I was intrigued by the title “Microsoft 2.0″, more so because 2.0 (as in Web 2.0) signifies something new, fresh, and innovative. But when was the last time we associate Microsoft with innovation? At most times, they just take or copy the current trend and include it in their offering. Or buy the company instead. But somehow, I’ve always felt that there is a silent revolution happening within Microsoft. Hence, at some level I was hoping that I can gain some insight and at the same time add some material for my research.

Key Points of Interest:

1. There is a lot of internal friction between different camps.
2. Microsoft is now putting more emphasis on sales than technology.

My Opinion:

One of the chapter that really took my attention was the part about Bill’s (Gates) retirement. Although he was instrumental in shaping Microsoft to the giant it is today, he was losing touch with the customers. His retirement was perfectly timed, as by that time the rules of the games have changed dramatically and quite simply he wasn’t the right man for the job anymore. As sad to see him go, it was the right thing to do for the sake of the company’s survival. As MJ Foley put it, it’s not about the technology nowadays as much as it’s about the people. So, Microsoft will need to change dramatically, and reinvent itself as Microsoft 2.0.

Two main information that I was searching for prior reading the book was insight about Microsoft people, and SharePoint.

As I’ve mentioned before, there seems to be a lot of internal struggle within the company. The book mentions about the old guards vs. new kids mentality, and unfortunately for its own good the old still dominates. The mood is for change though, but it won’t happen overnight.

I was a little dissapointed to find a limited amount of information on SharePoint. In my opinion, it is a cornerstone in their Office strategy moving forward, and extremely important to win over the younger generation. Marketed as a collaboration tool, SharePoint will be important in the next 3 to 5 years as the workplace and working habits evolve to include much more collaboration. It’s their new cash cow, and it’s attracting competition from all areas.

To sum up, the book gives an insight to what is happening within Microsoft. But unfortunately it’s scarce on details, especially the bits I’m interested in. However, MJ Foley writes a blog on ZDNet about Microsoft, so hopefully there will be updates on Microsoft people and SharePoint.

Note: Office 14 will be out soon, it will be exciting how Microsoft will develop their productivity and collaboration platform further (OCS included).