Microsoft takes fight to Apple and Google
Senior Microsoft executives have been on the attack this week. One questioned the entire purpose of Google’s Chrome operating system, while another revealed the firm plans to open Microsoft retail stores in the vicinity of Apple outlets.
Both men’s comments came during the week’s Worldwide Partner Conference. CEO Steve Ballmer (pictured) kicked off the offensive during a question and answer session when he pondered why Google was launching the Chrome system after it already produced Android: “The last time I checked you don’t need two client operating systems.” (Ballmer acknowledged that Microsoft used to offer the Windows 95 and Windows NT systems simultaneously and that history proved this unnecessary.)
He also questioned whether the Chrome approach would meet customer needs, pointing to research which he said shows that even in this web-enabled age, 50 percent of computer use is on applications which don’t run in a browser.
Kevin Turner, the chief operating officer of Microsoft (meaning he’s in charge of day-to-day running while Ballmer is the overall boss), followed up by revealing the firm will be adopting an unexpected strategy in its siting of Microsoft retail stores: “Stay tuned, because we’re going to have some retail stores opened up that are opened up right next door to Apple stores this fall. Stay tuned, just stay tuned.”
Microsoft has confirmed this is the case, but isn’t commenting on whether, as Turner appeared to imply, the siting of the those particular stores is an intentional policy rather than merely coincidence.
Turner also noted that Apple lawyers have contacted him to complain that some installments of the “Laptop hunters” campaign are now outdated since Apple has cut prices. To Turner that’s proof the campaign is working: he called it “the greatest single phone call in the history that I’ve ever taken in business.”
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