As is customary at the end of the year, there are often selections for the top 10 events of the year, reflecting both positive and negative occurrences. This year, PCMag has conducted a special selection to highlight the 10 most significant events for Microsoft in 2005.
Here is the list of those 10 events:
1. The Resurrection of Internet Explorer: After successfully convincing users that Internet Explorer is an inseparable part of the Windows operating system, Microsoft unexpectedly changed its strategy and decided to develop a completely independent version of IE. There’s nothing like a bit of competition to open new doors.
2. Microsoft Embraces RSS: While some stories expressed dissatisfaction with Microsoft’s piecemeal application of RSS, the software giant surprisingly decided to embark on developing its own RSS strategy in 2005. RSS would be integrated not only in Internet Explorer 7 but also in Outlook 12 and Windows Vista. Most of Microsoft’s websites and blogs now support RSS. It has become a guiding principle at Microsoft during these days.
3. WinFS Launches Earlier Than Expected: For some “strange” reasons, Microsoft refused to acknowledge that it would release the Beta 1 version of Windows File System (WinFS) ahead of the previously announced schedule. As of now, it remains at WinFS Beta 1.
4. Ray Ozzie Faces Challenges at Microsoft: Groove and Microsoft are undoubtedly partners. Microsoft even purchased $51 million worth of Groove shares in 2001. But does anyone really want Ray “Lotus” Ozzie to become a Softie – someone who is too passive? This chief engineer has signed many strategic documents for Microsoft just months after starting his job. However, things did not turn out as expected.
5. Microsoft Ignores EU’s Serious Judgments: While the Washington competition authority might be lenient with Microsoft, the European Union (EU) is not. Yet, Microsoft seems to continue confronting these two entities with old excuses. After failing to secretly replace the Windows XP Reduced Media Edition for the version of Windows with Windows Media Player as per the EU’s directives, Microsoft now has to share information with competitors. Meanwhile, the EU threatens to fine Microsoft $2.37 million daily if the company does not fully comply with its rulings.
6. Microsoft Curbs Acquisitions of Major Software Companies: Alongside strengthening its ERP/LOB strategy over the past year, some believe Microsoft would continue to acquire something in this area. However, Microsoft unexpectedly decided not to acquire SAP.
7. Microsoft Still Struggles with Security Issues: In 2005, Microsoft devoted considerable time and effort to detail plans for improving security in its products. Yet, by the end of the year, according to security expert Bruce Schneier, those plans still seemed overly condensed and unrealized. Internet Explorer still had too many vulnerabilities. Perhaps Windows Vista and Internet Explorer 7 will see some improvements.
8. Office Opens Up: An increasing number of Office development team members have their own blogs. Meanwhile, Microsoft is pushing for the standardization of Office 12 XML file format to pass the ECMA standardization process. However, Microsoft has yet to announce support for the OpenDocument format. Nevertheless, we can expect to see remarkable advancements in Office in 2005.
9. No One Says No to Customers: The “Green Project” has been identified by Microsoft as more of a strategy rather than a destination. To date, all Microsoft business applications have been renamed as “live” applications. Most MSN applications and services have been transitioned to the “Live” naming convention – Windows Live Messenger, Windows Live Search, etc. This naming strategy seems confusing, as partners, customers, and Microsoft’s press contacts appear perplexed by these names.
10. Hailstorm Returns: Speaking of Live, Microsoft found a way to eliminate the old .Net My Services – Hailstorm strategy and refresh it. Windows Live, Office Live, CRM Live, Visual Studio Live… all software applications are now services that Microsoft aims to open up alongside its packaged software. Microsoft had previously revived this concept in 2002.
