Surface only a "design point" says Ballmer
Microsoft CEO reassures PC partners as he expounds Windows 8 "ecosystem"
Steve Ballmer has eased the potential worries of Microsoft's PC manufacturing partners by insisting that the Surface tablet is a design point intended to set standards, rather than a move to muscle them out of the territory.
Speaking at the Worldwide Partner Conference yesterday, Ballmer told his audience that the device would have its place, but that Windows 8 devices would have a healthy and diverse ecosystem.
"Surface is just a design point," All Things D reports Ballmer as saying.
"It will have a distinct place in what's a broad Windows ecosystem. And the importance of the thousands of partners that we have that design and produce Windows computers will not diminish. We have a mutual goal with our OEM partners to bring a diversity of solutions, Windows PCs, phones, tablets, servers to market.
"What we seek to have is a spectrum of stunning devices, stunning Windows devices. So, every consumer, every business customer can say, 'I have the perfect PC for me.' … We're excited about the work our OEM partners are doing on Windows 8."
"Who will rid us from their turbulent priest?" From the screaming on stage, the mixed messages, and total failure to properly think through business strategy - Steve have been a major disappointment after Bill's departure.
MS is no IBM, and as an investor, you will have to wonder if the company has thought through Windows8 and Surface strategy long enough - rather than blundering from one strategy too another in defense of Apple!
Getting Steve to step down may be a better move towards a post-Bill strategy than letting Steve continue to rant and scream and reveal his major failings as a leader.
Posted:10 months ago