Where in the World is Microsoft's Slate?

[Hooch Tan]

<div class='os_post_top_link'><a href='http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-20006146-56.html' target='_blank'>http://news.cnet.com/8301-13860_3-20006146-56.html</a><br /><br /></div><p><em>"Microsoft could also build its own device from start to finish, using Windows 7, Windows Phone 7, or potentially some other software. That could allow for a more tightly integrated experience but runs the risk of further alienating partners. The company's recent decision to kill the Courier project suggests that Microsoft may have considered and rejected this option. "</em></p><p><img src="http://images.thoughtsmedia.com/resizer/thumbs/size/600/dht/auto/1275013584.usr20447.jpg" style="border: 1px solid #d2d2bb;" /></p><p>Image credit: <a href="http://gizmodo.com/5365299/courier-first-details-of-microsofts-secret-tablet" target="_blank">Gizmodo</a></p><p>I would have to agree with Forrester research.&nbsp; While Microsoft has had a strong brand name (good or evil, take your pick) it is definitely losing mindshare these days with the successes that Apple has had.&nbsp; More importantly, it looks as if the computing landscape is changing, with other devices being used in combination with your traditional PC.&nbsp; What Microsoft could see is the erosion of what people think Microsoft is for which may make it harder for the company to stay relevant.&nbsp; With consumer expectations in mind, I believe that Windows Phone 7 may be the best option, since it is designed to be instant on and power sipping.&nbsp; Of course, Windows Phone 7 is not out yet, so that may end up being a horrible disaster.&nbsp; The 800lb gorilla needs to wake up!</p>

[gdoerr56]

Microsoft is lacking the form of leadership that Bill Gates provided and that Steve Job provides for Apple.

Microsoft has a much deeper technology pool to pull from compared to Apple but without someone like Gates (or Bach or Allard) to provide the guidance, they're going to have a very difficult time coming up with something new from a fully baked product perspective. Microsoft Research has and continues to develop some mind bending technology but they do a poor job of using that research to develop new market leading products.

We all know that Microsoft can do some truely great things when they put their collective minds to it, it's just that they lack internal direction. It appears to me that Ballmer mostly manages the investment community which begs the question. Who is managing Microsoft?

[Hooch Tan]

I would have to agree with you. Microsoft Research comes up with some really impressive technologies, but it seems as if corporate culture might be getting in the way. I've read articles that suggest that departments in Microsoft tend to be clannish, and protect their own division regardless of the consequences.

They do need some visionary who has business sense to step up to the plate. They also may need to step out and experiment with more products, as in, release some risky products to see how they do. Playing it safe will just see them diminish, or at best, just fade into the background.