Ballmer On Microsoft's Search Goofs

An anonymous reader writes "AP reports on CEO Steve Ballmer's regret over Microsoft's failure to get into the search market early on. Best quote? 'I want to make sure (a user) can't get through ... an online experience without hitting a Microsoft ad.' Nice to see they're still user-oriented."

Comments

Look at their history

[Sheetrock]

In my opinion, Microsoft has historically done poorly in anticipating and addressing new trends in computing especially with regards to the information superhighway. They were slow to make their system interoperate with the Internet, slow to recognize the value of providing the Internet as a service to home users, and slow to embrace the Internet as a medium for exchanging content such as movies and music.

However, they also absolutely cleaned up once they caught on. MSN, in conjunction with their WebTV service, has grown to become a leading contender. Internet Explorer is the best and most compatible web browser. And Media Player is poised to potentially overrun Apple's iTunes as a means of offering not only music but movies on demand.

I wouldn't view this as a goof. They observe the people on the cutting-edge and provide better services while avoiding the pitfalls the early-adopters fall into. Linux users would do well to take notice and avoid resting on their laurels, because Windows seems to be getting better faster than X-Windows. If Microsoft doesn't make a success out of their search engine venture, I'll be shocked.