Elop Favored By Gamblers As Microsoft's Next Chief Executive

Name game by Gothmolly · 2013-08-29 00:11 · Score: 3, Funny

Sounds like a publicity stunt to me. It's close enough to Elon Musk that they can cash in on some of the buzz around 'hyperloop' and "isn't he the Tesla guy?" and "doesn't he build rockets?" to make them sound new and edgy and relevant.

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Re:Name game by synapse7 · 2013-08-29 00:24 · Score: 3, Funny

Elop sounds too close to "Flop", if we're only considering by name.
Re:Name game by Capt+James+McCarthy · 2013-08-29 00:26 · Score: 5, Funny

Elon Musk
Every time I see his name, I think what a cool name for mens cologne.

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There are no loopholes. It's either legal or it's not.
Re:Name game by bobstreo · 2013-08-29 00:30 · Score: 2

Elop sounds too close to "Flop", if we're only considering by name.
More interesting, backwards it's Pole
Re:Name game by SJHillman · 2013-08-29 00:35 · Score: 1

I misread the other candidate, Julie Larson-Green, as Julie Green Lantern. I think that would be an even better publicity generating name.
Re:Name game by MickyTheIdiot · 2013-08-29 00:40 · Score: 5, Interesting

How are CEOs judged. Honestly.. I don't know. It seems to an outsider like me that names come up again and again even after they slam corporations to the ground.
Carly Fiorina came up as a candidate. Why? Everything she touches turns to shit and H.P. barely survived her.
There is a cult of personality around these people that need to be broken up.
Re:Name game by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 01:03 · Score: 0

Just to be quite sure -everyone knows how a sportsbook prices up a specials market like this? ONE MAN sits in a room and thinks them up. This means nothing, nada, zilch. There will be no liquidity in the market and you will only be able to place a very small bet - both signs of a bona fide PR exercise which seems to have worked on all too many numbnuts in the press
Re:Name game by Teresita · 2013-08-29 01:18 · Score: 1

I misread the other candidate, Julie Larson-Green, as Julie Green Lantern. I think that would be an even better publicity generating name.

Microsoft would win a ribbon for that pick.
Re:Name game by FatdogHaiku · 2013-08-29 01:33 · Score: 2

Elop sounds too close to "Flop", if we're only considering by name.
More interesting, backwards it's Pole
Did he used to do film work in the San Fernando Valley? I think I recall the name, "Backward Pole" in some credits... but it might have been "BackDoor Pole" instead,,,

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You have the right to remain sentient. If you give up the right to remain sentient, you will be elected to public office
Re:Name game by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 01:34 · Score: 0

Elop sounds too close to "Flop", if we're only considering by name.

Hasn't MS had enough flops? Zune, Windows Phone, Vista, Windows 8, Bob, Clippy, Ballmer...
Re:Name game by bondsbw · 2013-08-29 01:36 · Score: 4, Informative

Shareholders judge CEOs according to how stock prices have moved and how dividends have been released. These are usually the guys you have to please, over the term of a couple of years, to keep your job.
An objective observer would more likely judge a CEO by the stability and growth of the company over the course of half a decade or more. It's not always about the money. Some great private company owners don't care much about bringing in a corporate profit, but rather they just like what they're doing and want to pay their employees and the bills. (But of course, once you hold a majority share in a company that is worth billions of dollars, it becomes VERY hard to resist an IPO.)
There's also a big difference between a startup that is still on its way up vs. an established company. A company with its roots firmly planted, in my opinion, should value a CEO with the ability to continue pushing the company forward when market conditions provide overbearing competition and when economic times do not play well to the good or service being provided. Sometimes this means reducing cash in the bank and moving fiercely into related markets that are on the upswing.

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All my liberal friends think I'm a conservative, all my conservative friends think I'm a liberal.
Re:Name game by nitehawk214 · 2013-08-29 01:36 · Score: 1

Every time I hear the name "Elop", it makes me think of QWOP.

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I'm a good cook. I'm a fantastic eater. - Steven Brust
Re:Name game by nitehawk214 · 2013-08-29 01:40 · Score: 3, Insightful

That is the beauty of getting into the CEO club. The boards of directors of all the other big companies are made up of C level executives, so once someone is in the club they can all vote for each other and guarantee themselves a giant paycheck. Even if they completely run a company into the dirt, they are guaranteed that their buddies in the C-Club will take care of them at their next position; because they will do the same on the boards they serve on.

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I'm a good cook. I'm a fantastic eater. - Steven Brust
Re:Name game by MickyTheIdiot · 2013-08-29 01:52 · Score: 0

This is the boilerplate explanation, but it's not real world. This isn't what happens.
First of all, the idea that "things are done for the shareholders" doesn't hold water. Most of the shares are usually in within the board and the management anyway.
Second, even if you accept the "for the shareholders" fallacy the actions don't match up with what you are saying. It seems so much more at a guttural, tribal level.
Also, if we are talking about Carly F., she has never been at a "startup".
Really... we need to get beyond B.S. explanations like this. Corporatists keep arguing it is a rational system and this only seems to be partially true.
Re:Name game by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 01:59 · Score: 0

His name makes me think of a gland on an antelope's anus. I'll give the cologne a miss.
Re:Name game by rtb61 · 2013-08-29 02:03 · Score: 5, Interesting

A company that is stagnating basically needs to start a square 1 and re inject that creativity. It was always said that Paul Allen would have taken M$ in other directions to Bill Gates and Paul Allen was the real creative person behind M$, just got squeezed out by the hostility of Ballmer and Gates combined. So get Paul back in to set new directions for the two parts of the company M$ Office/Windows and MSN/gaming. They can leave Ballmer at M$ Office/Windows to squeeze the life out of it.

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Chaos - everything, everywhere, everywhen
Re:Name game by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 02:05 · Score: 0

This is the boilerplate explanation, but it's not real world. This isn't what happens.
First of all, the idea that "things are done for the shareholders" doesn't hold water. Most of the shares are usually in within the board and the management anyway.
Second, even if you accept the "for the shareholders" fallacy the actions don't match up with what you are saying. It seems so much more at a guttural, tribal level.
Also, if we are talking about Carly F., she has never been at a "startup".
Really... we need to get beyond B.S. explanations like this. Corporatists keep arguing it is a rational system and this only seems to be partially true.
The term "shareholder" applies to institutional shareholders as well as the schmuck who owns 100 shares of MSFT. To paraphrase "1984," some shareholders are more equal than others.
It doesn't matter much who runs MSFT at this point because its still a strong company. People who want to be CEO of large companies realize that these companies are like big ships and take a long time to turn around (or sink). The infrastructure for running MSFT won't change much with a new CEO. Sure them might get rid of the rank think (not Windows), but a CEO of a large company like MSFT is just the head cheerleader. MSFT more than likely can run itself withthe current infrastructure for several years no matter who the CEO is (it's been doing a great job running itself despite Ballmer). A smart person would realize that there are still many good years at MSFT and that one could f*ck up and MSFT would still be sound. That's Carly F territory.
Re:Name game by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 02:06 · Score: 0

Julie Larson-Green looks like she went through a botched Botox treatment.
Re:Name game by interkin3tic · 2013-08-29 02:07 · Score: 2

Laziness and cowardice. People don't want to have to try to assess how good a person is at making informed decisions, so instead they look at whether they've already done a similar job. Doesn't seem to matter whether they were awesome or sucked donkey balls at it. On top of that, they only get dinged for picking a bad CEO, they personally don't get much for picking a stellar CEO, or at least they're not looking that far in advance.

It's not limited to the top position either, it's everywhere. This is why entry-level jobs suck so bad, and every job worth having requires experience. HR wants to cover its ass. If they hire a kid fresh out of college who is amazing, the kid gets the credit. If the kid is terrible, HR is afraid they'll be asked "Why would you hire someone with no experience!" and it's on them.

As to the senate race, she was able to buy her way in at the top level. And something similar is at work with voters anyway. The vast majority of voters don't even PRETEND to look into the quality of a politician, they vote for names they remember. Have you ever tried researching candidates in anything besides big elections? All that comes up with a google search for candidates names in most elections is polling data. It's damn near impossible to find anything of substance, let alone how good a decisionmaker that candidate is going to be.

So it's because it's difficult to figure out who has a good head on their shoulders and who is simply good at schmoozing, and because usually they're only looking to avoid a BAD choice, not necessarily pick a good choice.
Re:Name game by microTodd · 2013-08-29 02:25 · Score: 2

Heh, mentioning Carly gave me a depressing yet fascinating train of thought.
The cynic in me says....put her in. Watch MS stock decline. Buy. Force her out. Stock jumps 20%. Sell. You just made eleventy billion dollars
If you're a wall street power exec with influence of the MS board....its brilliant

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"You cannot find out which view is the right one by science in the ordinary sense." - C.S. Lewis on Intelligent Design
Re:Name game by 93+Escort+Wagon · 2013-08-29 02:33 · Score: 0

Julie Larson-Green looks like she went through a botched Botox treatment.
And this is relevant to this discussion how, exactly?

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#DeleteChrome
Re:Name game by whoever57 · 2013-08-29 02:40 · Score: 1

First of all, the idea that "things are done for the shareholders" doesn't hold water. Most of the shares are usually in within the board and the management anyway.
Actually, this is where the current company governance rules are a scandal. In most companies, the board and CEO own a tiny slice of the company, yet the shareholders have little say about critical issues.

