Microsoft or Microslow?
For an apple user, the word Microsoft reminds something very complicated and user un-friendly!

It is incredible how fast the software and technology industry can change, here competition forces are higher than anywhere else! If I think about Microsoft just 6/7 years ago, I have hard time to find others brands that can compete against it. At that time we had to live with a monopolistic market, no one other then IT freaks could use operating systems different than Windows or browse the web without Internet explorer. As you all know, the scenario is now completely changed.

I am really fascinated how Apple and Google took over the scene and now run the show! In such a short time they not only were able to fight Microsoft supremacy, but also to move way forward.

It is not difficult to understand why!
Microsoft has not been able to keep the same pace in creating innovation and services that address consumer needs as other competitors have. If we look at any segment of market in which Microsoft compete, it always offer a product that is inferior then competition. Operating System, there is no way we can compare Windows and its thousand versions with Leopard by apple. Internet browser, Firefox with its features (add-ons) outperformed any other competitors (Explorer included). Search engine, Google’s supremacy is evident and I don’t think Bing and windows live search can compete in this market. I can go on reporting many other examples, but I don’t want to get boring… however, It has to be said that Microsoft Office, especially excel, is still the leader in business software; but for how long ?

More important, I see Microsoft as B to B rather than a B to C as Apple and others. Its business model never focused on final consumer. Apple produce tangible products that combine design with innovative software and sell them directly to final consumer trough its own retail chain. Do you know how much sales generate the apple store in 5th av NYC? 250 Mln a year! Just one store, not bad! What I am trying to say is that Apple has been able to create a Brand and leverage it to get to last step in the value chain. By doing so, Apple has been able to diversify into different markets and expand its product mix.

Where do I think Microsoft is going?
I think this is the only possible direction Microsoft can undertake: exploiting its brand to get closer to final consumer and enter into new markets. The Microsoft Phone is the evidence that this process has been already started, but it is sure that Microsoft will be and remain a follower. Also, is it to late?

Time is up !!! we need to change quickly...

The Gulf of Mexico oil rig sinking is another environmental disaster caused by our dependence to oil. It is a real shame!

We must exploit renewable form of energy and create a sustainable world.
I am really wondering when we will be able to make this change happen!

Also, I love photography and I have started documenting new sustainable energy projects. I think I will do a exhibition once I have gather enough material.
here is a couple of shoots: