Is Microsoft's Head Really in the Clouds?
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The company's services plus software vision isn't some grand new design, but the extension of existing software products to the Web. |
This afternoon, Microsoft's chief technical officer laid out the basic architectural concepts for the company's software plus services platform.
"This transition from software to software plus services is a very big deal for our company," Ray Ozzie told financial analysts during Microsoft's annual meeting for them.
"We're taking a platform approach to services," he emphasized.
Ozzie said that when he looks at an existing Microsoft software product, he sees "a socket for a new attached service," or upsell opportunity to the Web.
Microsoft sees a triple role for its products, with Live CRM foreshadowing the future. From a single CRM code base enterprises can deploy for local use; partners could deploy locally as hosted service; or Microsoft could provide to subscribers from a hosted data center.
Microsoft's CTO made it absolutely clear that the "services relationship [is] to our classic software products." When Microsoft looks at services, the starting point is identifying the software's core value and identifying how to extend it into the cloud.
Earlier in the day, Jeff Raikes, president of the company's Business division, said Microsoft will eventually extend Office Live to all Office users. Presumably, the service will provide online collaboration, e-mail and other features that will extend utility without usurping the software's role.
At long last, Microsoft's services vision is clearer. But where is it focused? Software plus services is really about enhancing Microsoft software through services in the cloud. It's a fundamentally different approach from, say, Facebook or Google, where the value is the ubiquity of the service, which software can extend—or what I've called services plus software. For Facebook or Google, the cloud is the platform. For Microsoft, the platform is desktop or server software.
When Ozzie talks about a "platform approach to services," he's really talking more about software as a platform that is extended through the cloud.
The concepts are little bit tough to follow, and maybe for good reason. Microsoft's services strategy isn't fully baked.
Kevin Turner, Microsoft's chief operating officer, told my eWEEK colleague Peter Galli: "We did not, and still do not, have those [services details] completely figured out."
Still, Ozzie discussed Microsoft's "services framework." It is:
- Global Foundation Services (data centers, computers and networks): Microsoft's services build up everything from this layer.
- Cloud Infrastructure Services (computing, networking and storage): Ozzie described this layer as the most important. I presume this is the layer that extends Microsoft's existing software.
- Live Platform Services (identity and directory, device management and security, advertising platform, rendezvous and presence, and communications): This is the core services layer.
- Applications and Solutions (consumer, information worker, IT professional, business decision maker, and developer and designer)
Ozzie spent some time discussing what Microsoft applications and solutions would deliver to each target audience. From his accompanying slide presentation, it's easy to see that Microsoft's interest is much, much more about software than services. Highlights:
- Consumer: "Seamless scenarios across Web/PC/phone/console ... Windows Live, Xbox Live, Zune, MSN."
- Information Worker: "PC focus on document creation, editing and review, communications"; "Web-focused on publishing and sharing and collaboration—universal access and lightweight editing."
- IT Professional: On-premises servers; "partner-hosted for vertical expertise and solutions"; "Microsoft-hosted for lowest possible cost because of our scale."
- Business Decision Maker: "Solution innovations, close to the point of need"; "server/service/symmetry, e.g., Office CRM Server/Office CRM Live."
- Developer and Designer: "On-demand utility computing cloud: computation, storage, networks"; "unified programming model, spanning Web/servers/PC/mobile devices."
Quick aside: If Microsoft-hosted services will be offered at the "lowest possible cost," what does that mean for partners offering on-premises hosted services such as Live CRM? Seems to me that even Microsoft recognizes that channel conflict is inevitable.
During the questions and answers, Ozzie described Google Gears as taking a typical "build it and they will come" approach. Google's focus is first on technology, whereas Microsoft can leverage relationships, he said.
One financial analyst asked Ozzie if the time would come when advertising subsidizes software. He said that possibly for some consumers and small businesses but unlikely enterprises.
Lastly, it was revealed that the final release candidate of Silverlight will come tomorrow.
Comments (23)
Joe;
You're a writing machine!
Keep up the good work...
Posted by Douglas S. Taylor | July 27, 2007 2:00 PM
Acer trying out Linux as a preinstall?
http://sg.hardwarezone.com/priceguide/newsview.php?id=2170
We know Acer said Vista was depressing sales, and Dell is expanding its Ubuntu preinstalls to other computers in its line, as its doing well. Is HP next?
Posted by chips | July 30, 2007 1:52 PM
It's more like Microsoft head is up it's arse.