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The real "Libtards" are the Libertarians!
Re:Name game by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 02:45 · Score: 0

>To paraphrase "1984," some shareholders are more equal than others.
Right author, wrong book: Animal Farm.
Re:Name game by Rufus+Firefly · 2013-08-29 02:52 · Score: 2

It shows she's really good at making really bad decisions.
Re:Name game by Rob+the+Bold · 2013-08-29 02:54 · Score: 1

Julie Larson-Green looks like she went through a botched Botox treatment.
And this is relevant to this discussion how, exactly?
Well, it beats the hell out of me how boards pick CEOs. If Elop's in the running, then competence isn't the qualification for the job. Why not choose based on shoe size or willingness to undergo inadvisable cosmetic procedures? Gotta winnow this stack of resumes somehow.

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I am not a crackpot.
Re:Name game by RoccamOccam · 2013-08-29 03:33 · Score: 5, Funny

>To paraphrase "1984," some shareholders are more equal than others.
Right author, wrong book: Animal Farm.
Right. That would be Orson Wells. The original poster was probably confusing the shareholders with Morlocks, from one of his other books - The Time Machine (as in the movie, starring Jean-Claude Van Damme).
Re:Name game by Kjella · 2013-08-29 03:34 · Score: 1

Shareholders judge CEOs according to how stock prices have moved and how dividends have been released.
That's a rather circular definition because stock prices move according to what other shareholders think about the stock, not what the CEO is doing as such. Reality is that the market is a moving target and shareholders are often rather clueless as to whether the CEO's performance has actually contributed to or detracted from the company's stock performance, like if you were producing SUVs you simply were in the wrong place at the wrong time and any CEO's sales would tank - but more or less because of the CEO? And whether the CEO is heading the company in the right direction or not is more reading tea leaves than an science, a lot of CEOs have made plans that look great on paper and has driven the stock sky high on projected growths and profits only to collapse like a paper tiger. If things go great it's because you're a great CEO and if things go bad they'd be even worse off without you. That's why a lot of CEOs that suffer huge losses are rehired, it's the "they've been in a storm before, hence they're more experienced and better able to ride off the next one" logic.

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Live today, because you never know what tomorrow brings
Re:Name game by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 03:54 · Score: 0

It's just as relevant as the post he replied to and 90% of all the comments for the story. What, do you have a little thing for Julie Larson-Green or something? Sure seems like it, the way you singled out that post.
Re:Name game by sjbe · 2013-08-29 04:25 · Score: 1

That's a rather circular definition because stock prices move according to what other shareholders think about the stock, not what the CEO is doing as such.
That is correct but nevertheless CEOs usually are judged by the returns to shareholders. Share price is at best an indirect measure of performance and in the short run can be completely uncorrelated with actual performance. But since the shareholders are the owners of the company, share price + dividends are ultimately what they (usually) care about and those are the measure shareholders are going to evaluate management performance against. It is a HIGHLY imperfect measure and frequently unfairly rewards or punishes those who don't deserve it. In theory the board is supposed to evaluate management performance but they too often either are asleep at the wheel or are too cozy with management to properly carry out their duties.
Re:Name game by rsborg · 2013-08-29 05:42 · Score: 1

Heh, mentioning Carly gave me a depressing yet fascinating train of thought.
The cynic in me says....put her in. Watch MS stock decline. Buy. Force her out. Stock jumps 20%. Sell. You just made eleventy billion dollars
If you're a wall street power exec with influence of the MS board....its brilliant
No, you have to add another "sell" step if you're an insider (or have access to one), right before you install the Carly.F virus, you sell (or do a buy-write cover). This gives you the proceeds to do the next steps without a major loss.

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Re:Name game by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 06:29 · Score: 0

He retired after he got cancer.
Tomi Ahonen is the world'd most self-regarded Steven Elop expert and he doesn't see him in the big chair. However, odds makers in London are very good at what they do. Tomi has been doing an Elop scorched earth routine ever since he left Nokia for his consulting gig. He also goes around misquoting Bill Gates trying to prop up his prediction the Ballmer was going to get fired (last March). I can't imagine why anyone would want Elop as CEO of MS, but there might be a problem getting anyone everyone can agree on.
Re:Name game by michelcolman · 2013-08-29 06:29 · Score: 1

Seems like they're just looking for "continuity" after Steve Ballmer...
Re:Name game by hebertrich · 2013-08-29 07:13 · Score: 3, Funny

They're used to it , having someone who didn't loose billions at the helm might confuse them.
They need someone to sink their ship really deep in the abyss and he seems to be fully qualified.
Hope we see each other at the chapter 11 hearings. Keep an eye out on the upper floor windows for falling furniture.
Fuzz
Re:Name game by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 07:40 · Score: 0

Jean-Claude Van Damme traveling through time to fight Morlocks? shut up and take my money!.
Re:Name game by HiThere · 2013-08-29 07:46 · Score: 1

No. Making a stable profit is a niche that should be encouraged. Nothing has the ability to grow forever.
If the company is stagnating, it becomes quite important to identify the reason. If it's because of market saturation, then KEEP DOING IT RIGHT. Return profits to the share-holders, if you're a corporation. But be sure to keep your eyes open for a better way of doing whatever it is that is your specialty. But be very careful that in doing so you don't stop DOING IT RIGHT.
Change for the sake of change is foolish.

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I think we've pushed this "anyone can grow up to be president" thing too far.
Re:Name game by Shompol · 2013-08-29 07:54 · Score: 1

Yet people like Steve Jobs and Lou Gerstner managed to turn a large company around in a very short timespan. If you do not actively break working products/customer base built by people before you, a large company will slowly glide down until someone hopefully picks it up again.
Re:Name game by rtb61 · 2013-08-29 14:17 · Score: 1

You are not paying attention to reality, in splitting the M$ that way, you are basically taking away all the less successful elements or elements that should have been far more successfully ie. pretty much everything that relies on creativity and making a new company with all the elements to succeed under 'creative' leadership. Whilst leaving the current profit generating units, without the burden of those other units. Existing shareholders benefit because they have shares in the existing profit generating units and they have shares with the new company that has a much higher chance of succeeding under new 'creative' management.

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Chaos - everything, everywhere, everywhen
Re:Name game by Nyder · 2013-08-29 15:00 · Score: 1

Elop sounds too close to "Flop", if we're only considering by name.
More interesting, backwards it's Pole
Even more interesting, Stephen backwards is Nehpets. Neh pets pole.

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Be seeing you...

So he can take Microsoft into Nokia market share. by manplusdog · 2013-08-29 00:12 · Score: 1

He is like Mr 4%, honestly, Steve is a huge improvement on him!

Yes, pretty please by Kjella · 2013-08-29 00:12 · Score: 5, Funny

An expert in tanking companies at the helm of Microsoft? I can't wait.

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Live today, because you never know what tomorrow brings

Re:Yes, pretty please by Cid+Highwind · 2013-08-29 00:45 · Score: 4, Funny

The only thing that would make it better is if he were to bring in some superstars like Carly Fiorina and every Yahoo CEO from Jerry Yang onward to fill out the executive team...

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0 1 - just my two bits
Re:Yes, pretty please by richlv · 2013-08-29 00:50 · Score: 3, Interesting

if elop goes, does nokia hire back whole jolla team and we get great phones with open os finally ?

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Rich
Re:Yes, pretty please by Trailer+Trash · 2013-08-29 01:05 · Score: 0

An expert in tanking companies at the helm of Microsoft? I can't wait.
Why wait? Enjoy Ballmer while he's still there!

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Do you have ESP?
Re:Yes, pretty please by CRCulver · 2013-08-29 01:11 · Score: 4, Interesting

we get great phones with open os finally ?

Jolla won't be an open OS. The UI layer they've made for Sailfish is closed source.
I used to be enthusiastic about Jolla, but it seems that Ubuntu Phone has stolen much of its thunder, and among the idealistic users who want everything to be open the Neo-900 project is gaining buzz.
Re:Yes, pretty please by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 02:10 · Score: 0

I just love you wanna-bes who need to others to fail to feel good about yourselves. My thoughts are that if the open source and Apple fanbois paid more attention to their supposedly superior technologies and cultures that we'd have a real bump in future technologies today. But no, instead we have know-nothings who consider themselves tech gurus for being able to root/jailbreak a phone and how get their self-esteem from what technology they use instead of what they use that technology for.

