Microsoft’s Don Dodge applies a bit of reason and whole bunch of big numbers to Paul Graham’s contention that “Microsoft is Dead.” Dodge’s retort – “Since when does growing $4 Billion a year = Dead?” – would win any debate competition hands-down, and, of course, will sway not a single Microsoft hater.
“Hyperbole is the weapon of the Web 2.0 pontificates,” writes Dodge, director of business development for Microsoft’s emerging business team. “Facts are ignored in favor of myopic observations. Thankfully these visionaries don’t run real companies with stockholders, millions of customers, and thousands of employees.”
Ah, but if you read the Graham’s essay, you know that the headline – “Microsoft is Dead” – wasn’t meant to be taken in the literal pushing-up-daisies sense. Instead, Graham was arguing that Microsoft no longer has the grip of fear over entrepreneurs that it enjoyed and employed so freely back in the day.
Dodge’s reply:
“The Paul Graham apologists are already coming to his defense saying ‘he said dead, but what he really meant was that Microsoft is not feared anymore.’ Sorry to burst your bubble but it was never Microsoft’s intent to scare anyone. Microsoft has a huge partner network of over 80,000 companies who enjoy working with Microsoft. Microsoft does a lot to encourage partners and help them make money. Further, Google doesn’t scare anyone either, and I don’t believe they want to. There are hundreds of search startup companies all looking to take a bite out of Google. I know the guys at Powerset, and several other startups, and I can tell you they are not afraid of Google.”
It was never Microsoft’s intent to scare anyone? Can’t you see Steve Ballmer suppressing a giggle when he reads that one?
Hyperbole is unavoidable in these kinds of discussions. Let’s just say Dodge did a bit better job of keeping his under control than did Graham, which is not all that difficult when you’ve got $4 billion dollars worth of annual growth covering your back.
Welcome regulars and passersby. Here are a few more recent Buzzblog items. And, if you’d like to receive Buzzblog via e-mail newsletter, here’s where to sign up.
First there’s news of an initial iPod virus … and then we’re talking iPod ban?
Going on an Easter Egg Archive hunt.
PowerPoint will rot your brain, research proves.
Wal-Mart operates like a mini-CIA, says ex-employee the company fired for spying.
How free Web hosters profit from phishing.
Newspaper pulls plug on “Anti-Christ” contributor.
Maker of anti-Clinton ‘Net ad revealed, linked to Obama, now jobless
The Onion tees up Vista … hilarity fails to ensue.
