And, as access speeds increase, what, with the growth of Cable modems (AOL TV, anyone?), DSL, and
all, the argument that it is just too difficult for consumers to download rival browsers will get weaker and
weaker.
There's still a cost of installing the software, plus there's the "Do you feel lucky?" feeling. I didn't put N4 on my mother's machine because I didn't want to take a chance of things screwing up.
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If I understand your "natural monopoly" argument, you are saying that Microsoft is a natural monopoly and this benefits the consumer. They are a natural monopoly because software companies can/should spend all resources on development for one platform, this benefits the entire industry by allowing the production of more software. Consumers buy software not operating systems. One of the reasons my first video recorder was a VHS was because the selection of tapes were so much greater in that format.
I really don't see network affects playing here because people replace their software about every two years anyway (even though I wish I could still use word 2.0). If the Mac or Linux had the software, the cost of switching wouldn't be that great. I would see networks affects in their applications. The cost of converting files and learning another application is great. For some it is like getting them to switch brand of cigs. Learning a new OS is minimal cost. Some might disagree but our company of 80,000 did it.
I will agree in the natural monopoly argument in the old paradigm where shrink wrap applications or "thick clients" are loaded on pc's. But NOT in the new paradigm. And this isn't some imagination of Netscape or Sun. You are using the new paradigm right now with SI. The application and all its data resides on a server and you use a "thin client" browser to run it. The OS doesn't matter, the browser does. It doesn't necessarily mean Java.
Even though you don't sound like a softy, you sure do ignore the points like one.
Your profile kind of looks like this guy:
Member 4160148
Only posts to one thread. Did Bill put you in charge of this thread?
watchingtoomanyxfiles
Mr. B |
