Or is it Microsoft lives? Going after Google and other new Internet companies, Microsoft has announced (I understand not ready for sale, yet) hosted application services. There are two parts to this initiative relative to automation that I see initially.
First, as consumers. Some of the offerings include things like free email, a la gmail. But, remember that Microsoft is going after the huge potential for Internet advertising that Google is collaring right now. When you use a Google "free" service, you agree to let them track you and send advertising your way that their algorithm you should be interested in. Now, that's not all bad--if you really are in the market to buy certain things. I'll take that over another Viagra email.
The real winners may be small to medium sized businesses. That would include the consultants, system integrators and smaller system design firms. These companies may be able to have applications and services like the "big" guys with lots of IT people and therefore increase their competitive ability. I say "may" because it's too theoretical for my taste right now. I've lived too long in the high tech age (going back to 1976) and seen way too many pre-announcements. But the promise is good.
Some of these "network is the computer" schemes have been around for several years. I haven't seen one that works for a traveling editor, though. Maybe when wi-fi is ubiquitous...
Here's an article from CNET, plus a link to the announcement within it.
Other companies in Microsoft's crosshairs. Plenty of companies will get caught in the wake as Microsoft races to compete with Google. [CNET News.com]
6:17:29 AM 
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