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Despite Surface debacle, Microsoft is far from ‘doomed’

Published Jul 24th, 2013 3:40PM EDT
Microsoft Future Earnings Analysis

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We now know that Microsoft’s Surface RT tablet will go down as one of the biggest consumer electronics bombs of the past year, perhaps second only to the Facebook-centric HTC First smartphone. But does this mean Microsoft is doomed to irrelevancy? Of course not. As Forbes contributor Tom Bradley writes, Microsoft still has a lot going for it, not the least of which is that it still has the most widely used desktop operating system, the most widely used desktop web browser and the most widely used productivity software in the world. 

Although Microsoft’s continued dominance in the desktop realm may not get as much attention as its struggles in the mobile realm, it’s still a real cash cow for the company that doesn’t figure to go away anytime soon. Sure, PC sales may be shrinking but it’s not as though PCs as a whole will go away anytime soon, especially in the enterprise where Microsoft has more experience and stronger relationships than either Apple or Google. And as long as the company keeps raking in cash from Office and Windows, it will have the resources it needs to be competitive in the mobile space.

“Microsoft is late and slow in adapting to current technology trends, but there’s still time to correct the course and get things on track,” Bradley writes. “It will be interesting to watch how the company manages through the reorganization, and whether or not that helps Microsoft regain its swagger.”

Brad Reed
Brad Reed Staff Writer

Brad Reed has written about technology for over eight years at BGR.com and Network World. Prior to that, he wrote freelance stories for political publications such as AlterNet and the American Prospect. He has a Master's Degree in Business and Economics Journalism from Boston University.