Gizmodo writes on why we should give credit to Microsoft for some things:
1. Windows is on the vast majority of the world’s computers, creating a virtually ubiquitous platform that anyone can develop for.
Ummm, okay, but this was a ‘business’ thing and not a ‘technology’ thing. The hard work was done by other people like PARC, Apple, Spyglass, Digital Research.
2. Microsoft is basically responsible for the two-button mouse.
Well, the Unixen had the three button mouse and the Mac had the one button mouse. Well done Microsoft for finding the middle ground and putting on the mouse a second button that still inspires fear in novice computer users.
3. Microsoft popularized the concept that software has value and is worth paying for it.
You’d think that no-one bought software before Microsoft. Nonsense.
4. Microsoft’s intimidation leads to innovation
The theory that their failure to provide anything other than shareholder value contributed to innovation is an interesting stance. I’m sure the top men at Microsoft are happy enough but I think that when your contribution to innovation comes from uninspiring software foisted on millions of the ignorant unwashed which forces innovators to work around you or replace you – then that’s not a lot to be proud of.
And with all the Microsoft coverage recently, undoubtedly spurred on by BillG’s departure, does anyone else think it sounds like a series of Obits?
Yes, yes it does.