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| Mouth-Off Main PageThe Microsoft/Apple battle of the 80’s looks very similar to the Microsoft/Pure-Java battle that has just begun. Apple’s advantage was that since its hardware and software were all made by the same company, their products were easier to make, install, and use. Microsoft’s products were not as fun, easy, or powerful but were compatible with thousands of manufacturers who were battling fiercely to provide high powered low cost computer equipment. As time passed, Microsoft made its software more user friendly, but Apple lost the battle because it did not gradually open up its system to other vendors.
Organizations that are 100% Microsoft will likely have a much easier time setting up and managing their internet computer systems, but organizations with multiple platforms will probably find it easier and less expensive to go with Netscape/Sun/Java solutions. As time passes Microsoft should make its system more open to other software and hardware systems and Netscape/Sun (and other vendors) should make their software as robust, full featured, and easy as Microsoft’s. The company that moves too fast or slow within this transition will be the loser.
Apple didn’t have to lose in the 80’s, they did because they didn’t leverage their advantages to make the proper transition. Just because Microsoft is like the Apple of the 80’s doesn’t mean they will lose the battle. Gates has already shown he knows how to read the market and make changes. Maybe he will show us how to do what Apple didn’t.
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