Posted by Topaz | August 1, 2007 8:05 PM
Can anyone at microsoft head office,Confirm to me that I have won A US$1M, on the bi-annual world lotto draw, sponsored by microsoft or Bill gates?BecauseI am now being asked to pay US$320 to some dude,AKPOMEDAYE Tony,58 Tema roand,Accra, Ghana.
or is this Ghana address, the new silicon valley of microsoft in Africa? I would hope anyone from the microsoft Head office could enlighten or advise me on this matter please. I will wait your responses in anticipation. my email. is angikiamo@yahoo.com.au
Mr Don
Posted by Don angikiamo | August 7, 2007 12:42 AM
Dear sir/
we are from izeen electronic security systems pvt.ltd,
bommana hally, bangalore, karnataka state,india
please give me the head office/ branch office / corporate office of microsoft in bangalore and whom should i contact in microsoft at bangalore.
Posted by izeen electronics security systems pvt.ltd | August 17, 2007 1:56 AM
Sir or Madame: I find that the tewchnical department for office is refusing to deal with an incompatability with NVidia Chipset. I have been attempting to have a case file escalated to head office in response to a letter sent to me through Warranty Dept. Stating that " The issue's raised her have been discussed with NVIDIA and there seems to be a compatability issue with the software between Vista and XPSP2. Many people are experiencing an issue with the code differences between Vista and XPSP2 this is an issue which our team will work with between Microsoft and NVIDIA" However, when building my new system there was no notification of any type which stated that XPSP2 will not work properly with these new chipset. I find now that I am out one operating system or a chipset which will work not work with my operatingf system. The technical department wants to dismiss this issue, I will have no choice here unless a resolve is found that to take Microsoft and NVIDIA to small claims court for failure in design and loss of my time and operating system. AI. HAlLIFAX NS. CANADA
Posted by Arthur Irving | September 24, 2007 8:15 PM
Has any other small business been attacked by Microsoft's Phishing filter as mine has? If so what did you do about it?
Microsoft seems determined to drive my company out of business and its impossible to fight them.
Details of these attacks below:-
On Friday 28th September 2007, while updating my web site I discovered Microsoft had posted a highlighted "suspicious site" notice on three pages of the site and a pop up sticky note warning visitors to the site that this was a Phishing Site" and should be avoided at all costs.
I used the Microsoft Phishing filter to report this erroneous notice (one report for each page. I had to fill in a form explaining I don't collect any personal or financial information on this site.) We sell educational reference books/workshops to educators around the world. Sales are made through Pay Pal or directly through our office. Two hours later I received 3 emails telling me Microsoft realized their error and would remove the notice "in 24 hours". This they did on 29/907 only to replace the notices today 30/9/07.
I have, of course, contacted Microsoft but do not expect any action.
Posted by Peggy Halstead | September 30, 2007 3:30 PM
Hi
I would like to contact someone at Microsoft office who would be interested in designing a program or an idea which I have conceived.
I strongly believe it will be a sell out and I am not sure if there are any similar programs anywhere in the world. It's simply an imagination and a creative idea I came out with whilst toying around but after much discussion with fellow friends, I was told to try and propose my idea to Microsoft and maybe make some fortune if indeed it becomes popular and accepted.
By virtue of explaing the concepts, I would make myself exposing my ideas, can you tell me how I can make this happen without compromising either myself and Microsoft in particular.
Thank You and Best Regards
Chandra- Singapore
contact number- +6581813415
Posted by S.Chandramoorthi | October 7, 2007 10:44 PM
ATTENTION MICROSOFT CORPORATION USA.
Re; NATIONAL LOTTERY ANNOUNCEMENT_Your email has won A lottery Prize!!! .
From:Winning Notification (diantto@cox.net)
Dear sir / Madam ,
On or about the 21 October 2007 , I received an email claiming I had won US$500,000.00.
I replied to the email as directed to; rev_waynecharlton10001@yahoo.se - however I was notified that the postman could not deliver the mail.
Would a responsible person from Microsoft Corporation , please advise me if this email is genuine or a hoax.
Yousf faithfully ,
John G. Oakman.
Australia.
Posted by John Oakman | October 27, 2007 10:30 AM
I just receved a e-mail informing me that I won a prestigious Microsoft and AOL reward it struck me n several of my friends as a scam. I would hope not but if so it would seam like something that you may want to look into since your name is puting your name on the bottom. timberturf2@mweb.co.za was the e-mail I receved the notification from wich also seamed rather funny. Im sure you have receved several questions other than the ones that are already posted just thought i would thow in my two cents. Hopeing Microsoft will keep up the good work n perhaps get back to me on this Julie Johnson
Posted by Julie | November 5, 2007 3:32 PM
I have recently received an email from a person by the name of
Dr Gary Stover
MICROSOFT AWARD DEPARTMENT.
