Microsoft is Slipping…. Well…..Kind of…..

Windows Azure Update - Cloud Computing

Moving Away from Windows

Microsoft has always been a powerhouse in the Computer/Technology world based on Windows and it’s monopolistic features (even if they and the court system claims that they are not a monopoly)…..The first artcile discusses how Microsoft will be moving to Cloud Computing…  A little late on this – haven’t other companies been doing this for quite some time now – like Google and Amazon – this shows how Microsoft is slowly slipping away from being the leader of the technology industry with innovative ideas and solutions and becoming more of a follower for new technologies – but still a clear leader for operating systems – see Windows…

The second article discusses how HP is moving away from using Windows as its operating system…It is not only due to the Windows Vista ”flop..”  However – the article points out the fact – that 9 out of 10 PCs shipped today use Windows – and that the Big Bad Microsoft will not crumble… but hopefully some of the other technology companies will get a slice of the pie… and hope that they don’t get acquired by Microsoft since they have $20+ billion in cash available…

“Brown is going green.”

EPA, UPS join to launch eco-friendly hybrid trucks

UPS is jumping on the “eco-friendly” bandwagon.  UPS has ordered seven delivery trucks powered by a hydraulic hybrid system that were designed by the EPA fuel-emissions lab to save fuel and cut carbon emissions.  These trucks operate on diesel fuel with a hydraulic propulsion system that allows them to recover “70 percent of the energy normally wasted” during braking – which is a huge advantage for the stopping-and-starting nature of a UPS delivery truck.  These trucks are estimated to cost $7,000 more than the conventional diesel trucks – I think it is a small price to pay for the estimated 40% less emmissions and not to mention – based on todays diesel gas price of $3.35/gallon and assuming the UPS trucks average 13 mpg and approximately 200 miles 6 days per week – it will save $8,700/per year and essentially pay for itself (as long as the trucks can make it 11-months)…..  That might be some strange math and estimates but overall – helping to reduce emissions and consume less gas – more companies should head in this direction…

Apple earnings estimates – Blogger vs. high paid Wall Street Gurus

http://apple20.blogs.fortune.cnn.com/2008/10/19/apple-q4-earnings-smackdown/

A blogger has put together earnings estimates for Apple compared to Wall Street analysts for Q4′08.  Earnings come out today at 5pm.  I just think it will be interesting to see – who comes closer – Analysts or a Blogger……The Blogger (Zaky) estimates that iPhones sold in Q4 will be 7.5 million unites or 85% higher than the Street’s 4.0 million estimate.

Making or Breaking Palm

Why Palm needs Android

 

Palm has gone from first to worst in a product that they revolutionized over 12 years ago.  Palm’s overall performance has continued to deteriorate with its loss of market share from the continued strength in Blackberry and the recent introduction to the iPhone.  They went from being a key player in the industry by generating revenues of $1.579 billion with an operating profit of $105 million in FY06 to losing over 16% in revenues to $1.319 billion realizing an operating loss in excess of $126 million.  

 

Palm has been working on their own operating system for over a year to introduce in the new line of products to compete with Blackberry and Apple.  The article describes how they should just scrap the idea of using their own system and jump on board with the free Android system.  I believe that Palm should definitely scrap the idea of continuing to develop its own operating system in order to compete with Blackberry and the iPhone.  I believe that Palm should take a risk by using Android’s OS even with the money and time spent for the research and development on the operating system that they could call their own and focus more on the overall product.  Palm was moving away from its core competency with the idea of developing an operating system – Leave that up to the folks that make life easier for everyone – Google. This is an opportunity for them to customize the Android OS to their liking and sell products at a more competitive price that will hopefully more than make up for the loss in market share.  However, Palm Treos use Microsoft applications which might cause some friction in the relationship with Microsoft or the threat to use the Android might pay off with lower prices for Microsoft applications and operating systems.  Overall, something needs to be done for Palm to get back market share – this might just be that drastic change that is needed to put Palm back on that pedestal and allow them to focus on the applications that will compete with Blackberry or the iPhone.