Yes, Microsoft do not need to own the box maker if the box maker is just a box maker and do not develop its own OS. However, since 3COMS also develop its own
OS, which will compete with CE , if Palm turn to be the major Platform ( now it is about 60%), then Microsoft will have problem on the CE, as a result , the CE based application program. So, Microsoft need to have some control of PALM. Microsoft need to buy out the PALM division from COMS, and let all the OEM to clone PALM and let the PALM be the dominated platform for handheld computer, and at the same time generate revenues from selling CE and related application programs.
PC sales will slow down sometimes , so will Microsoft's growth. So Microsoft needs to accelerate its E-Commerce business and CE related business and act quick, this is the future growing area and which will sustain Microsoft's continuous growth into the next century. Companies like DELL, CPQ ..etc , all those box makers will die soon .
How can you compete by selling your PC with $500 while e-machine is sold for $300? And without sales or sales go down dramatically , how can those box makers survive? Companies like AOL will grow very fast in the next five to 7 years, we will see more and more internet related application in the e-commerce as years go by, all are money printing machines. |
