In your opinion, how does Worldgate or MSFT's WebTv affect IATV's future? In general, how does MSFT fit into all of this - are they a major competitive threat to IATV? Seeking knowledge from those who know more than I.
My knowledge of WGAT is limited. All I know is that in a press release they put out earlier this week (maybe end of last week) they said that they already had 50,000 customers. I think their technology does not converge TV/Internet per se, because the content isn't integrated; rather you jump from your tv program to an internet site, and then return to the tv program when you are done on the 'net. I could be completely dead wrong here.
WebTV I don't view as much of a threat in its existing form. It's a way of accessing the web over a tv screen, not much of a convergence. It's for people who don't have computers. But computers are dropping in to the $500 range with monitor included, so I'm not worried about that.
What I am worried about is the FUD that is eminating from MSFT on this subject. A careful reading of the AT&T/MSFT press release from a few weeks ago reveals that not just does MSFT want AT&T to put Win CE on the cable boxes, but also that MSFT is building "client and server software" for interactive TV. They do not release any of the features of this client software except that AT&T has agreed to test the software in 3 major cities during the summer of 2000.
Why is this FUD? Because this is not software that can be developed in 6 weeks, so it's going to take them time. And what MSFT traditionally does is state that they are going to have a product out and give an overly ambitious release date, then slip the release date. But the net effect is that someone who has to choose their software feels that they should wait for the MSFT offering before making the choice. This is why I think IATV needs to get out the door by sep 30. If IATV is running, then customers will line up for IATV rather than waiting 9-12 months for MSFT's offering given that MSFT is going to slip anyway. If IATV releases next March, people may wait to see what MSFT produces, and then if MSFT slips, well they've waited this long may as well keep waiting.
My opinions only. If IATV gets out the door on schedule, I'm not too worried about MSFT.
-Mike |
