Stratechery Thin Platforms
May 31, 2022
Delving into the 1998 DOJ case against Microsoft unveils the battle between Internet Explorer and competitors like Firefox. Microsoft is reimagining its strategy, transitioning to a cloud-centric model that prioritizes user experience. The seamless integration of Teams with Microsoft 365 showcases innovative tools at work. Meanwhile, the podcast tackles the pitfalls of Microsoft’s mobile strategy and discusses the monopolistic tendencies of thin platforms. Lastly, it highlights the evolving landscape of finance in the internet age, with platforms like Stripe leading the charge.
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Microsoft's Browser War
- Microsoft was accused of tying Internet Explorer to Windows in 1998.
- Despite winning the browser war, Internet Explorer's dominance faded due to neglect, paving the way for Firefox and Chrome.
Thin Clients
- Microsoft is shifting from thick clients (like Windows) to thin clients.
- This change is evident in their new strategies, emphasizing cloud-based services and platforms.
Microsoft's New OS
- Satya Nadella redefined Microsoft's operating system strategy, focusing on user-centric integration.
- Teams embodies this approach by combining various tools and services into one platform.