The human factor has been eliminated from the equation and what we're left with is a battle royal of cheerleaders trying to downplay any other technology instead of elevating their own. Einstein once said that "I fear the day that technology will surpass our human interaction." That day is on us and you're a symptom of the society that Einstein feared. You are part of the problem.
Re:Yes, pretty please by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 02:41 · Score: 0

We don't yet know if this guy was a plant from Microsoft ordered to destroy Nokia. Maybe he is actually competent, just very evil.
I don't want anyone that is competent behind the helm of Microsoft.
Re:Yes, pretty please by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 02:52 · Score: 0

I also have to say that I am disappointed because they switchted to Wayland. I know many people are excited about it (for reasons I don't understand), but for me it makes the phone unattractive. I love my N9 because it fits into the larger X11/Linux world. Jolla with Wayland is just another incompatile system, a better Android but without the market shared.
Re:Yes, pretty please by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 04:52 · Score: 0

Can you please inform how Jolla could close Linux operating system as it is GPLv2 licensed?
Re:Yes, pretty please by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 06:20 · Score: 0

I remember hearing that the UI might be open sourced later after the launch. I guess they just want to be the first ones to use it. And AFAIK it's mostly just some QML - the operational parts of the OS are based on Mer, which is open source.
Re:Yes, pretty please by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 06:47 · Score: 0

I'm sure the GPL bits will stay open, but the UI which they have written themselves will be closed.
Re:Yes, pretty please by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 06:55 · Score: 0

I also have to say that I am disappointed because they switchted to Wayland. I know many people are excited about it (for reasons I don't understand), but for me it makes the phone unattractive. I love my N9 because it fits into the larger X11/Linux world. Jolla with Wayland is just another incompatile system, a better Android but without the market shared.
Stop the FUD. I'm not really a wayland booster*, but you idiots need to stop denying X11 compatibility when it's already there. OK, we don't know that xwayland will ship on the phone, but if it's a simple matter of compiling it yourself or installing it once somebody's released a binary package (my estimate is ~2 days after it hits the market, assuming someone inside Jolla (or participating in a private beta) hasn't already done it before release) -- it's not like Android's windowing system which has such different concepts of windows, etc. to make it conceptually incompatible with the idea of a rootless X server / Android client.
*But I don't hate it, either -- there's some good reasons for making a not-inherently-compatible replacement for X11 to remove a bunch of X11's cruft, while keeping that cruft in an X11 compatibility layer. I would have made some very different choices about the replacement, but I'll withhold judgment until I actually see the 1.0 release.
Re:Yes, pretty please by Darinbob · 2013-08-29 06:56 · Score: 1

One company I was at was working at hired a new CEO from a sister company. That other company had been doing very poorly and eventually had been bought out by its employees. Ie, a failed CEO, who was now our new CEO. One of the press releases about our new CEO said in what appeared to be a boilerplate statement "Let's hope that Mr $X can do for $Y Systems what he did for $Z Corp."
Re:Yes, pretty please by Darinbob · 2013-08-29 06:58 · Score: 1

I want to see Nokia come back for revenge and eventually acquire Microsoft.
Re:Yes, pretty please by Tough+Love · 2013-08-29 19:20 · Score: 1

Is Microsoft's platform burning now?

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When all you have is a hammer, every problem starts to look like a thumb.
Re:Yes, pretty please by fox171171 · 2013-08-30 12:43 · Score: 1

An expert in tanking companies at the helm of Microsoft? I can't wait.

Yeah, ummm... I'm not sure if "a 62 percent decline" is good enough to be MS material. I think they should hold out for someone with at least a 75% decline under their belt.

Tim Cook? by the_B0fh · 2013-08-29 00:12 · Score: -1, Troll

Because he would love to give up on a company he helped run for many many years and is now the boss of the most valuable company in the world, running the way he wants it to run, to go run a dysfunctional company...?

Re:Tim Cook? by oodaloop · 2013-08-29 00:21 · Score: 2

Reading is hard. It does say "100-to-1 dark horse" in TFS.

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Tic-Tac-Toe, Global Thermonuclear War, and relationships all have the same winning move.
Re:Tim Cook? by TheRaven64 · 2013-08-29 00:27 · Score: 2

Maybe he'd like a challenge? Maybe he's tired of everyone comparing him to Jobs and knows that being compared to Ballmer couldn't possibly be worse. Or maybe there's a reason why there are 100:1 odds against him...

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I am TheRaven on Soylent News
Re:Tim Cook? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 00:33 · Score: 1

which are laughably high odds. More like a million to one. Seriously, under what circumstances could you imagine Tim Cook, CEO of possibly the worlds most profitable and well loved company accepting a job offer to be CEO of a smaller, shittier company that everyone hates and represents everything that Apple hates about technology? Maybe if he was fired from Apple in the next year for doing something horrible but Microsoft was still desperate enough to want to hire him.
Re:Tim Cook? by Xest · 2013-08-29 00:36 · Score: 1

Apple has lost half it's value since Tim Cook took over, it's since regained some now that the sharks (Icahn) are circling the pool waiting to see if they can profit off the decline. It's also seen two quarters with a decline in profits under him also.
In this respect he's actually damaged Apple far quicker and far more severely than Ballmer managed to damage Microsoft when he took over.
But despite this I'd argue Cook would actually be better suited to Microsoft. Apple sells cutting edge innovative products and Cook just isn't an innovator or a visionary which is why Apple has been beginning to suffer. Microsoft tends not to innovate so much and focuses on optimisation of profits in it's existing markets which is what Cook is actually good at - he did in Apple as the supply chain guy finding the cheapest suppliers etc. but has struggled as CEO.
Cook was never going to be able to follow in Jobs' footsteps but the way he's going he's at risk of taking Ballmer's crown as worst CEO if he hangs around in the role for 10 years like Ballmer. If he jumped to Microsoft he could probably do a bit better than Ballmer. I doubt it'll happen, there's too much money for him at Apple, but if reputation is what he cares about then he'd probably actually be better off leaving Apple and going to Microsoft.
Or to put it another way, Cook is Apple's Ballmer, but Apple's Ballmer is still at least likely able to do better than Microsoft's Ballmer at being Ballmer.
Re:Tim Cook? by Stuarticus · 2013-08-29 00:37 · Score: 2

I don't think you understand how gambling works, but knowing this, I'll happily offer you your requested million to one odds with a minimum bet of $1000. Good luck!

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If you think someone isn't free to have a different definition of "freedom" you may be a tyrant.
Re: Tim Cook? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 00:48 · Score: 1

Nonsense. Apple did NOT lost half its value under Cook. The peak share price of 702 bucks was archived under Cook himself. Effectively the market value is MUCH higher than under Jobs. Just take a look at the AAPL stockprice of the last 5years.
Re:Tim Cook? by Paradise+Pete · 2013-08-29 00:53 · Score: 1

More like a million to one. Seriously, under what circumstances could you imagine Tim Cook
Well if he could get down enough action at a million to 1 he might call them up himself. That'd be one circumstance.
Re:Tim Cook? by Paradise+Pete · 2013-08-29 00:55 · Score: 2

Apple has lost half it's value since Tim Cook took over
Completely wrong. Apple is worth much more than it was when he took over.
Re:Tim Cook? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 00:57 · Score: -1

You are a colossal moron (and I've seen enough of your posting history to know this is not limited to this post).
You do know that the company with the most valuable stock in the world has seen its stock decline significantly several times in the past. Berkshire Hathaway. Look it up. Heck, Warren Buffet (BH's CEO) was noted for telling Steve Jobs not to worry about the stock price - release great products that the market wants and the stock price would take care of itself even if it periodically freaked out. And given BH's history and current stock price and Warren Buffet's net worth, he probably knows more about things than you do.
Apple's stock price decline is a temporary blip. You are a moron.
Re:Tim Cook? by gtall · 2013-08-29 00:57 · Score: 4, Insightful

Stock price doesn't mean diddley squat. GE is immense and their stock price isn't great but they do very well in their markets.
And this visionary thing is overrated, Apple isn't going to produce a groundbreaking device in a new market for them every three years. No company can does that.
Re:Tim Cook? by Xest · 2013-08-29 01:13 · Score: 1

But most of that can be attributed to the lag effect. The point is simply that Cook hasn't sustained, or even managed to come close to holding it even close to that peak.
Ultimately under Jobs it was on an upwards trend, and whilst no one expected Cook to be able to keep up the pace (no one could) one would at least expect him not to oversee a 50% decline from that peak.
Or in other words Cook could've simply not turned up to work after Job's resignation and it'd still have had the momentum from Jobs - it wouldn't have declined overnight, it takes time.
But if Cook was doing a good job then it would've kept increasing, or plateaued or declined slightly. It didn't do any of those though, it went into freefall under him.
Re:Tim Cook? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 01:28 · Score: 0

Apple sells cutting edge innovative products
That has not been true for almost ten years.
Re:Tim Cook? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 01:33 · Score: 0

Most what?! It's not the most valuable stock value wise (not anymore), neither it is revenue wise nor business volume wise. Dunno where people are still getting the "most valuable company in the world" nowadays. Apple just got a taste of that position for a short period of time, and only stock value wise, and then the market corrected itself.
Re:Tim Cook? by the_B0fh · 2013-08-29 01:44 · Score: 1

Statistics and logic is hard it appears.
Re:Tim Cook? by the_B0fh · 2013-08-29 01:45 · Score: 1

iHaters do not need logic, please.
Re:Tim Cook? by the_B0fh · 2013-08-29 01:49 · Score: 1

You might want to keep up with the news... You really don't want to be a stale iHater. Makes you look more stupid(er).
http://www.fool.com/investing/general/2013/08/03/apple-is-once-again-the-worlds-most-valuable-compa.aspx
Re:Tim Cook? by gbjbaanb · 2013-08-29 01:53 · Score: -1, Troll

Stock price doesn't mean diddley squat....
And this visionary thing is overrated...
sigh, another Microsoft apologist posting to slashdot ... :-)
Re:Tim Cook? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 02:15 · Score: 0

Apply a useful metric to your assumptions or it's all just buzzwords. I don't see anything you've said that can apply to anything in the real world. Jobs, Gates and Torvalds aren't magic men. Technology can grow and be innovative without them at the helm. You're trying to propagate a myth that just doesn't hold any water.
Re:Tim Cook? by ColdWetDog · 2013-08-29 03:15 · Score: 1

I take it you're just not totally impressed with the Darth Trashcan?

