Microsoft Vs. Apple Vs. Google [Tactical Partnerships and Eternal Rivalries]

Google launches Nexus-One, a stylish touchscreen smartphone intended to compete Apple's iPhone.

Apple launches aggressive 'iMac' campaign against Microsoft's “PC”.

Google launches Google Apps, Offline Gmail and Android to make inroads in Microsoft's core businesses of enterprise applications – Microsoft Office, Outlook and Windows operating systems respectively.

Microsoft launches Bing and signs partnership with Yahoo to complete Google's core web ad business.

Apple refuses to to approve two Google apps for sale of iphone.

Apple CEO Eric Schmidt held seat on Apple's board of directors. Resigned in August 2009.
Apple to build partnership with Microsoft to replace Google as default search engine [BusinessWeek – Jan 20, 2010]

© Rohit Deshpande

Browser Wars III – Google Strikes Back !!

Today's biggest buzz in the tech world was the news that Google would soon be launching it's own open source web browser 'Chrome'. The news came exactly three days after Microsoft released newest version of its legendary web browser - IE 8 beta.

Who cares? Web browsers are free today – Microsoft made them free years back. Interestingly, the primary function a web browser have transformed in last 15 years - from a simple browsing tool to the machine to control the web searches and thus online ad revenues. Online ads is the biggest revenue stream for Google and thats where Microsoft struggling to make its way.

On the other hand, Microsoft is fighting back on different fronts to protect its market from Apple and Google. Both Apple and Google are targeting Microsoft's core businesses. (In my view, Microsoft is the most diversified technology company today with it's businesses and operations in operating systems, business solutions softwares, online services and entertainment devices vastly dodge the risk exposure). All of these three companies are well capitalized, have constantly demonstrated satisfactory financial earnings and led by some of the greatest visionary business leaders. (Though there is significant difference in the brand characters - Apple has kind of 'Cool' brand, Google is more 'anti-establishment and maverick' while Microsoft's brand style is rather 'serious and corporate' !)

The war is getting serious everyday...

1. http://www.marketshare.hitslink.com
2. http://www.attributor.com/blog/get-your-fair-share-of-the-ad-network-pie/


© Rohit Deshpande