August 09, 2004
Microsoft's 'deadly shadow'
New York Times Techno Files columnist James Fallows writes in this story about various programs for finding files and information on a computer's hard drive via keyword.
His examples include Lookout Software, the company recently acquired by Microsoft's MSN division; and Scopeware Vision, which Fallows reports was closed in May, at least in part because the people behind it were wary of Microsoft's plans to launch its own hard-drive searching capability as part of Longhorn, the next generation of Windows. (Not to mention the expected inclusion of such a capability in MSN Search, well before the next Windows generation.)
Writes Fallows: "This Scopeware story conforms to the familiar fear that Microsoft, like the tallest tree in the jungle, can deny others the right to live merely by casting its deadly shadow upon them."
Posted by Todd Bishop at August 9, 2004 07:49 AM
I read the article too, and I think the world of Jim Fallows.
Rather than being afraid, I would suggest that there are a lot of smart companies out there with great products, and they will just have to work a little harder. Had the Scopeware guys really believed in what they were doing, I doubt they would have bailed on their product. Co-equally, the goal of Microsoft to create a product that will create a great search tool in the OS is an admirable one, and probably way over-due.
We all have the ability to succeed or fail, it kind of all depends on how good our products are, our ability to get people to use them, and how hard and creatively we are willing to work!
