The Rocky Road Ahead

Are things really that bad at Microsoft? Humm..... let's take a look!

Bill Gates is stepping down as Microsoft's chief software architect and plans to work at his charity foundation. Microsoft also has announced some executive shuffling across various product groups.

In recent days there has been criticism of its security software (OneCare Live) and anti-piracy program (Windows Genuine Advantage). It's clear Microsoft has dropped the ball in these areas.

On June 29th Microsoft announced it is laying off 214 U.S. salespeople. Oh well, what do they need salespeople for anyway? If you buy a new OEM computer you get Microsoft Windows whether you want it or not! This is commonly known in some circles as the Microsoft Tax.

Microsoft is also have problems shipping it's products in a timely fashion. Windows Vista has been delayed until early 2007. Nobody know when it will ship but rumors has that it's still buggy and not ready for the consumer. Office 2007 is not doing any better. Office 2007 was also delayed to early 2007, but Microsoft representatives have recently admitted that Office is behind schedule entirely. Now, let's put the icing on the cake. The new WinFS file system that was part of Windows Vista has been completely removed from Vista. It was reported that it would ship later as a standalone software component to Vista. Oops, now Microsoft no longer plans to ship WinFS as a standalone software component. Instead, portions of the underlying technology will be included with the next release of SQL Server. Looks like the WinFS file system is going belly up.

What does all this spell? Well spelling was not my best subject in school. If I did spell it out some would call me a Linux advocate.

You can always tell a Linux user.... you just can't tell them much.

Security without encryption....

Think your credit card transactions are secure... think again! MasterCard and Visa have developed what is known as the Payment Card Industry (PCI) Data Security Standard. Presently your data is encrypted when you swipe your card. Because this encryption requirement is causing so much trouble for merchants, MasterCard and Visa have decided to write a new set of rules that will replace encryption with other types of security technology. Relaxing encryption requirements is not good. It basically means that if a hacker hacks the system, they get your data. Encryption is the ultimate measure of security. So why is MasterCard and Visa writing a new set of security rules without making encryption a strong requirement? Save money for the merchants! In doing so they are putting your personal data at risk. What to hell... save Wal-Mart billions of dollars, you the consumer only stand to loose your life savings.