Microsoft recently launched one of their most bizarre advertising campaigns to date, placing Apple squarely in their crosshairs but miserably failing to make a coherent and compelling argument against the hip computer company. Microsoft’s peculiar attempt to paint the Apple Mac lineup as both too expensive and too cool defies logic because it lacks persuasive execution. As if things were not odd enough, Apple has sought fit to respond to the beleaguered campaign with some interesting words.
Currently browsing Posts Tagged “microsoft”
Page 2 of 2
Apple Responds to Microsoft Accusation that Macs are Too Cool
Posted by Scott Jarkoff in Articles
Microsoft Announces Foray into Retail Store Sales Ala Apple
Posted by Scott Jarkoff in Articles
In what I can only describe as an obvious attempt to be cool and continue their “me too” saga, Microsoft has announced plans to open a “small number” of retail stores to sell their wares, and has even hired a 27-year Wal-Mart veteran to head up the operation. David Porter, who is joining Microsoft fresh off the boat from DreamWorks Animation SKG, after leading the entertainment company’s worldwide product distribution for seven years, will commence work on February 16, 2008. Microsoft has not released any specific details about their retail strategy other than to say they hope to “create a better PC and Microsoft retail purchase experience for consumers worldwide through the development and opening of the company’s own retail stores.”
Unfortunately for Microsoft, unlike Apple, the company does not sell complete PC-hardware and software solutions with the exception of the X-BOX, which is a gaming console and decidedly not a PC. One has to ask, what on God’s green Earth does Microsoft expect to sell at these stores other than plastic and cardboard boxes with round disks inside?
Microsoft Training vs. Apple Training – Part II (of II)
Posted by Rich Chuckrey in Articles
Where Apple training fits in more closely with a focused industry niche and is somewhat limited in its IT scope, Microsoft on the other hand offer full blown horizontal and vertical depth in their IT curriculum.
Maybe you’re looking for a new job? Maybe an entry-level tech position? Chances are that if you show up to an interview with ‘certificate’ in hand, your potential for being accepted for the job will increase substantially.
You may just want to get a leg up on your peers — or you’re shooting for that next promotion.
With classes and certifications that cover everything from finance applications to word processing, and to server/client technologies, Microsoft can give you that decisively sharp advantage in leveling the IT professional playing field. Continue
Microsoft Training vs. Apple Training – Part I (of II)
Posted by Rich Chuckrey in Articles
Surveys often indicate strong positive sentiment towards IT training and certifications — proving again and again that being qualified on IT products is not only beneficial to the individual holding the certification, but that certs also substantially increase value to a company and their IT teams.
Microsoft and Apple alike back their proven business applications with extensive industry-approved IT curriculum aimed at certification in both end-user and system administrator roles.
In Part I here of ‘Microsoft Training vs. Apple Training‘ we’ll take a look at Apple’s version of a professional certification lineup. Continue
Microsoft Comeback Or – Nail In The Coffin
Posted by Rich Chuckrey in Articles
Vista is dead.
If you purchased a Vista upgrade or ordered a PC with Vista pre-installed, you probably felt the pain that goes along with a severely maimed operating system. Then only to have Microsoft abandon it two years later — in favor of its clone — Windows 7.
Is it over for Microsoft’s OS market dominance? Has Apple scored enough market share during Vista’s follies to get their OSX foot in the mainstream door? Then there’s Ubuntu — did they too [along with Apple] bite into user share for a run on the Microsoft bank? Continue
Windows 7 in 6 Flavors – Microsoft, Are You Kidding?
Posted by Scott Jarkoff in Articles
When Microsoft initially released Windows Vista, the operating system was available in six flavors, causing major confusion among consumers which led to only four Vista versions being offered currently. The company was derided by most people for such a perplexing decision – what value to consumers could there possibly be in offering Vista in so many versions? All indications were pointing to a much more thought out Windows 7 strategy so Microsoft could avoid many of the Windows Vista failures.
Or so we thought.
Cut The Fat With Google Business Apps And Microsoft Online Services
Posted by Rich Chuckrey in Articles
Consider the cost involved with upgrading an email system for the company with a thousand mailboxes. Add up software, storage, servers, engineering and days [or weeks] of implementation, well, you’re staring down a bill close to $150K or more. On top of that add recurring maintenance, disaster recovery, and sys admin — you’re looking at almost doubling costs in the first year alone.
Then, you’re married to this system for 5 to 7 years. [Same goes for corporate productivity software like word processors, company portals, IM and so on.]
Apple And Microsoft Still In Love After 25 Years
Posted by Rich Chuckrey in Articles
Redmond reported Tuesday that their Mac Business Unit (MacBU) is running strong after 25 years. Eric Wilfred (GM of the MacBU) says:
“We started on the desktop and today the MacBU delivers new ways for Mac users to connect to Microsoft productivity on the Web.”
Microsoft and Apple actually collaborating on something? Yes. And for 25 years to boot.
Collaboration from these giants is exactly what business users need. And Microsoft’s movement toward web integration in its Mac software offerings is — to say the least — welcome and on a timely track.
New No-Cost Security From Microsoft?
Posted by Rich Chuckrey in Articles
Come off it Microsoft — you know your own platform like no one else. I would have expected you to offer a ‘free’ security solution for your operating systems starting back in the Windows 3.1 day.
Well, in the latter half of 2009 [as reported by Redmond on their PressPass site] the software giant will finally launch their no-cost comprehensive protection software for Windows XP, Vista and Windows 7. And Microsoft offered these shocking words in their news release-:
“To address the growing need for a PC security solution…..
Growing need? This tells me that the folks at Microsoft don’t yet get security.
Recent Comments