We’ve come a long way baby. It’s been some nine months since Network World launched Microsoft Subnet and since then we’ve witnessed Microsoft launch Windows Vista (along with a cringeworthy appearance by Bill Gates on the Daily Show), Steve Ballmer getting excited (again) on stage, and heard rumors of Microsoft buying up BlackBerry maker Research in Motion. Join us as we head back in time to view the year’s 10 most-read Microsoft Subnet Community items. Enjoy!
10. Will Microsoft buy a GPS device maker like Garmin or Trimble?
In November, blogger and Microsoft employee Dean Reese, strongly urges Microsoft to enter the GPS device and content space by buying one of the players, such as Garmin or Trimble. We agree: because Microsoft could use the technology in many ways, and because Microsoft has become the definition of a control freak, forget the potential of buying Yahoo – Garmin or Trimble could be one of Microsoft’s next acquisition targets.
9. What’s Microsoft Office Communications Server 2007?
One of Microsoft’s biggest launches this year was of Office Communications Server 2007. Rand Morimoto, president of Convergent Computing, kicked off a series of blogs for Microsoft Subnet, introducing OCS/2007 and drawing from his company’s experiences of being an early adopter TAP program participant.
8. Ballmer’s vision: crafty or angry? 
Never known for being a shy wallflower, Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer’s keynote at the Gartner Symposium/ITxpo 2007 conference in October spawned hundreds of news stories, including articles about his latest mantra that the Next Big Thing is the convergence of four computing areas: the Web, the PC, enterprise computing, and TV/entertainment.
The fall was abuzz with rumours that Google was developing a so-called Gphone. Cisco Subnet blogger Alex Lewis commented that eagle-eyed watched stalking the Googleplex in Mountain View, Calif. could very well see one in the wild. He wrote: “I was talking to a googler yesterday but as soon as I asked he quickly shoved the device into his pocket and changed the subject.”
6. Fun with Microsoft’s Genuine Office Validation…
Cisco Subnet blogger Tyson Kopczynski was none too happy with his experiences with Genuine Office Validation. In an open letter to Microsoft, Tyson wrote: “When used incorrectly and in direct conflict of something that you are promoting. DRM sucks! By making the usage of your software a hassle, you risk further pushing more users of your applications to other solutions.”
5. Microsoft pulls plug on potty-mouth Santa
Hmm. We all know Santa is warm and cuddly, but not hot and spicey and enjoys talking about oral sex and the like. Apparently that’s what an AI Santa bot operated by Microsoft liked to do. Thankfully his wires were eventually cut by the hand that made him.
4. Imagine Cup – Destination Seoul Korea!!! 
Rand Morimoto, president of Convergent Computing wrote up a blow-by-blow account of how the winner of Imagine Cup 2007 was judged.
3. Microsoft buying RIM (Blackberry)
Microsoft Subnet blogger Alex Lewis, always on the pulse of hot rumors in the industry, wrote about speculation that Microsoft was going to buy BlackBerry maker Research in Motion. Alex thought it would be a bad idea for Microsoft and that the only benefit would be the rehabilitation of those suffering from too much “Crackberry.”
2. 10 funniest Microsoft YouTube videos
Yup, we enjoy surfing the Web so you don’t have to. We unearthed 10 funniest Microsoft videos on YouTube for your delectation. That’s why Microsoft invented Internet Explorer.
1. The 9 worst Microsoft products ever
MaximumPC listed the eight Microsoft products that landed on its all-time greatest hits list. We wanted to balance out the story so we came up with the 9 worst Microsoft product ever list. Do you know anyone who owns (or do you ‘fess up to owning) one of these products?
More Microsoft Subnet blog postsThe 9 worst Microsoft products, ever
Microsoft security update cripples IE
Microsoft SharePoint spreads ‘virally’
Win free training and free books
Research indicates Windows Server 2008 could flop
Microsoft files 52 lawsuits against resellers over counterfeits
All Micronet blog postsMicrosoft Subnet for more news, blogs, opinion from around the Web.Visit
Sign up for the bi-weekly Microsoft newsletter. (Click on News/Microsoft News Alert.)
