Microsoft has lost its edge to Apple and Google, becoming like IBM in the mid-1980s when the Seattle, WA. software giant unveiled its first version of the Windows operating system. “I think Microsoft today is a lot like IBM was in 1985,” ex-Microsoft employee Don Dodge told a Seattle newspaper.
Dodge, who worked with startups at Microsoft before laid off in November, was hired by Internet giant Google one week later.
The former Microsoft worker said his previous employer is now overshadowed by Apple, Google and Facebook when it comes to innovation. “Microsoft is still a powerful company – $60 billion in revenue and very profitable – but I think after 20 years they are losing the innovation edge,” Dodge told the Seattle Post-Intelligencer site.
He said “Windows Mobile is obviously behind the iPhone.” The iPhone recently passed Windows Mobile in most U.S. subscribers. Google’s Android cell phone operating system has become stiff competition for the iPhone.
Dodge also points to Microsoft’s leadership as a potential drawback in competing with Apple. “The transition was smooth, but not having Bill there every day has far-reaching implications.” After Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates left the job to pursue other activities, Steve Ballmer became CEO. Among other memorable comments,Ballmer, has called increased use of Apple Safari and Google’s Chrome a ’rounding error.’ Earlier this month, Ballmer instructed journalists not to even mention Apple when covering a Windows Mobile event. At a previous Microsoft event, a photo of journalists using Macs was released.
Still another PR blow to Microsoft occurred when a window on New York’s Saks Fifth Avenue meant to promote the company’s new Windows 7 was instead hijacked to display pro-Apple Twitter messages.
Earlier this month, Harvard Business Review named Apple founder and leader Steve Jobs as the top CEO, omitting Ballmer from the list of corporate heads. That accolade came on the heels of Jobs named “CEO of the Decade” by Fortune Magazine.
Dodge believes Microsoft’s eclipse by Apple and others was innevitable. “It is just the natural competitive cycle,” he said.
[Via Seattle P-I]
