Microsoft dominated computing for many years with its Windows operating system and Office applications, while Apple seemed to drift aimlessly at times. At one point founder Steve Jobs was even fired from the company.
We all know how this turned out, as Jobs returned to make Apple a tech colossus and Microsoft seems to have lost its way since Bill Gates retired. While many blame this on Steve Ballmer’s leadership, it’s likely this would have happened in any case. The advent of the World Wide Web, Google, Facebook and other modern companies has made the old computing model start to look obsolete.
It’s ironic that Apple has revolutionized technology with its iPad tablet computer as Microsoft has championed the tablet for years, although never bringing one to market. The iPad is a marvel and seems to be defining an entirely new area of publishing, gaming and mobile development.
Microsoft has a challenge ahead of it, and many think they are unlikely to be able to compete in this area. I would never completely count this company out until all the tech chickens come home to roost.
There is no area of technology changing faster than mobile phones and devices. The Apple iPhone paved the way, but phones running the free Google Android system are showing up everywhere and are starting to truly compete with the iPhone.