Microsoft at IT Again

One cannot argue with the fact that this summer has belonged to one brand; Microsoft.

With the releases of BING, HyperV (Microsoft’s virtualization software, all of which can be read about here), and a revamped ad campaign against Apple (The controversial “PC hunters” spot which caused backlash from apple execs).

Microsoft has kept itself in the news, and on the hunt for new business opportunities. With Gates stepping down supposedly by the end of the summer, Microsoft seems to be attempting to brand itself as “in” and shedding the glasses and plaid sports jacket image embodied by Mr. Gates.

Microsoft’s latest venture involves following the way of apple and opening a chain of retail stores, with execs saying spots adjacent to their competitors will not be shied away from.

This article on channelregister.uk said Microsoft is keen to push its Surface and Windows 7 technologies, as well as other pushes from this summer by featuring them both prominently in the proposed store plans.

Microsoft has also tagged onto Apple’s Genius Bar concept, though the jury appears to still be out on what moniker to use. Answer Bar, Guru Bar and Windows Bar all feature in the Apple presentation.

In February Microsoft hired Wal-Mart veteran David Porter to head up its retail push. According to, CNET Microsoft will tentatively dip its toe into the feet-on-street market by opening up several stores, some of which will be on Apple’s doorstep, later this year.

The move bodes well for Microsoft, but I am remaining skeptical. Whereas Apple has fun hands on gadgets like the iPhone, the iPod, and serves customers in an amazing technologically savvy store with a “Genies Bar”, Microsoft offers more mundane products. For some reason I just cant see people getting excited to go into the Microsoft store and play with the new features on MS Word, or see how great some new Microsoft software is. Not only will they not understand the complexities of the upgrades, but they will not attain the same thrill from playing with overpriced little white boxes that do everything but brush your teeth and make you breakfast (an iPhone was being referred to there).

Being a proud PC user, I would love to see Microsoft succeed here, and they very well could since they do have some exciting new products, and are (I think) successfully appealing themselves to younger generations such as my own.

Only the future will tell how Microsoft does; my prediction is not quite as popular as the Apple store, but a big step in the right direction for the evolving computer giant.

Joe Carretta