The Blueprint

Locking Up the Market...

This week Microsoft will be submitting its Open XML file format to the ISO organization for adoption as an international standard.  Many fear this will give Microsoft an unfair advantage and exert control over how companies share information by forcing them to use Microsoft's format.  You would have thought that with all of the criticism and lawsuits  Microsoft has faced for anti-competitive practices they would try different tactics.

Tactics like this can work in the short term, but long-term success in the market comes from innovation and delivering exemplary customer service.

BTW - I went to the Apple store yesterday with my wife to buy her an Apple MacBook.  Though I run a software company, I can not figure out why it took my wife 20 minutes to get on the Internet with Windows XP.  I was pleasantly surprised to find out that Apple will transfer her data from the PC to Mac.  Furthermore for $99 a year she can go into the store several times a year and they will optimize her configuration. 

Free at last...Who needs Open XML!?

Shelfware

I just read an interesting article that mentioned the term "shelfware".  A great term.  As a technology solution provider it is so important to understand the difference between sales and adoption.  They are very different.  Just because somebody buys something doesn't mean they use it or derive value from it.  Sales helps in the short term, but adoption is critical for long term sustainability.  It doesn't matter whether it is the customer's fault or the vendor's fault that a solution is not implemented.  If value is not derived from the solution the relationship will not prosper.

Humorous Quote

I saw this on the wall of a trendy restaraunt I assume can no longer legally tolerate certain activities.
"Smoking is the leading cause of statistics." - Fletcher Knebel