asyncmind on Nostr: Why will micro$oft's legacy be that of a cheap hack with good business follow ...

Why will micro$oft's legacy be that of a cheap hack with good business follow through?

#AskGPT


Microsoft's legacy as a "cheap hack with good business follow-through" could be perceived in this way for several reasons, although it's a controversial statement:

1. **Technical Origins**: Microsoft's early success, particularly with MS-DOS, came from a product that was arguably a quick, low-cost solution compared to more sophisticated operating systems at the time. MS-DOS was purchased from another company and rebranded, but Microsoft executed effectively, turning it into a standard by striking deals with major manufacturers like IBM. This ability to leverage basic technology for widespread use is part of what some may consider a "hack."

2. **Windows Monopoly**: Windows became dominant through a mix of aggressive licensing deals and business strategy, not necessarily because it was technically superior. In fact, many early versions of Windows were criticized for being unstable and user-unfriendly compared to alternatives like Apple's Mac OS. However, Microsoft’s focus on compatibility with affordable PC hardware made it ubiquitous.

3. **Embrace, Extend, Extinguish**: Microsoft has been accused of employing anti-competitive tactics, such as co-opting open standards, extending them with proprietary features, and then pushing competitors out. This strategy often maximized business opportunities at the cost of technological openness or innovation, reinforcing the notion of “good business follow-through” but at a reputational cost.

4. **Execution over Innovation**: Microsoft has historically been known for its ability to outmaneuver competitors through scale, distribution, and business acumen, rather than technological breakthrough. It rarely introduced groundbreaking products but excelled at refining, integrating, and distributing existing technologies, which some view as opportunistic rather than inventive.

5. **The Cloud Pivot**: In more recent years, Microsoft’s shift to cloud services (Azure) and subscription models (Office 365) shows strong business acumen, but again, some view this as following market trends rather than leading them. Microsoft didn’t invent cloud computing but capitalized on its vast resources and enterprise relationships to become a major player.

Ultimately, this characterization of Microsoft's legacy underscores its ability to turn simple, sometimes criticized products into global standards through shrewd business strategy—often more reliant on market dominance than on technological excellence.