--
Faster! Faster! Faster would be better!
Re:Tim Cook? by Xest · 2013-08-29 03:24 · Score: 1

I actually agree that stock price isn't the greatest of metrics for what it's worth but what metric do you suggest? I think profit growth is probably the most sensible but Cook has faltered there the last couple of quarters too and Ballmer has maintained healthy growth at Microsoft so by this metric would be deemed a highly successful CEO. Sales figures are up under Cook but marketshare is down. Customer satisfaction is strong in Apple products but is it higher under Cook than it was under the era that could be credited to Jobs? Corporate responsibility? Is Apple greener and more philanthropic under Cook maybe?
I'm not arguing against you, on the contrary, I'm interested to hear what metric or metrics you think are best because none of them are particularly more positive for Cook than they were for Ballmer which is why I find it difficult to see how you can objectively suggest Ballmer is a poor CEO at his respective firm, but Cook not. By most metrics, their performances seem incredibly comparable having both taken over from people who were perceived to be successful leaders (albeit with varying levels of like/dislike depending on who you ask).
"Apple isn't going to produce a groundbreaking device in a new market for them every three years. No company can does that."
I actually agree, though that doesn't mean visionaries aren't important. You still need someone who can judge the road ahead and know what products to aim for when the time is right, even if you can't do that every three years. I do not think Cook is a person who can do that - just as Ballmer isn't given how badly he missed the smartphone and tablet boats only deciding to follow way after the boat had already left the dock.
Re:Tim Cook? by gtall · 2013-08-29 03:44 · Score: 1

Yeah? Take a look at my comment history and then try to call me a MS apologist.
Re:Tim Cook? by gtall · 2013-08-29 03:54 · Score: 2

Cook's been in charge...what...about 2 years? Apple was destined to have reduced marketshare ever since Samsung and their fellow travelers decided to ape them at just about every turn. That had nothing to do with Jobs and/or Cook. In fact, you could argue that Jobs saw it coming by throwing sueballs around. Let's give Cook a bit more time. It takes years to develop a new product, and if Jobs had so much in the pipeline, Apple would have coughed up a new one by now. Maybe it was the iWatch, but as soon as the rumor started, Samsung was right there saying Me Too, Me Too...and they are supposed to punt their iWatch Sept. 4 if memory serves.
Being a visionary is good thing, but it isn't always apparent. Jobs is recognized now as one, but he wasn't when he retook Apple, or rather NeXT took Apple. In fact, he was derided a lot. It took him a good 10 years before Apple started generating really good new products. Up until that time, he spent his time refurbishing old products.
Re:Tim Cook? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 04:12 · Score: 0

For gamblers? Absolutely!
Re:Tim Cook? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 04:19 · Score: 0

Because the house doesn't want to pay out at a million to one, but they want the money attached to a someone that might actually be able to do something. Personally, I think Tim Cook would be great, an ideological poison pill along the lines of Elop, except Microsoft is a much larger ship capable of withstanding the storms a new captain may deem worthy of sailing through. Yea, optimistically I'm for Cook, sadistically I'm for Elop his time at the helm of Nokia was just too brainwashed - and that's giving him the benefit of the doubt.
Re: Tim Cook? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 04:41 · Score: -1

STFU moron. Seriously. You don't know what you are babbling.
Away you three inch fool.
Re:Tim Cook? by gnasher719 · 2013-08-29 06:17 · Score: 1

which are laughably high odds. More like a million to one. Seriously, under what circumstances could you imagine Tim Cook, CEO of possibly the worlds most profitable and well loved company accepting a job offer to be CEO of a smaller, shittier company that everyone hates and represents everything that Apple hates about technology? Maybe if he was fired from Apple in the next year for doing something horrible but Microsoft was still desperate enough to want to hire him.
$100 million a year, with a ten year contract. That would be convincing :-)

I think before starting he would ask the board: How easy is it to fire any managers? And I mean fire without paying them any money?
If it is easy, then he might be able to turn this ship around. Give every executive two weeks time to produce a plan how to make their department work much better for the benefit of the company, not for the benefit of that manager. For every executive, let two subordinates make exactly the same plan. After two weeks, every executive without a promising plan is fired and replaced with one of the two subordinates. After three months, every executive who didn't execute on the plan is fired.

The problem at Microsoft is not the products, it is how the whole company is run. Obviously that leads to awful products, but you don't fix it by trying to make better products, you fix it by running the company better.
Re:Tim Cook? by gbjbaanb · 2013-08-29 06:40 · Score: 1

.... who also seems to have a humour bypass.
Re:Tim Cook? by Darinbob · 2013-08-29 07:01 · Score: 1

The current stock market is basically opposed to prudent corporate management, it mainly rewards short term gains and penalizes long term thinking. Ie, they want stock growth rather than regular dividends.
Meanwhile "vision" is basically what happens when you see people who aren't there and hear voices no one else can hear. In the old days they used to lock up up if you had visions for your own protection.
Re:Tim Cook? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 10:15 · Score: 0

AAPL is paying dividends now. You can't compare the current stock price to the historical stock price, given that.
Same's true for MSFT under Ballmer, but in their case you can look at other metrics to see just how badly Ballmer hosed the company.
Re:Tim Cook? by Paradise+Pete · 2013-08-29 16:02 · Score: 1

So you agree that what you wrote was wrong.
Re:Tim Cook? by Xest · 2013-08-29 20:00 · Score: 1

No I just expected anyone reading the post to be capable of understanding the point without an in depth explanation explaining every bit of detail thoroughly.
Apparently some readers just aren't that smart.
Re:Tim Cook? by Xest · 2013-08-29 20:01 · Score: 1

Dividends only started being paid after the fall as a measure to stem it falling any further.
Re:Tim Cook? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-30 13:42 · Score: 0

Apparently you're not smart enough to realize when you should back off from your bullshitting and admit you have no fucking idea what you're talking about.
But then, you're probably the kind of stupid which doesn't even realize it's bullshitting in the first place.
Carry on!

Fine with me by gagol · 2013-08-29 00:14 · Score: 0

Elop would work for me as MS ceo. But then I hate Microsoft's guts... the world is getting weirder and weirder all the time. My bet is on entropy at wok.

--
Tomorrow is another day...

Re:Fine with me by gtall · 2013-08-29 00:58 · Score: 1, Funny

Hear, hear!! If Elop could to do MS what he's done to Nokia, I'd be a happy camper.
Re:Fine with me by The-Ixian · 2013-08-29 04:30 · Score: 1

Well.... I guess Elop would be fine but how does he feel about developers, developers, developers, developers?

--
My eyes reflect the stars and a smile lights up my face.
Re:Fine with me by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 06:43 · Score: 0

I'd like both Elop and Ballmer to run Sony.

The Murderer of Meego/Maemo! by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 00:17 · Score: 0

Here is hoping the next CEO hires the Jolla and Neo900(N900 based GTA04 mod OpenMoko upgrade system board) team and they get back to making amazing hardware with a great OS.
Then I wake up...

Re:The Murderer of Meego/Maemo! by gmuslera · 2013-08-29 00:52 · Score: 1

This could bring them back from the grave, specially if whoever replaces him on nokia take a hint and dumps windows as phone OS, their main alternatives would be android or, well, back to meego or one of its childrens (sailfish, tizen, etc).
And that could be the final nail on the coffin of Windows 8, and with Elop as CEO could play again the burning platform game and be the end of Windows.

Interesting Choice by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 00:17 · Score: 0

Nokia's shares have more than halved since he took over in 2010, I don't know if his choice of Windows Phone has impacted Nokia's performance but his chances at Microsoft increased as a result.

no by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 00:18 · Score: 0

QWOP seems to be a better choice than Elop.

Re:no by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 00:29 · Score: 0

I always favored qaop, meself.

Wouldn't it be funny by korbulon · 2013-08-29 00:19 · Score: 1

If they tried to hire him but he couldn't get a H1B1 visa?

Re:Wouldn't it be funny by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 00:36 · Score: 3, Informative

H-1B1 only applies to Chilean and Singaporean nationals. Since he's Canadian, they can just list him as "computer analyst" and he can work in the US under TN status for a period of 1 year, renewable indefinitely.
Re:Wouldn't it be funny by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 16:57 · Score: 0

I really don't think "computer analyst" would fly for this position.
Also, the "renewable indefinitely" makes it sound automatic, but actually you're fucked over on the sole discretion of the guard. A Canadian on TN status that intends to stay is well advised to flip over to H-1B status as soon as possible (you can't flip to a green card from a TN status, but you can get there from H-1B). He likely qualifies for an O-1 status as well on the basis of exceptionally high salary + critical position of a well-known company + published material in major media about him.
After all, TN (and O-1) status are explicitly supposed to be temporary, non-immigrant statuses. H-1B is also temporary, but "less" temporary and dual-intent, both immigrant and non-immigrant.
Pretty sure he's had a green card for ages though.

