I noticed today that Microsoft is planning to layoff 5000 people. All the news reports are highlighting the fact that this is the first time a recession has caused Microsoft to take such an action. Here’s a thought: Is the recession the cause of the job cuts?
As I’ve said before, I certainly don’t question that we’re in a recession – there is no question there. However, I do wonder if it’s the recession alone that is hurting Microsoft. Let’s look at a few big picture bullet points:
- Vista sales have been horrible.
- Very few people are really interested in Windows Server 2008.
- Internet Explorer – the free Microsoft product – has even lost market share in huge chunks to FireFox.
The same day that Microsoft announced job cuts, Apple announced much better than expected profits. If Apple is climbing and Microsoft is falling, can we really blame it on the recession alone? And this is coming from someone who really loves the Microsoft product line.
Maybe, just maybe, this will be a wakeup call to Microsoft. It’s time to give customers what they want and need for a reasonable price and stop assuming that yur big enough to get your way in any market.
Just a thought.
