Just recently, Microsoft Corp's chairman Bill Gates said that there was an "80 percent chance" Windows Vista would by ready for its planned January launch.  Gates further explain that the release date is not as important as having a quality product.  "If the feedback from the beta tests shows it is not ready for prime time, I'd be glad to delay it." said Gates during a forum in South Africa.  During his presentation, Gates explained that Microsoft was spending between $ 8 billion and $ 9 billion to build both Windows Vista and Office 2007.

I was not surprise with the announcement, actually I expected it after Microsoft announced earlier that the release of Office 2007 will be delayed citing the need to respond to ongoing feedback as the reason for postponing the suite from October to "before the end of the year" for enterprises, and from January to "early 2007" for consumers.

Speculations start to float as to the real reason behind the postponement of Windows Vista.  First, let's give Microsoft the benefit of the doubt.  Perhaps the delay was really to improve overall quality of the product, particularly in security.  Security has been the main problem of Microsoft products.  Just last week, Microsoft rolled out seven security updates for Windows and Office that fixed 18 bugs.

Another possibility is the recent penalty slapped by the European Commission on Microsoft Corp. for not complying with a 2004 antitrust ruling.  Microsoft was fined 280.5 million Euro ($ 358 million).  The delay might have something to do with the EU decision as Microsoft need to comply with EU rules.

The increasing popularity of open source could be another reason.  Microsoft recently decided to offer support for the Open XML-ODF file translation.  Analysts were saying that perhaps Microsoft engineers are working for a greater interoperability with open source software (including the ODF).  I think Microsoft has come to its senses that it cannot fight open source head-on.  It's not enough to have a reliable product, eye-catching user interface, and quality support to fight against an application that is free.  So if you cannot defeat your enemy, might as well be there friend right?  Interoperability between Vista and Linux, Office 2007 and OpenOffice?  Not a bad idea. 

I have to admit, I have not tried Vista or Office 2007.  But by reading its features, from a consumer point of view - I can say that none of the new features and upgrades to the operating system or Microsoft Office are 'must-have" qualities for me to change my current versions. 

I also think Microsoft is spreading itself to thin given that they want to compete in almost all the areas of technology.  They want to be in gaming,  media publishing, music and movies, selling ads, mobile, business software solutions, and others.  But the most and biggest reason why Microsoft seems to be distracted is they are always looking at successful companies, and more often than not treat them as competitors.  Take the case of Google, Microsoft is partnering with Yahoo and other companies to compete with Google. 

Microsoft should accept the reality that we have come to the era when people are recognizing that leadership in the computer industry has passed from traditional software companies to a new kind of Internet service company.  The net has replaced the PC as the platform that matters, just as the PC replaced the mainframe and minicomputer.

Software has become a service and no longer a product.  I really don't care what OS is running in my PC, what is important is I have to be able to connect to the Internet and have a reliable browser.  With Writely, Google Spreadsheets, Thumbstacks, Gliffy, Vyew and other free web services, I can do my daily tasks from anywhere with the Internet. 

I am not saying that software products will be obsolete, all I am saying is that the need and the demand for such products will not be as important as before with the recent developments.  Service-Oriented Architecture (SOA), a style of Information Systems architecture that enables the creation of applications that are built by combining loosely coupled and interoperable services is also fast becoming into play.

The I.T. industry will not be the same without Microsoft.  Microsoft is a leader and will always be a vital cog in the development of I.T.  But Microsoft should give up its dream to again control and monopolize the industry.  It happened before and I don't think it will happen again this time.  Microsoft should concentrate on its Potential and should use it as their Passion to develop reliable services or products.  So Where do you want to go today?  To a more exciting world of innovation, where else?

Am logging off.  God bless us all!

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Industry Update:  Oracle Phils. has a new Managing Director in the person of Mr. Francis Ong.  Mr. Ong replaces Mr. Yashi Kant who relinquished his position without much funfair - as quietly as his first day in office.  What does the industry say about Mr. Ong's appointment? - "It's the best thing that happened to Microsoft".  Whatever that means, I will leave it up to you to decide.  Let me just say - Welcome aboard Mr. Francis Ong.

*****

Announcement: 
1. Attend the Powertips/Manila Bulletin WirelessWorld Expo 2006 on July 21-23, 2006 at Rockwell Tent Makati.  Admission is FREE.

2. Tune-in to my new radio program entitled "Hi-Tech Tayo Pinoy", aired every Saturday from 3pm to 4pm on Veritas846.

For your questions, comments, suggestions, press releases and stories, simply e-mail techtvhost@yahoo.com or visit www.infochat.com.ph for more articles.  God Bless us all!!!