Perspectives: January 8
I’ve decided to start a new series on this blog, which I’m calling Perspectives. I realize that I end a lot of posts with “we’ll see where this goes”, but we never get to see, since I’m not going to repeat the same stuff every day until a conclusion is reached. Blogs tend to be so obsessed with the “now”, that we never pay attention to what’s happened in the past, and we forget things that might be important. So, every day, unless I’m way too busy (or not around), I’ll post about whatever I was discussing a year ago, and, as time goes by, two years ago, and so on.
On January 8, 2005, there was some discussion as to whether Microsoft AntiSpyware was a play at establishing a monopoly and dominance in another industry. I actually used the word “daft” to describe my feelings, and I still feel the same way. Microsoft is in a position that, if it does nothing, Windows users will suffer and Windows’ reputation will increasingly suffer, as security vulnerabilities mount. Microsoft needed to create Windows Defender (nee’ AntiSpyware) and Windows OneCare Live to protect its operating system monopoly, its web browser monopoly, and its public relations, not to defeat Norton or McAfee.
Did you know that the recent WMF vulnerability, that affected nearly every version of Windows, did not affect OneCare users? In the future, Microsoft can partly defuse criticism and bad situations and point to OneCare and say, “Well, your fault for not using it”.
Also, development continued on MSN Search. It almost seems like the search engine has stalled since it was announced it would become Windows Live Search (the last search engine related post on the MSN Search blog was in October). I’m hoping they’re hiding something big for the Windows Live switchover, otherwise they don’t have the buzz to gain on Google.
Finally, Devin had an interview with Scoble. BusinessBits is now over a year old, and I must admit I’m pleasantly surprised it turned out to be so successful. Devin has been doing a great job, and if you haven’t checked it out, you should. Especially since I’m future-posting this from the past, so you might as well read some new material!
UPDATE: Wow, when I wrote this a week ago, there was still a BusinessBits. Devin has moved onto finer pastures, after getting his sea legs (and a lot of traffic) right here. If someone is interested in doing some business blogging, this is your chance to inherit a very well-trafficked blog. Send me your information, including your qualifications.
This has been “Perspectives”, I’m Lionel Osbourne.
…and like I said, I would have no problem helping with the transition process. Thanks again, Nathan. =)
Comment by Devin Reams | January 9, 2006