Re:So he can take Microsoft into Nokia market shar by SpaceMonkies · 2013-08-29 00:21 · Score: -1, Flamebait

"From January 2008 to September 2010, Elop worked for Microsoft as the head of the Business Division, responsible for the Microsoft Office and Microsoft Dynamics line of products, and as a member of the company's senior leadership team. It was during this time that Microsoft's Business Division released Office 2010.
In September 2010, it was announced that Elop would take Nokia's CEO position, replacing Olli-Pekka Kallasvuo, and becoming the first non-Finnish director in Nokia's history. On March 11, 2011 Nokia announced that it had paid Elop a $6 million signing bonus, “compensation for lost income from his prior employer," on top of his $1.4 million annual salary."
- http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Stephen_Elop

I think he will do just fine leading Microsoft!

Check out the new Slashdot iPad app

The tradition will be carried on... by GameboyRMH · 2013-08-29 00:22 · Score: 0

The tradition of having an incompetent idiot for CEO since Gates left the position (he was evil, but not stupid).

No need to worry about Microsoft recovering, they're doomed. Long live Elop!

--
"When information is power, privacy is freedom" - Jah-Wren Ryel

Re:The tradition will be carried on... by gtall · 2013-08-29 03:58 · Score: 1

Gates wasn't stupid? This is the man who built MS's sclerotic culture that made them the powerhouse of innovation they are today. And there was nothing stopping Billy from telling Ballmer that smartphones were real and that Apple wasn't to be taken lightly. He could have realized that the tech was finally available for tablets but somehow this never got communicated to Ballmer. And he might have realized that Windows 8 was something only marketing executive could love, but that must have gotten lost in translation.
Re:The tradition will be carried on... by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 06:18 · Score: 0

Where's your billions? I guess if business success is your measure for intelligence (and you do from what I've read here) then Gates is smarter than all of you here.

Obvious by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 00:26 · Score: 0

He did such a bang up job at Nokia, now back to MS and destroy them as well...

The Two Steves by tuppe666 · 2013-08-29 00:28 · Score: 1, Insightful

He is like Mr 4%, honestly, Steve is a huge improvement on him!

Windows Phone may never hit 4%, and they are both called Steve.

Re:The Two Steves by cbhacking · 2013-08-29 07:11 · Score: 1

Uh, WP has already broken 4%. Living a few months in the past, are we?

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There's no place I could be, since I've found Serenity...

Steve Wozniak by ZeroSerenity · 2013-08-29 00:33 · Score: 2

I put my money on that one just to screw with people's heads.

--
For those who seek perfection there can be no rest on this side of the grave.

Re:Steve Wozniak by MickyTheIdiot · 2013-08-29 00:36 · Score: 2

I think that would be the equivalent of taking a 18 wheeler going at 80mph and slamming it into reverse.
Face it, Steve's vision of what technology should be isn't even compatible with ANYONE at Apple anymore.
Re:Steve Wozniak by the_other_chewey · 2013-08-29 01:13 · Score: 1

Good thing we're not talking about Apple here then...
Re:Steve Wozniak by MickyTheIdiot · 2013-08-29 02:46 · Score: 0

I don't know why I am reply to this...
but, since you're a dolt, isn't even compatible with ANYONE at Apple means he couldn't go back to Apple, let alone Microsoft.
Sorry that you can't read and need that explained.
Re:Steve Wozniak by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 17:08 · Score: 0

Honestly, it wasn't clear what you were saying until you clarified it here.

Nokia Cheaper to buy. by tuppe666 · 2013-08-29 00:34 · Score: 0

Nokia's shares have more than halved since he took over in 2010

If the rumours of The two Steves colluding to sell Nokia to Microsoft are true (Elop did his Job well. In fact too well as its so bad not even Microsoft want to buy it).

They also did some other stuff as well. They did some patent deals. It is suspected to make it useless to anyone else, and have formed a patent troll company together, a little like the ones Apple and Microsoft have.

Burning Platforms v2? by Tridus · 2013-08-29 00:35 · Score: 5, Funny

I can picture it now...

Elop gets in. He sits down, and writes a memo about how the company is sitting on a burning platform and needs to change or die. He'll then adopt a bold strategy of switching the entire company over to... what? QNX maybe?

Considering his track record, I find it hard to believe anybody thinks this is a good idea.

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-- "So they told me that using the download page to download something was not something they anticipated." - Bill Gates

Re:Burning Platforms v2? by binarylarry · 2013-08-29 00:47 · Score: 2

Nah, he's going to get booted and he successor will ditch Windows Phone.
Then he'll end up back at the mothership in Redmond as some other type of executive. Given how badly he's hurt Nokia, I wonder if the Microsoft board would really let him be CEO. They can afford someone good, why the hell would they choose Elop?

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Mod me down, my New Earth Global Warmingist friends!
Re:Burning Platforms v2? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 01:51 · Score: 1

In fairness, they are sitting on a burning platform this time.
Unlike Symbian, the Microsoft Surface isn't still making a profit.
Re:Burning Platforms v2? by roc97007 · 2013-08-29 03:03 · Score: 1

Nah, he's going to get booted and he successor will ditch Windows Phone.
Then he'll end up back at the mothership in Redmond as some other type of executive. Given how badly he's hurt Nokia, I wonder if the Microsoft board would really let him be CEO. They can afford someone good, why the hell would they choose Elop?
Dunno. Why the hell have they done most of the things they've done in the past few years?

--
Oliver's law of assumed responsibility: If you're seen fixing it, you will be blamed for breaking it.
Re:Burning Platforms v2? by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-01 21:18 · Score: 0

Switching MS over to QNX would be awesome if they didn't totally bugger QNX in the process.

Kevin Turner = massive exodus by charnov · 2013-08-29 00:38 · Score: 3, Interesting

Kevin Turner, Lisa Brummel, and Amy Hood are all despised within Microsoft... they are Ballmer yes-people and Lisa Brummel is directly responsible for destroying any shred of productive culture there. They all need to go.

The employees want Satya Nadella or maybe Tony Bates... although many say it has to come from the outside... Sinofsky ;-)

http://minimsft.blogspot.com/2013/08/steve-ballmer-is-going-to-frickin.html

--
[RIAA] says its concern is artists. That's true, in just the sense that a cattle rancher is concerned about its cattle.

Re:Kevin Turner = massive exodus by h4rr4r · 2013-08-29 00:48 · Score: 4, Interesting

What the employees want does not matter even a little.
The current management put Ballmer in charge, they are going to select another Ballmer not someone who will change their culture.
Re:Kevin Turner = massive exodus by Lifyre · 2013-08-29 00:52 · Score: 1

Don't count on it. I think they're seeing a massive cultural problem that is finally starting to hurt the bottom line and they want to do something about it. I don't know if they go the direction the employees want but I think they'll go a non Ballmer direction.

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I'll meet you at the intersection of "Should be" and "Reality"
Re: Kevin Turner = massive exodus by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 01:02 · Score: 0

I guess you think employees are little more than slaves chained to their workplace and they should shut up or get a date with the bull whip.
Re: Kevin Turner = massive exodus by h4rr4r · 2013-08-29 01:05 · Score: 1

Not at all, but I don't run Microsoft. Those kinds of folks sure as hell do. They practically invented perma-temp.
Re:Kevin Turner = massive exodus by h4rr4r · 2013-08-29 01:07 · Score: 3, Insightful

I respectfully disagree. Ballmer represents their own culture, any change would be admitting they were wrong. I fully expect MS to shrink over the next several decades because of this. I can't think of any companies that have ever survived and recovered from that kind of MBA infection.
Re:Kevin Turner = massive exodus by gnasher719 · 2013-08-29 02:27 · Score: 1

The current management put Ballmer in charge, they are going to select another Ballmer not someone who will change their culture.
If that was the case, why would Ballmer be leaving? I don't think that he is doing what he is doing badly, the problem is that he is doing the wrong things. Replacing him with someone who does the same things, maybe slightly better or slightly worse, isn't going to help one bit.
Re:Kevin Turner = massive exodus by gtall · 2013-08-29 04:01 · Score: 1

"MBA infection"...that's just too good...made my whole day.
Re:Kevin Turner = massive exodus by Anonymous Coward · 2013-09-01 17:30 · Score: 0

Replacing him with someone who does the same things, maybe slightly better or slightly worse, isn't going to help one bit.
You know that. I know that. Many people know that. But those in charge of putting the next person at the helm at Microsoft don't know that. Or at the very least, they don't want to admit that, even to themselves.
Which is the point...

Probably not by tbannist · 2013-08-29 00:39 · Score: 4, Insightful

Maybe Nokia was always supposed to be Elop's training company? You know, a company he can try stuff at and drive it into the ground before he gets his hands on the real thing? Maybe he was even supposed to run it into the ground the ground, kind of like Brewster's Millions but with a company?

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Fanatically anti-fanatical

Re:Probably not by Paradise+Pete · 2013-08-29 00:59 · Score: 2

Maybe Nokia was always supposed to be Elop's training company?
No, coming back as Microsoft CEO was the deal he was given when he was sent to Nokia to destroy all its value.
Re:Probably not by bill_mcgonigle · 2013-08-29 02:10 · Score: 1

No, coming back as Microsoft CEO was the deal he was given when he was sent to Nokia to destroy all its value.
This seems likely; I was on record here saying to expect an acquisition, or at least an IP buy-out, after it had its value devastated - but I still haven't seen what Microsoft could do differently than Nokia is doing to actually succeed with a Windows phone.

--
My God, it's Full of Source!
OUTSIDE_IP=$(dig +short my.ip @outsideip.net)
Re:Probably not by Urkki · 2013-08-29 02:53 · Score: 3, Interesting

No, coming back as Microsoft CEO was the deal he was given when he was sent to Nokia to destroy all its value.
Considering how its value is up like 100% from the bottom, and likely to keep slowly creeping upwards along with WP market share in the short term at least, then if Elop's mission was to drive the value to the ground only, it failed.
But don't worry, there's plenty of room for conspiracies still. Elop's mission could have been to install WP as a 3rd ecosystem as quickly as possible, no matter the cost (to Nokia's shareholders), and accepting a big risk of total failure (of Nokia as a company) and continuing irrelevancy of Windows in mobile space. The way Symbian was murdered certainly fits this theory.
Re:Probably not by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 05:54 · Score: 0

please explain how in some, even alternate universe how you believe Nokia's value is up 100% from bottom?
Re:Probably not by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 15:57 · Score: 0

but I still haven't seen what Microsoft could do differently than Nokia is doing to actually succeed with a Windows phone.
Just because it was a plan doesn't mean it was a good plan. :-)
It's like the argument sketch:
"I came here for a good plan!"
"No you didn't; you came here for a plan."
Re:Probably not by Paradise+Pete · 2013-08-29 16:00 · Score: 1

That's because Ballmer was trying to renege on the deal and stay, so Elop said "Lookit, if you're not going to step down then I'm going to start actually turning things around here." And so Ballmer had to acquiesce.
Re:Probably not by Urkki · 2013-08-29 17:04 · Score: 1

please explain how in some, even alternate universe how you believe Nokia's value is up 100% from bottom?
Lowest, about $2 at New York, or €1,50 at Helsinki, in July 2012. Increase that by 100%, and you get $4 or €3. Which, incidentally, is about the current stock price.
So, this raises the question, if this seems to be the alternate universe for you, then where are you coming from?

Whoever takes over will have a hard time by MikeRT · 2013-08-29 00:40 · Score: 5, Interesting

Ballmer left the company in shambles in terms of their standing and momentum in the industry. Whoever takes over is going to have to be very aggressive and will probably run head long into antitrust issues if they are too serious about rebuilding Microsoft's standing and momentum. What Microsoft needs at this point:

1. Release Windows 8.2 with the start menu fully restored, Metro apps able to run on the desktop mode and Metro only a primary UI option on touch screen PCs unless the user configures otherwise (either way should still be an option).
2. Release Windows RT 2 tablet in $200 and $300 32gb and 64gb options with full Microsoft Office. Microsoft needs to just flood the market with low cost, Kindle-like Windows tablets that'll run any traditional Windows app recompiled for ARM (another restriction that needs to go from Windows 8).
3. Attack the living room not just with the XBox One, but alternatives to protocols like AirPlay that are open, documented and patent-free for other vendors to implement. Microsoft can isolate Apple even more by returning to its roots of being of one of the most open big vendors in the industry.

Re:Whoever takes over will have a hard time by Tridus · 2013-08-29 01:09 · Score: 1

They should do #1 anyway. Stardock already figured out how to run Metro apps on the desktop, and having that option would dramatically help adoption in corporate settings.
In fact they should do #2 as well. The RT simply doesn't have the hardware specs or market clout to compete at the same price as the iPad.

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-- "So they told me that using the download page to download something was not something they anticipated." - Bill Gates
Re:Whoever takes over will have a hard time by MickyTheIdiot · 2013-08-29 01:11 · Score: 1

"alternatives to protocols like AirPlay that are open, documented and patent-free for"...
Sorry, I know this is forthright, but this makes me giggle. This is asking much more than the simple sentence here indicates. This is a difference in corporate culture. Culture is the most difficult thing to change in every organization.
Not that I don't agree with you...
Re:Whoever takes over will have a hard time by Teresita · 2013-08-29 01:30 · Score: 2

They should do #1 anyway. Stardock already figured out how to run Metro apps on the desktop, and having that option would dramatically help adoption in corporate settings.

What galls people is they have to add aftermarket software just to make the Win8 UI acceptable. It's like getting a brand new car, and having to take it to a garage so they can make the left pedal work as the brake and the right pedal work as the accelerator again.
Re:Whoever takes over will have a hard time by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 01:33 · Score: 0

What Microsoft needs at this point:
Problem solved!
Re:Whoever takes over will have a hard time by Nemyst · 2013-08-29 01:50 · Score: 1

I'd add a 0. to this list:

0. Listen to your fucking customers.

If they'd just keep this in mind, the rest of the list (and much more) falls in place naturally.
Re:Whoever takes over will have a hard time by Lumpy · 2013-08-29 02:23 · Score: 1

HuH?
1 - refund everyone's money that bought Windows 8 and reinstate work on Windows 7 updates and bugfixes. Start working on windows 9 with business use in mind first and foremost.
2 - when it's ready for testing, get COMPANIES with REAL USERS to test it and submit useability reports and feedback.
3 - LISTEN TO AND ACT ON THAT FEEDBACK.
4 - profit.

--
Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
Re:Whoever takes over will have a hard time by Lumpy · 2013-08-29 02:24 · Score: 1

But you only need one pedal. you are not driving it right.

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Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.
Re:Whoever takes over will have a hard time by Nerdfest · 2013-08-29 02:50 · Score: 1

The problem with open protocols (from many corporations point of view) is that they open you up to competition. Conpanies like Microsoft and Apple don't want competition.
Re:Whoever takes over will have a hard time by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 02:53 · Score: 1

1. The OS is proprietary, everything else is open and free. No "trusted" computing, App Store is an option (like Windows Certified or something). That's what they need to understand. Long-time Windows users like myself have always traded the freedom of the OS in exchange for it forcing other things to be open and standard. This is why I wish Apple hadn't gotten so much traction. They're bringing us back to the misery of the 80s, where developers had to choose which vertically-integrated hardwar/software platform to target, and users had to say, "Gee, I wish it ran on my platform...". I never liked Java as a language, but it was a noble effort to solve this regardless of what companies like Apple did...
Re:Whoever takes over will have a hard time by UnknowingFool · 2013-08-29 03:35 · Score: 2

The issues with Ballmer were many fold. MS always had a strategy; their execution was sorely lacking. Ballmer often deferred big decisions to others. While Ballmer did grow the server side and parts of the business, his role at MS was always more of a COO or President (his previous job) than CEO. While he was passionate about the company, his dismeanor and statements made the company look bad. I'm sure Apple has his "The iPhone will never get any marketshare" comments plastered all over their HQ.

--
Well, there's spam egg sausage and spam, that's not got much spam in it.
Re:Whoever takes over will have a hard time by chuckinator · 2013-08-29 03:55 · Score: 2

Microsoft's roots are being one of the most open big vendors in the industry? You just made my day with that joke. Go talk to someone that knows a thing or two about Kerberos and get them to tell you how open and awesome Active Directory is because it uses open protocols. I recall Microsoft withholding publication of their changes to Kerberos that preventing it from interoperating with MIT krb5. I also recall their withholding publication of the EAP-PEAP changes to RADIUS that they made in conjunction with Cisco to lock out other players in the earlier adoption phase of 802.11 eleven protocols. They haven't exactly been a real champion of openness and interoperability in the industry.
Re:Whoever takes over will have a hard time by gtall · 2013-08-29 04:05 · Score: 0

No, what Microsoft needs is to go away and die quietly in corner. Then the rest of the computing world can get to the task of undoing all the damage they've done with their proprietary protocols, file formats, creation of an eco system that interoperates with nothing else, stacking "standards" committees, etc.
Re:Whoever takes over will have a hard time by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 04:17 · Score: 0

You're hired!
Re:Whoever takes over will have a hard time by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 07:38 · Score: 0

Thanks Steve Jobs...
Re:Whoever takes over will have a hard time by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 07:42 · Score: 0

No, it is you who isn't driving it right. You need THREE pedals to properly drive a car.
Re:Whoever takes over will have a hard time by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 07:51 · Score: 0

isn't that a bit voyeuristic?

Microsoft CEO not Nokia by tuppe666 · 2013-08-29 00:41 · Score: 1

Here is hoping the next CEO hires the Jolla and Neo900(N900 based GTA04 mod OpenMoko upgrade system board) team and they get back to making amazing hardware with a great OS.
Then I wake up...

This is about replacing the Microsoft CEO not Nokia CEO. As much as we talk about smartphones here Elops most criminal cut was Meltemi a featurephone OS aimed at low hardware.

