Microsoft Troubles - Starting signs
Previously I've written I expect Microsoft will experience a "Financial Pothole" around 2010, this is not it, only a portent of things to come. Microsoft reported a profit slump and job layoffs today ( AP , Reuters ), as did many others - Intel and e-Bay are cited. "Apple was a standout to the upside and was among the biggest lifts on the Nasdaq after it posted quarterly profit that surpassed Wall Street's expectations on Wednesday after the closing bell." From the Guardian : ... expects Microsoft to report sales of its Windows software for PCs and laptops to drop 3 percent from a year earlier, making it the toughest quarter in eight years. Microsoft are cutting "up to 5000 jobs" , but otherwise Ballmer doesn't foresee problems: Our products provide great value to our customers. Our financial position is solid. We have made long-term investments that continue to pay off. From ZDnet's Mary Jo Foley : (for 2008Q4) client revenue was down ...