Dare’s post comparing the Economist OpEd from Googles Schmidt (post earlier today), and the July analysts speech from Ozzie at Microsoft got me thinking more about the comparison.
First a revamped UI for Microsoft Office and now Google jumping into the Web Office game with both feet? 2007 is going to be an interesting year for Office productivity software.
Source: Google Office: The Gloves are Off
I pasted Ozzie’s speech below. Its easier to read in this format than the MS press release format.
The dramatic difference that leaps out to me is the corporate approaches. Google sets a general environment that encourages creativity, and is allowing the results of that creativity to define the outcome. Microsoft has decided the future and has created a top down directive to build towards that outcome.
Its not to say which will succeed, although I have my views. But the approaches are very different. This is also the dilemma that faces firms with an established revenue stream and business model, that is under threat. Its easier (relatively) to decide on a new strategy, turn left, and all is well. The problem is that the environment we find ourselves in is not yet defined, so how do we know left is the appropriate direction?
This is the perfect lead in, to the the book I finally picked up today, “The Starfish and the Spider”. Reviews here and here. From what I have seen so far, methinks Google is the starfish, and Microsoft is the spider. (Hint … you don’t want to be the spider).
Relevance to Bankwatch:
How should Banks organise to solve the business model puzzle for this new internet environment. What is the right business model, the right technology strategy, the ones that will address revenue and expenses, and deliver the right productivity?
Continue reading “Google, Microsoft, and "The Starfish and the Spider"”