United Kingdom
Tel: +44-704-574-8196
and the content of the email is almost the same as
Posted by DR ANAND BABU V | September 22, 2007 11:25 AM.
I need to find if it is true or false that Microsoft has such a Prize! Please advise me before i disclosed my personal information to them.
Thanks!
Posted by Peck Kwan | November 10, 2007 2:39 AM
They're still sending out those lottery winning notices. What about a warning?
Posted by Richard Bartlett | December 7, 2007 6:37 PM
hello sir ,
i have received the a mail that u are the winner of on line uk international lottery regarding micro-soft,i wanna to know this is true or false.............................????form:::(claimsofficeonlineuklottery005@yahoo.co.uk
Posted by rajesh kumar | December 25, 2007 1:41 AM
I HAVE RECEIVED SEVERAL OF THESE SEEMINGLY BOGUS SWEEPSTAKES AWARDS AS WELL. I WAS TOLD THAT I WOULD RECEIVE UP TO 800,000.00 US DOLLARS. CAN YOU PLEASE E-MAIL ME BACK, SO I CAN EITHER COLLECT OR HELP PROSECUTE THE ID FRAUDERS FROM AFRICA. THANK YOU VERY MUCH!
Posted by BRIAN WILKINS | January 11, 2008 9:41 AM
This is Lillian Laughlin and my phone number is (330)980-9072.I have a problem with you microsoft worker on my computer and if this don't get fix I will take action on this matter. And if you care about your coustumers you will fix this and your business. I have fill out legal paper on this with the Attorney,labor relation board, federal comunication commission and the better business burea on this and it will be put in the paper on this matter.(Soon I hope you call me by next week and talk to me on this now.)
Posted by lillian | January 17, 2008 9:33 PM
I have just received a letter from sone one who is using your name and I have won one Million Pounds and i went a long with it to see how far they would go and got a bill for over 800 dollars US to post a bit of Paper, which from here would cost NZ 5 Dollars.
This puts Mr Bill Gates in a bad light dont you think as I know its a scam.
Please inform Mr Gates that his Name is being used in this very Bad way and that many people will Pay as they dont know better., and will suffer a lot over it.
I hope to hear back from you Mr Gates, to see if you are taking any action against them as that could mske you even more rich LOL.
Have a nice Day.
Birgit
Posted by BIRGIT ANDREASSEN | January 22, 2008 6:57 PM
But I'm not sure that I'M MY Security. I am afraid that to buy a pup or to be swindled .
I have attended for Several months. But I camome off badly or failed. Please help me.
You’ll be grateful if you help me. You hope to get good news and look forward to hearing from you soon.
Yours sincerely,
Cenk Kilic MD
Departments of Anatomy,
Faculty of Medicine, Gulhane Military Medical Academy ,
06018, Etlik, Ankara , Turkey
Phone : (90) 312-326 68 55
+90 535 9834506
E-mail : ckilicmd@yahoo.com
Posted by cenk kilic | January 30, 2008 3:24 AM
I too have recieved the e-mail telling me of winning the lottery for a big prize organized by Yahoo Micro soft awards lottery and widows live, Can you confirm this is legitimate or a scam? Thanks for your time.
Posted by Steve Robertson | February 4, 2008 5:19 PM
I GOT THE SAME "LOTTERY" E-MAIL. DON'T LEAVE MESSAGES HERE IT CLEARLY SHOWS NO ONE REALLY CARES.
Posted by IDZ | February 10, 2008 1:44 AM
Got this in the email. Can people do this to micro soft. It seems to be the use of their name that states I've won one million pound.
Please find attached the email:
Can anyone please tell me what this is all about.
MOTTO: FIGHTING POVERTY AROUND THE WORLD
FROM: THE DESK OF THE MICROSOFT™ PROMOTIONS MANAGER INTERNATIONAL PROMOTIONS/PRIZE AWARD DEPARTMENT,
90 Long Acre,Covent Garden
LONDON,WC2E 9RZ United Kingdom.
REF.:PEC/9030108308/07.
Batch: 15/76/EF36.
Serial No: SALP97585.
FILE No: B665 75608567.
Security code ZA/183/RR
ELECTRONIC EMAIL AWARD WINNING NOTIFICATION AWARD PRESENTATION CENTER :
UNITED KINGDOM
ATTN: WINNER,
Microsoft™ co-operation management worldwide is pleased to inform you that you are a winner of our annual MICROSOFT™ USER AWARD-Lottery conducted in UNITED KINGDOM .
Your personal e-mail address or company email was attached to Serial No: SALP97585. Consequently winning in the first lottery category.
