I had a conversation with one of the senior systems admins in my group today. The conversation was basically why is it easier to get to VMware patches and to know what has been released to you than it is with Microsoft’s patches? Beyond the basic “well Microsoft has way more software to support” answer, I came to the conclusion that VMware’s website organization of their patches for their products is far superior to Microsoft and their emails alerts are actually useful.
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Microsoft
Caught this on headline on Slashdot: Windows 7 Leaked To Pirates By Microsoft?
I immediately think, this might be the smartest thing Microsoft has done in a while, if its true. This has created a lot of free publicity that the company might not have otherwise experienced from the product and its creating a lot of interest, cause face it… we all secretly want what we’re not supposed to have, right? Human nature?
That is besides the point, the theory is pretty cool. This would certainly be a much more effective way to improve their image in the wake of the abysmal Seinfield/Gates commercials… I’m generally a fan boy of one of the more secretive technology companies out there, but in this case, Microsoft may be onto something. Also, I have to admit, I’m liking what I see in Windows 7. And I hear its fast. I can’t wait for the official beta program to begin from Microsoft. I’m hearing we may see that at CES…
For more, see Slashdot or Microsoft Watch on eWeek.
Twas the night of new years, and all through the house, not a creature was stirring, not even a mouse. The little one had passed out, and we’d put her to bed. We had all celebrated with Carson, Dick Clark and the rest. Mom in her kerchief and I in my cap, had just settled in for a long winter’s nap. When all of a sudden, I awoke to a clatter, it must be my text paging, I wonder what is the matter? I spring from my bed and stumble to the Mac, oh man, my VMware at work has gone all to crap.
That’s how my 2009 started… about 13 hours later, I finally left work and resumed my long-interrupted nap.
For a couple of months now, we’ve been trying to sort through the mess that is Microsoft’s licensing for the virtual world. Our research culminated today with a meeting with several Microsoft employees about the status of licensing and the product portfolio that Microsoft is offering. The biggest issue we’ve had is getting straight answers concerning licensing applied towards a competitor’s virtualization product. This is a complex issue to try and explain, so bear with me…
Both Microsoft and Apple have press events scheduled for 9/9/08. Apple’s event, titled “Let’s Rock”, should usher in a new refresh of the iPod/iTunes franchise. For a few quarters now, the iPods sales numbers have been down as I think the market has reached maturity for portable music players. Fortunately, Apple released the iPhone at the exact right time to offset the lack of growth. So, what can we expect to see from Apple?
- iPod Nano – Leaks seem to point to a new size for the Nano – back towards the original candy-bar style and away from the short, squatty version we know today. Of course, that is based on accessory vendor leaks which show the dimensions of the 4th-generation accessories.
- iPod Touch – While the iPhone has gotten a nice 3G refresh, the iPod Touches have sat largely the same as when first introduced. I think we’ll see a slightly more beveled, maybe slimmer Touch with this next refresh. I think it’d be surprising to find any new hardware inside, though I think adding the GPS would be a great idea. Unfortunately, the GPS in the iPhone is only an assisted GPS, which I believe requires an internet connection, so, probably won’t happen.
- iTunes 8 – Everyone is suggesting a new version of iTunes. Kevin Rose is reporting a grouping technology which will build playlists automatically by matching songs that go together. It be surprising if HD video didn’t make it into iTunes also, since its currently restricted only to the Apple TV
- Apple TV – And speaking of Apple TV, let me go out on a limb and say that the lovely little TV box will see some sort of refresh too. I, personally, love the Apple TV. I really think its the litchpin to Apple’s video market from iTunes. No one else in the market seems to be focusing much energy or garnering much success from it, but Apple’s ecosystem works well for me. Still, a better compression algorithm could go big lengths to improving download times for TV shows and especially movies. Maybe we’ll even see a true Apple “TV” – with the technology integrated into a widescreen television. I think it would be a mis-step for Apple to enter the crowded TV set market, so lets hope they don’t go the way of Gateway, HP and Dell’s failed TV’s.
- New MacBooks? – With an event called “Let’s Rock”, I think its unlikely we’ll see new Mac hardware from this event. I think we’ll be waiting to January’s MacWorld to see new hardware, but the last few year’s MacWorld hasn’t ushered in much new hardware either… so we’ll see….
Microsoft’s event is a bigger unknown. Some are saying new Zunes (whoopidy dooo). So we’ll just wait. Gates and company will need to dig deep (much deeper than the new ads) to really get a buzz going. So, we wait for 9/9/08.
The first of Microsoft’s ads to help repair its tarnished image has made it to the light of day… The only reaction I have is… HUH? Is it supposed to be funny? Of the minute and a half head scratcher, only 10 seconds even mention’s any of Microsoft’s brands, let alone a computer. And then, I guess Microsoft is working on edible nano-computers? I, for one, don’t get it… What are your thoughts?
Heard on the radio this morning that ole Microsoft is in the midst of producing an advertising campaign to counter the Mac/PC ads from Apple. They have enlisted comedian Jerry Seinfield to star in the campaign along side Bill Gates. I can only imagine how this one will go. For Microsoft’s sake, I hope that its not a comparison of the finer points of Windows versus Mac. If so, it’ll be a 10 million dollar mess just proving that Microsoft doesn’t get it – as with their Mojave project – which backfires in my opinion by pointing out shortcomings of Vista that people really weren’t even thinking about.
