How high will Microsoft fly? Message Board

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Technology Stocks : How high will Microsoft fly?

MSFT 486.96

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3:59 PM EST

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To: ed who wrote (29181)	9/5/1999 11:29:00 PM
From: Mitch Blevins	Read Replies (1) of 74651

Hi ed. You have mistaken me for a SUNW investor. I have never tried to suggest that StarOffice will become a dominant office suite. I have only tried to discuss issues that MSFT must address to counter this threat to a major revenue source. I promise that I won't try to convince you or any company you work for to buy StarOffice. :) I think thou dost protest too much! You have stated reasons for why an individual might not want to upgrade to StarOffice from MSOffice, and have also given reasons for why a business would also be reluctant to make the switch. Your reasons (although disjointed) are valid, but you should not consider them in a vacuum. I have already pointed out reasons why new consumers might choose StarOffice (if it is the default on their shiney new computer), but let me also point out a major reason (IMHO) for businesses to consider it.... vendor independance. Sun has essestially licensed this software so that any company can develop it and add to it and resell it... provide support and integration with other software. In effect, they have given up most control over the software itself. Heck, even Microsoft could now sell StarOffice if they wanted! Most companies value vendor independance. Ford would never design a car in a way that it had only one supplier for the alternator. Likewise, a prudent CIO will not use critical software for which there is only one source for bug-fixes and support. Whether the desire for vendor independance is important enough relative to the insightful arguments you have given remains to be seen. -Mitch

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