You have therefore been APPROVED for a total sums of £1000000.00 One Million United Kingdom Pounds) Credited to FILE No: B665 75608567. With REF.:PEC/9030108308/07. This is from total prize money of £60,000,000, shared among the Seventy-five (75) lucky Worldwide winners in first category .
All participants were selected through our Microsoft computer ballot system, drawn from Canada, Asia, Australia, United States, Europe, Middle East, Africa and Oceania .As part of international "MICROSOFT™ USER"
promotions program, this is conducted annually.
CONTACT CLAIM OFFICE
Mr.PAUL WINTERS
PROMOTION MANAGER.
24hrs hot-line :Tel:+44-703 191 42 68
: Fax:+44-870 479 62 30
:Email:claimoffice.1microsoft@googlemail.com
Remember, all prize money must be claimed within 90 days of this notification. All funds not claimed on or before the fixed date
will be returned as unclaimed and donated to charity organizations.
Congratulations, once more from the entire management and staff of Microsoft™ co-operation to all our lucky winners this year.Thank you for being part of this promotional lottery program.
Sincerely,
MRS. BROWN CATHY
(SECRETARY)
AWARD SPONSORS
MICROSOFT™ CORPORATION.
Please call your claim agent if your mail was not responded to within 24 hours:
PLEASE SEND A COPY OF YOUR CONTACT INFORMATIONS TO BOTH EMAILS PROVIDED ABOVE.
1, Full Names:
2, Date of birth:
3, Present Contact Address:
4, Country Of Residence:
5, Tel/Fax:
6, Your Winning serial and ref. no.:
7, Winning Email address:
8, Occupation
9, Sex:
10 Total amount won: £1000000.00
11, Mode Of Payment Bank Transfer {T/T}
For Security reasons, you are advised to keep your winning information CONFIDENTIAL
Microsoft™ takes all reasonable steps to ensure that the information in this email is accurate.
However, the company gives no warranty, whether express or implied, regarding the content of this email, nor do we accept liability for any loss or damage which may result from your receipt of this message. Any decision made by an individual based on information in this email is the responsibility of that individual alone. You have to note that the only person that have the right to represent you in your claim is your appointed Agent only.
Copyright © 1998-2008 The MICROSOFT™ Inc.
All rights reserved. Terms of Service - Guideline
Posted by Sam | June 4, 2008 11:55 PM
Well, I've been scammed also by this bogus Micro-Soft Sweepstakes. Since I trusted the Micro-soft name (I see it everytime I turn on my computer) I thought it was legitimate. I only have access to the internet through the employment office for 2 hrs a day so I did not take the time to investigate it before responding, like an idiot. I hit your site today and am shocked that such a company as Micro-Soft is continueing to allow this scam to marr their good name, and it apparently is not limited to the US. I have not been contacted further since giving the basic info they requested and will not respond to any others. I am however forwarding said email to the FBI and advise others to do also @ tips.fbi.gov. Whether or not they crush these cretens or not is anybody guess since Micro-Soft doesn't seem to care, since they have money to burn. My email was signed DR. Edurado Luciano Duque, Vice Pres! It seems they try to gain our trust by adding "Doctor" to their name as well. The name Badar Seri Begawan 1150 was at the top of my mailing.
Posted by Heather A. Hailey | June 18, 2008 7:49 PM
To Whom it mayconcern I have been recieving lots of emails all stating that I have won lots of money.from mircosoft lottery , promotions ,I have already sent of one thousand australian dollors to western union .because I had all my faith in mircosoft name (well what a joke)then they wanted 12000 thousand tax .these letters looked that real had photos of winners picking up there checks planes taking off .Phone calls all day &night Wanting to know when I going to make my payment. the latest won i got mircosoftboard incorperation baley house SMI4te,london united kingdom address infro@micronlprom.com phone +44-704-573-5089 using the name joe morganon line coordinator The people that have been ring are starting to get abuseive . I have even got them from Senate commitee on foreigen debt.House of the National Assemely Federal republic of Nigeria Telephone +234-702-8609450 dated 23 /7/2008 they are wainting for my responce I have been an seen a solitor and got intouch with the media waiting to here from them .I just want these poor desperate money grabbing people to be caught and delt with as its fraud if I had done this I would be in jail .
Posted by robyn phelps | July 22, 2008 7:16 PM
Well. I would like to tell everyone out there that I too, have been scammed by those bastards, whoever they are. I also thought it was legit because the Microsoft Name attached to it. I gave them some personal info which I hope to God can't be used against me in any way. But phone numbers and addresses don't even match up correctly. The next e-mail they send me, I think I'll just tell them to f___k off! Thanks for all the entries posted here you guys. Much appreciaed.
Sandy
Posted by Sandy Hermanns | August 17, 2008 11:25 PM