Architecture over Functionality

Two Years Ago: “I don’t intend to diminish the importance of architecture, but to continue the structural analogies, before there were architects people managed to find shelter and stay warm and dry. Even in these times, why would you let your techology architecture prevent you from finding shelter for your key business or technology needs?” 

Office Suite Competition

One Year Ago: “There were many other “Office-style” apps prior to Microsoft Office that came and went. There will be plenty more. Everyone (including Microsoft) will have to compete for customers as more apps end up online.”

Windows Vista search gains

There is an interesting story on MarketWatch about the search gains that are anticipated due to the desktop search features integrated into Vista. For users that learn how to take advantage of the new search features, I think it will make a big difference and will probably contribute to the Live search market share gains that are expected in the coming years.

The browser-centric approach to search that we think of today is so limiting. Even on Windows Mobile devices we now have an integrated search client, Live Search for mobile, that makes it easier for users to find the kind of data they’re likely to search for on a mobile phone. Regardless of which search provider you prefer, this mode of integrated searching is clearly a better option for end users than the current browser-based search tools.