Sorry, but many companies are using the Exchange/Office combination simply because there isn't anything better.
Also, while many developers are preferring Unix-like OSes, customers actually want Windows. It's what they know and it works well for them.
Another example would be their developer tools ... which are quite well integrated with each other. I have seen many (good) devs that wouldn't dream working without Visual Studio, and if you get a MSDN subscription, the resources offered are top-notch. Myself I wouldn't touch any of that, since I can't stand working with Windows servers, but if they made their tools multi-platform, I would switch without blinking.
> they're not really thinking about what people need
And since when do people really need iPods / iPads or whatever else comes out of Apple?
Actually I think Microsoft does a pretty good job about what people need ... but they aren't particularly good at anticipating what people want.
To clarify, I was only focusing on their approach to emerging markets. How many successful products/services have they created and launched in the last year? The last 5 years? The last 10 years?
Also, sometimes it's a mistake to separate wants and needs! People started carrying their music as soon as the technology let them. That's a trend that hasn't abated in decades. It's not just some passing fad, but a symptom of minds that need to be regularly engaged. To compare Apple with Microsoft, Apple creates the device with the story, and Microsoft just creates the device and the ads
Also, while many developers are preferring Unix-like OSes, customers actually want Windows. It's what they know and it works well for them.
Another example would be their developer tools ... which are quite well integrated with each other. I have seen many (good) devs that wouldn't dream working without Visual Studio, and if you get a MSDN subscription, the resources offered are top-notch. Myself I wouldn't touch any of that, since I can't stand working with Windows servers, but if they made their tools multi-platform, I would switch without blinking.
> they're not really thinking about what people need
And since when do people really need iPods / iPads or whatever else comes out of Apple?
Actually I think Microsoft does a pretty good job about what people need ... but they aren't particularly good at anticipating what people want.