Steve Ballmer nails it

In this Business week article from back in September, Steve Ballmer nails exactly what's wrong with Microsoft. Unintentionally.

"We won the desktop. We won the server. We will win the Web. We will move fast, we will get there. We will win the Web."

Problem is, "the Web" doesn't want to be "won".

The essence of the Internet repels individual entities that are out to control it- both technologically and philosophically. "The Web" isn't just another product category- it's an evolution of the purpose for using computers.

Successful software companies now are the ones that provide valuable, flexible, and open tools and services for their users. They are merchants in an open air bazaar.

Microsoft wants to build a mall and own every store inside. But unlike with Windows and Office, where they're got mostly captive audiences, people on the Web don't start out inside the Microsoft mall. And when you've got a choice, does it really sound like an appealing place to shop?