not."
Genius! (Score:5, Funny)
Perhaps he also should have mentioned that he intends for Microsoft to sell more, higher value products and to earn more money!
How do they think of these things? They just must be thinking all the time over there at Microsoft!
Re:"first they ignore you" (Score:2, Funny)
1.5) Fat, Angry and in Denial
Re:Translation (Score:5, Funny)
Ballmer in a month: "They fled. The Apple louts fled. Indeed, concerning the fighting waged by the heroes of Microsoft yesterday, one amazing thing really is the cowardice of the Apple employees. We had not anticipated this... Their infidels are committing suicide by the hundreds on the gates of Redmond. Be assured, Redmond is safe, protected."
Re:"first they ignore you" (Score:4, Funny)
I was thinking more about the five stages of grief (Kübler-Ross model [wikipedia.org]), the first of which is denial:
1) Denial
2) Anger
3) Bargaining
4) Depression
5) Acceptance
I'd put old Steve Balls somewhere between #1 and #2.
Does this mean he's past the chair throwing stage? Tough times ahead for Herman Miller.
i would like to see that (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Microsoft's table is too large (Score:4, Funny)
Actually, I find their pricing and licensing models - often chancing on a yearly basis - to be very innovative... :)
Re:cool story bro (Score:4, Funny)
Re:Fight the wrong battles? (Score:3, Funny)
Balmer just doesn't give a puck.
Re:Translation (Score:4, Funny)
After Jobs, Ballmer is the second best person for Apple. They should be paying his salary to keep working at Microsoft.
Steve Ballmer: We Won't Be Out-Innovated By Apple (Score:4, Funny)
because Steve Jobs is dead
Re:"first they ignore you" (Score:5, Funny)
Microsoft version:
"first they laugh at you"
"then you fail"
"then they laugh at you again."
Re:Well, that's it then. (Score:4, Funny)
worked for Nokia. Turned that company right around.
Re:"first they ignore you" (Score:5, Funny)
1) Developers
2) Developers
3) Developers
4) Developers
Re:"first they ignore you" (Score:4, Funny)
Let's all pile into this thread so it takes longer to scroll past, everyone!
Re:Translation (Score:4, Funny)
Their last conversation probably went something like:
BillyG: "Ah, don't worry Steve, I'm pretty sure even you can't bankrupt Microsoft within Melinda's and my lifetime."
SteveB: "What? What are you saying? Hey! CHALLENGE ACCEPTED!"
Re:"first they ignore you" (Score:5, Funny)