Kent

I've calmed down a bit (measuring to put in a new stair handrail can do that I guess), but I promised myself to add a bit more about the whole notion of "Microsoft is Dead". Now the assorted commenters are saying, "What he really meant is that no one fears Microsoft anymore."

While the mere mention of a new feature coming by Microsoft doesn't cause the market to pause (see Visi On), it is the company everyone compares themselves to, or that frequently strives to be bought by. One simply needs to compare the size of the Microsoft partner list to that of most other companies. The company is also so feared that competitors now seem to feel the need to get governments to fight Microsoft for them.

One area where Microsoft really needs to work harder though, is with startups. Especially startups in Silicon Valley. I'd almost expect they should set up a group down there, with the express purpose of working with startups and VCs to keep Microsoft awareness up. Oh, wait, they do have said group. Bang up job, folks!