Re:Microsoft CEO not Nokia by GigaplexNZ · 2013-08-29 01:55 · Score: 1

Here is hoping the next CEO hires the Jolla and Neo900(N900 based GTA04 mod OpenMoko upgrade system board) team and they get back to making amazing hardware with a great OS. Then I wake up...
This is about replacing the Microsoft CEO not Nokia CEO. As much as we talk about smartphones here Elops most criminal cut was Meltemi a featurephone OS aimed at low hardware.
If Elop does move back to Microsoft, Nokia would then need a replacement CEO, no?
Re:Microsoft CEO not Nokia by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 06:04 · Score: 0

Not if MS buys Nokia, then promotes Elop, instead of hiring him away.
Re:Microsoft CEO not Nokia by lister+king+of+smeg · 2013-08-29 06:18 · Score: 1

Here is hoping the next CEO hires the Jolla and Neo900(N900 based GTA04 mod OpenMoko upgrade system board) team and they get back to making amazing hardware with a great OS.
Then I wake up...
This is about replacing the Microsoft CEO not Nokia CEO. As much as we talk about smartphones here Elops most criminal cut was Meltemi a featurephone OS aimed at low hardware.
If Elop does move back to Microsoft, Nokia would then need a replacement CEO, no?
No the entire reason Elop has gone to work for Nokia was to get it ready for a Microsoft takeover. Once He return to his home company he will take over nokia, giving Microsoft a mobile company and lots more patents for the war chest.

--
---Saying gnome 3 is better than windows 8 not so much a compliment as it is damning with light praise.
Re: Microsoft CEO not Nokia by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 12:01 · Score: 0

While most people suspect that is the case, it hasn't been proven and if it had then Elop might find himself in serious legal trouble.

google's $150M employee Neal Mohan is my best bet. by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 00:53 · Score: 0

I don't think should accept the job though.

Don't think so by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 01:06 · Score: 0

Elop is more valuable to Microsoft at Nokia. The credibility of Microsoft's mobile strategy hinges on Nokia's WP8 commitment. Nokia might abandon the WP8-only strategy under a different CEO.

Bookmakers, not gamblers by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 01:14 · Score: 0

Ladbroke's is a bookmaker's website, not a gamblers' site. The 5-1 odds here are a decision by a bookmaker. So the headline should read "Elop Favored By Bookmakers As Microsoft's Next Chief Executive".

Though on the other hand...

Too Many Problems by tuppe666 · 2013-08-29 01:29 · Score: 5, Insightful

1. Release Windows 8.2 with the start menu fully restored, Metro apps able to run on the desktop mode and Metro only a primary UI option on touch screen PCs unless the user configures otherwise (either way should still be an option).
2. Release Windows RT 2 tablet in $200 and $300 32gb and 64gb options with full Microsoft Office. Microsoft needs to just flood the market with low cost, Kindle-like Windows tablets that'll run any traditional Windows app recompiled for ARM (another restriction that needs to go from Windows 8).
3. Attack the living room not just with the XBox One, but alternatives to protocols like AirPlay that are open, documented and patent-free for other vendors to implement. Microsoft can isolate Apple even more by returning to its roots of being of one of the most open big vendors in the industry.

I love quick fixes. The problem with Microsoft is the the company. We are asking why an army of clever; highly qualified and paid individuals could release so many failures...obvious failures before release.

Lets look at your fixes(Lipstick on a Pig) you address the unpopular Metro Interface failure, by having it there as a kludge; It was never about a start menu it was about creating an ecosystem with a consistent interface so they could force themselves into the mobile market(They use the word "ecosystem"), and cash in on the lockdown (store and hardware) to Microsoft product and services. The answer wasn't to use the advantages over mobile (10x power and screen real estate, good input, massive storage) they simply dumbed down a computer to a poor tablet. How about Microsoft accept its in competition and compete by producing the Best Desktop ever.

Then you bring up cost. Microsoft walk around with 70% gross margins while its partners do with 10%-20%, and not only is office unwanted they also charge for that too. Traditional Windows Apps do not work on a tablet. No wonder the devices are considered overprices and its partners are turning away. How about Microsoft change their business stratergy?

Bill Gates might have got into the living room with the console, but seriously its a $500, £430 in the UK and 500 Euros console (ignoring its anti-gamer launch) it is going against a $35 Device Chromecast. that already has an alternative to Airplay and works for iOS and Android. How about Microsoft stop selling hardware but sell software...hold on did Andriod just get another 6 Consoles.

The bottom line is a few quick fixes...and these aren't are not going to fix the problem.

Re:Too Many Problems by gbjbaanb · 2013-08-29 23:33 · Score: 1

I love quick fixes. The problem with Microsoft is the the company. We are asking why an army of clever; highly qualified and paid individuals could release so many failures...obvious failures before release
you assume there is an army of clever people there. Reading blogs like minisfmt it appears these people either left for startups or Google et al, or are sitting around doing nothing but keeping their head down while their stock options rise.

hah by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 01:41 · Score: 0

1. Completely ruin the most successful (at the time you were hired) smartphone company in the world.
2. Get a new job.

Seriously, how can anyone consider Elop to be a competent leader?

No start button ? No Microsoft by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 02:07 · Score: 0

Unless those clowns restore a fully functional start menu and get rid of that Metro crap on the desktop there isn't going to be a Microsoft for much longer.

Which part of nobody wants this shit on a desktop computer do they not understand ?

Just saying.

Golden Handcuffs by tuppe666 · 2013-08-29 02:08 · Score: 0

Nah, he's going to get booted and he successor will ditch Windows Phone.

I doubt it, ignoring that it is good way to piss of its current customers...again. Microsoft has a deal in place that we can only assume is very pro-Microsoft, at the cost of a few billion to Microsoft. I would be astonished if Nokia don't have to give the money back, or at least pay an excessive termination fee. It also took Nokia ten months from announcement to its first Lumia phones, and that was before all the massive cuts. That is also ignoring all the nasty little patent dealings including setting up a troll company with Microsoft. That is ignoring all the people Elop has brought to Nokia from Microsoft. Nobody knows how much damage Elop has actually caused, but untangling themselves from Microsoft looks impossible. The fact that he has not been shown the door says everything.

Re:Golden Handcuffs by rahvin112 · 2013-08-29 04:06 · Score: 1

You don't need to assume. There are escalating payments with their deal. They basically got the first few years without payment but they have increasing sales goals where they have agreed to by X number of licenses later regardless of whether they sell the phones or not. MS gave Nokia several billion and they will get back every dime plus interest, termination of the contract likely requires a balloon payment of the whole thing immediately.
Nokia is hooked like an Anchor to MS, they will not be getting out of that deal without bankruptcy involved.
Re:Golden Handcuffs by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 04:26 · Score: 0

Seems like he should be shown a cell to me.

The need someone who innovates less! by bryanbrunton · 2013-08-29 02:09 · Score: 3, Insightful

Let's face it, Microsoft has recently seen a huge amount of innovation.

- a completely new UI for Windows
- gambling a couple billion dollars on Windows RT
- locking down the XBox with draconian DRM

These were HUGE gambles, Ballmer had HUGE stones. They were really betting the company on this dynamic new strategic path.

It just so happens that this is innovation that really fscking sucked. They need a CEO who recognizes that Microsoft cannot innovate. It is not something that the company does well.

Microsoft's board can not be that stupid. by Lumpy · 2013-08-29 02:14 · Score: 1

Elop is a moron. Why in the world would they put a moron in charge of Microsoft?

--
Do not look at laser with remaining good eye.

Re:Microsoft's board can not be that stupid. by gun26 · 2013-08-29 02:35 · Score: 1

Didn't they already try that? :)
Re:Microsoft's board can not be that stupid. by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 02:54 · Score: 0

So they can assign blame and make their escape plans while the golden parachutes still come in XXL sizes?
Re:Microsoft's board can not be that stupid. by roc97007 · 2013-08-29 03:06 · Score: 1

Elop is a moron. Why in the world would they put a moron in charge of Microsoft?
Why would that be any different than anything else they've done recently?

--
Oliver's law of assumed responsibility: If you're seen fixing it, you will be blamed for breaking it.

CEO Challenges by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 02:23 · Score: 0

Hear me out, Innovation isn't key for MS, it's tiny tweaks that will get this next CEO far ahead.

1. (OS) - Operating System is just that. A system for me to put apps on. Just stop, think, and make a good app store, make the "OS" the ~same as it has been since windows 95, but more stable. That's why I liked 7.

2. (Tablet) - Fine, just don't make office a selling point. Look at any app store, the #1 selling is never a spreadsheet tool. Eventually this will be salvageable.

3. (Phones) - See (Tablet).

4. (Living Room) - Just make a good DVR and i'll buy two, instantly, even pay a monthly fee. This won't happen.

5. (Office) - Nobody really *wants* office, not even home users. Considering that most offices don't upgrade past 2007, just keep it the same. We're stuck with the ribbon, and I can live with that.

6. (Internet/Services) - Fine, put bing in everything, but just don't remind me every two seconds i'm on Bing. It's like a chevy logo on a Porsche, it'll just devalue something that's not so bad.

Overall, it's taking what you have, moving it forward in a stable manner. The wildness of silicon valley, tech fads and innovation will happen, but it'll always need to be on Microsoft's Phone, Tablet, PC, or work with office to be a global product. /Rambling

iLover vs iHaters by tuppe666 · 2013-08-29 02:30 · Score: 1

You might want to keep up with the news... You really don't want to be a stale iHater.

