Microsoft showed the world their next generation operating system. Windows 8 has been nothing short of a rumour for the last few months. At the BUILD conference the rumour became a reality. Microsoft is undoubtedly the market leader in the operating system space.  Everyone uses a piece of software that is made by the Redmond Company at least once a day.  Microsoft has stated that the developer software has been downloaded 500 000 times during the first 24 hours since being available to the public. However I have a problem with Windows 8. Why create a whole lot of buzz and PR for a product and then...

In one of the biggest stories of 2011, HP decided to “retire” WebOS. It seems the lack of sales of WebOS devices was the primary reason for this. I suspect that Googorola is potentially adding to the equation as manufacturers are looking at strengthening their own offer to consumers. The rumour mill has already starting churning possible new owners for WebOS.  Apple and Google are not even added to the conversation as they already dominate in the mobile space. So who are the candidates to buy WebOS? Facebook could be a fit. Mark Zuckerberg’s pride & joy could acquire WebOS. They have the...

Skype, one of the greatest internet companies to have come from Europe turned 8 yesterday. In all honesty when I saw that on a few blogs, I thought that it was not possible. Has it really been 8 years since they entered the market? There are a few companies that have disrupted traditional services through ingenuity but Skype changed communication in a big way. Long distance communication is now simply; starting your notebook or PC and then opening Skype. The person with whom you wish to speak to is literally now on your screen. This is free if you have accepted him or her as a contact. You can also...

Research In Motion (RIM) in my opinion is currently a technological chameleon. It does not know whether it is an enterprise juggernaut or a consumer electronics manufacturer. It seems the company is struggling with their identity and are on a bit of a downward spiral. I must confess I am surprised that the RIM shareholders have given their blessing to having 2 co-CEO’s. One ultimate responsible person is the norm and it ensures that one vision is given to all the staff. I am not convinced that by having 2 co-CEO’s someone is ultimately responsible for product decisions etc. I am a firm believer in...

I am currently reading Paul Allen’s Idea Man. The book provides a very interesting look at the formation of Microsoft. Don’t worry I am not going to spoil it for others in terms of the story line.  I will say that it does paint a very different picture about Microsoft and in particular Bill Gates, to what I expected. One thing that the book has brought home to me, is the tremendous impact Microsoft has on the computer industry. Whether you want to admit it or not, most users use at least one Microsoft product per day. Microsoft Office which contains Word, PowerPoint, Excel and Outlook is arguably...