Steve Ballmer: We're a Devices and Services Company

Nerval's Lobster writes "According to Microsoft CEO Steve Ballmer's latest shareholder letter (not exactly a gripping read), Microsoft sees itself as a 'devices and services company.' The subsequent 1,200-odd words hammer that point, mentioning software such as Office and Windows 8 largely in the context of tablets and other hardware — and while Ballmer acknowledges the 'vast ecosystem of partners' building a 'broad spectrum of Windows PCs, tablets and phones,' he leaves the door wide open to Microsoft building its own toys in-house. If one takes Ballmer's words at face value, it seems that Surface, the tablet Microsoft's building in-house and promoting as a 'flagship' Windows 8 device, isn't so much a lark but the harbinger of the company's future direction. Whether Microsoft's decision to build its own devices affects its long-term relationship with Dell, Hewlett-Packard and other manufacturing titans remains to be seen. Perhaps Ballmer can take some comfort from Apple, which profited enormously by pursuing the 'we build everything in-house' route. But it's indisputable that a devices-centric approach is new ground for Microsoft."

I suppose...

[The Grim Reefer]

A chair counts as a device. They should start making them. Then as an added service they can make them fly.

Re:What the fuck

[DogDude]

Yeah, I have to really wonder about Ballmer. I've never seen him where he wasn't at least somewhat off his rocker.

You keep wondering there, armchair quarterback. Let us know when you successfully run the largest software company on the planet.

Re:What the fuck

[Ceriel Nosforit]

Maybe Gates is testing that his management system is fool proof, and he has found a study case fit for his legacy?

Re:What the fuck

[Penguinisto]

Err, given Ballmer's performance when compared to other CEOs of that level? It doesn't take a super-analyst or a wildly successful peer to see that Ballmer got his job thanks to the luckiest college dorm room assignment in the history of mankind (where he met Mssr. Gates...)

Re:What the fuck

[Penguinisto]

Dude. It was the Gates-Borg. As in, the Borg from ST:TNG.

Please turn in your geek-card at the courtesy desk, because your UID is low enough that you should've known better than that. :p

Re:What the fuck

[Zero__Kelvin]

"You keep wondering there, armchair quarterback. Let us know when you successfully run the largest software company on the planet."

It'll happen for me before it happens for Ballmer. That much is certain.

Re:Bumpy times ahead

[mcgrew]

Dammit, messed up the end blockquote tag....

I bet you're using a Microsoft keyboard, aren't you.

No, it's his using an ass-backwards OS. His closing tag was probably <\blockquote>.