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Windows is the Next NetWare

SUSE manuals



Summary: The days of Windows as "legacy software" are approaching, just as the days of desktops and laptops as the main (or most sold) computer type are ending

Microsoft's and Novell's marriage is a marriage between a pair that shares common problems. Microsoft and Novell both have debt and both companies shrink over time (layoffs included). Novell's likely layoffs after the AttachMSFT deal is done (there is this new article about debt featuring a project manager at Novell) is a subject we will address at a later stage/post, but for the time being, the main question is about patents and CPTN. That's where a lot of damage can be done, which is why Microsoft boosters lobby for FTC approval.



Novell used to be a company that matters, at least back in its NetWare era. There is this new article which goes back in time and speaks about the subject. It says:

When talking about disappointment, Novell merits special consideration. Once thought to be a legitimate competitor to Microsoft in network operating systems with their Netware Enterprise products, they are now left wondering what could have been. Through their own ineptitude, they allowed rivals (some smaller and bigger) to eat away at their market share until they saw no other option but to leave the market entirely. It remains sad to analyze their progression into technology obscurity.


Microsoft has a similar problem these days. Those that take up market share are UNIX and Linux, especially in emerging form factors. Assuming that "PC" is synonymous with "desktop", mind the new article titled "PC Market Weakness is Bad News for Microsoft" (From Nasdaq.com Community):

Microsoft's ( MSFT ) business is highly dependent on PC sales as Windows OS and Microsoft Office for PCs respectively account for about 40% and 36% of our $31.64 price estimate for Microsoft stock .


This is a serious factor because the remainder of the cash cows (mostly one) depends on Windows as a common carrier. Windows sales already decline, for several consecutive quarters even.

“The attitude in Redmond seems to be one straight out of the '90s, maybe even the '80s...”
      --Lee Pender
One trend we've noticed is, a lot of journalists stop covering Microsoft, which matters not so much anymore. Lee Pender, a Microsoft fan from their Redmond 'press', is also sensing a moment of weakness and in his column "Microsoft Isn't Worth Waiting for Anymore" he cites another Microsoft booster and says: "What's stunning, though -- and this is really Mary Jo's point -- is that Microsoft doesn't seem to care. The attitude in Redmond seems to be one straight out of the '90s, maybe even the '80s: "Hey, we'll get to these new markets when we get to them, and when we do we'll clean everybody's clock. This is Windows versus OS2 all over again."

"Hey, Microsoft: Not anymore. You're slow and bloated, and your competitors have no reason to fear you anymore. Heed Mary Jo's word -- she probably knows more about your company than you do, after all."

Microsoft's relevance these days has little to do with technology or even marketing; it is to do with litigation -- a subject we'll tackle as a matter of priority here in Techrights. It's not about "cheap shots", it's about addressing a serious subject.

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