The rise in stock price is though a buy back of its own shares, and if you bought shares on the low side you made a good chunk of change. Whatever you think of that. Its not the same as from new technology or even better current technology, or even buying it. The lack of these things causing the drop in the first place. Its just share price manipulation, not innovation; not new products; not sales

The bottom line is we are waiting on September the 10th, and then only to find out the price of the cheap iphone

Re:iLover vs iHaters by gnasher719 · 2013-08-29 06:08 · Score: 1

The rise in stock price is though a buy back of its own shares, and if you bought shares on the low side you made a good chunk of change. Whatever you think of that. Its not the same as from new technology or even better current technology, or even buying it. The lack of these things causing the drop in the first place. Its just share price manipulation, not innovation; not new products; not sales
Actually... the stock market is deeply irrational. Apple going above $700 was irrational. Apple dropping to $400 was irrational. Right now around $500 Apple is more where it should be, but the reason (share buyback) is again irrational.

If you think about it, spending a billion dollars to buy back shares means that the company has now fewer shares, so each shareholder would own a slightly larger part of the company, but on the other hand the company is now worth a billion dollar less. If the share price had been "correct", the two effects should exactly cancel out. If the share price was not correct, there is still no way how this should have increased market caps by almost $100 billion.

Bitterness.... by SpoonStomper · 2013-08-29 03:04 · Score: 0, Insightful

Windows 8 is the best OS on the market today. Sure, it's a little different - so we evolve a little. I've bees using it full time for months with no issues and wouldn't consider going back to 7 ever. Funny, the same people that mock Visual Studio for how much it helps you are crying for their start menu crutch. Hit the window key and type what you are looking for, it doesn't get any easier than that... Nokia's share price has gone up over 50% since Elop took the helm.. Talk about poor performance.. the Lumia phones are solid and most of you zealots here probably want one but are so entrenched in your MS hatred you would end up looking like fool.. Ceremonious Rib Jab: Android is clunky -- Linux has always been clunky and far from smooth - My college profs pounded us with Linux/Solaris and anti-MS banter, I'm so glad I didn't fall for it....

Re:Bitterness.... by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-30 00:04 · Score: 0

Nokia's share price has gone down over 50% since Elop took the helm..

There, fixed that for you: In September 2010, when it was announced that Elop would become the new CEO of Nokia its stock was at about $10 and today it is at $4. Besides ... Nokia Downgraded By Moody’s Deep Into Junk Territory

Burn, platform, burn! by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 03:09 · Score: 0

Considering his track record, I find it hard to believe anybody thinks this is a good idea.

People are not betting that this is a good idea. They are betting that it will happen.

We are talking about Microsoft here.

Why it will not be Elop by badzilla · 2013-08-29 03:21 · Score: 1

Read this from uber Nokia analyst

Scroll down to
August 27, 2013
Ballmer Aftermath Part 3 - Ballmer replacement and specifically Elop? (Spoiler alert: Elop won't become MS CEO)

http://communities-dominate.blogs.com/

--
"Don't belong. Never join. Think for yourself. Peace." V.Stone, Microsoft Corporation

Evil! by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 03:37 · Score: 0

Whoever is best at doing evil will win.

Re:Evil! by sunwukong · 2013-08-29 07:32 · Score: 1

Then I look forward to Windows 8.2, codename "Crashinator".

Marissa Mayer by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 03:48 · Score: 0

I have a feeling that the best person for the job is actually Marissa Mayer. If Microsoft promotes from within, the company is going to continue to spiral down. They need an outsider who isn't afraid to give some black eyes and collect a few scalps whilst turning things around and putting the entire company on notice. She'd be the perfect kick up the arse that Microsoft has so desperately needed for so many years.

Shareholders own the company by sjbe · 2013-08-29 04:17 · Score: 1

In most companies, the board and CEO own a tiny slice of the company, yet the shareholders have little say about critical issues.

Think of it a little like congress. Most of the time the citizens are too divided to force their leaders to act one way or another. However on those occasions when the citizens speak with a coherent voice then their leaders are forced into action. Substitute citizens for shareholders and the result is the same. The shareholders own the company and can force management to do whatever they want. Too often though the shareholders are too disinterested to really effect significant change. Most shareholders act like absentee landlords.

Re:Shareholders own the company by whoever57 · 2013-08-29 10:04 · Score: 1

The shareholders own the company and can force management to do whatever they want.
Actually, no. Mostly all the shareholders can do is vote for a new board and hope that the new board forces management to do what they want.

--
The real "Libtards" are the Libertarians!
Re:Shareholders own the company by sjbe · 2013-08-29 11:52 · Score: 1

Mostly all the shareholders can do is vote for a new board and hope that the new board forces management to do what they want.
That's not remotely true. In fact what you'll typically see is one or more activist shareholders basically replace the board with their own hand picked candidates. Once you get to the point where significant blocks of shareholders band together they can essentially dictate whatever they want, especially once the magic 50%+1 level is reached. There might be some bylaws to deal with but a large enough block of shareholders can pretty much do anything.

Ship has sailed... by tuppe666 · 2013-08-29 04:19 · Score: 1

Windows 8 is the best OS on the market today....the Lumia phones are solid and most of you zealots

Ironically zealot implies some kind of blind fanaticism irrespective of the facts. This topic is about Ballmer being pushed (stabbed in the front by Bill) because of 5 quarters of PC sales drops, and being invisible in mobile. On a side note you should have listened to you professor Linux won :)

Re:Ship has sailed... by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 06:20 · Score: 0

there is no spoon

prediction: you heard it here.... by recharged95 · 2013-08-29 04:28 · Score: 1

Cook from Apple becomes MS's new CEO.

Iger from Disney takes over the Apple spot.

And the musical chairs continue...

Break the company up by jimicus · 2013-08-29 04:42 · Score: 3, Insightful

And I don't mean for "waah waah antitrust" reasons, I mean because I honestly think we'd see a hell of a lot more innovation in more productive directions. A parent company might hold majority shareholdings in the subsidiaries, but daily operations (including pretty much all strategic thinking) should come from the individual companies Microsoft would be split into, not from the big hulking brute that is Microsoft today.

The idea being that

Off the top of my head, you'd wind up with:

- Home Entertainment. Gets the XBox. Without the "mustn't play nicely with others" mentality coming from the top, they could license DAAP and integrate with Apple, maybe use the xbox as some sort of media centre that can stream to devices around the house.
- Operating systems. Gets Windows - both client and server. Because it's now effectively a separate company, they can build stronger relationships with others - the concern that there's a conflict of interest somewhere mostly evaporates.
- Enterprise Software. Gets SQL Server, Exchange, Sharepoint, maybe IIS. Without the "must integrate everything 15 ways from Sunday and run only on Windows" push coming from HQ, there's scope to openly publish integration mechanisms.
- Productivity Software: Gets Office, Visio etc. Opens the door for publishing an API that allows third party companies wanting to build a Sharepoint-alike and integrate just as seamlessly as Sharepoint does. (Or does Sharepoint just use WebDAV?)

Re:Break the company up by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-29 06:24 · Score: 0

This is the same thing. Allowing Microsoft to continue to operate without being broken up for antitrust issues allowed it to continue in a direction which is clearly toxic to it's own well being. Antitrust behavior was fostered within Redmonds own walls, with competing departments killing opposing innovations and/or killing anything that wasn't subservient to Office/Windows. There is no "Waaah waahh" about it, that is the bully mentality that leads to this sort of bs.
Re:Break the company up by Sabah+Arif · 2013-08-29 10:11 · Score: 1

Has any attempt at spinning the OS actually worked? Newton, Palm and Symbian come to mind as previous failed attempts at doing the same thing.

CEO performance vs stock price by sjbe · 2013-08-29 04:47 · Score: 2

Ultimately under Jobs it was on an upwards trend, and whilst no one expected Cook to be able to keep up the pace (no one could) one would at least expect him not to oversee a 50% decline from that peak.

It wouldn't be hard to argue that Apple was 50% overvalued at its peak. Furthermore the stock right now is sitting right in the middle of its 52 week range and the long term trend puts it right about where it currently sits. Take 2012 out of the mix and the stock price is right on the trajectory it was on between 2009-2011.

But if Cook was doing a good job then it would've kept increasing, or plateaued or declined slightly.

CEO performance and stock price are only loosely correlated, particularly in the short term.

Ray Ozzie by Horshu · 2013-08-29 06:16 · Score: 1

That doesn't even list Ray Ozzie at all. I found that a bit surprising, as I thought he left over conflicts with Sinofsky.

Clippy by Darinbob · 2013-08-29 06:49 · Score: 1

What are the odds for Clippy? He (it?) would make a great CEO!

My fear for Nokia by Anonymous Coward · 2013-08-30 17:30 · Score: 0

My fear for Nokia is that when Elop takes over at Microsoft, another Microsoft stooge takes charge at Nokia (Chris Weber, I'm talking about you).

Nokia continues to be Microsoft's OEM bitch until it gets acquired for pennies.

Release an Android phone already and stop trying to create the 'turd ecosystem'.

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Elop Favored By Gamblers As Microsoft's Next Chief Executive

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