Tech MD Live

Microsoft was fined today with a record amount of $1.3bn on an antitrust battle.

I know Microsoft actions last week on it’s statement to open up Windows API is a little bit skeptical but I think it did not excite Neelie Kroes, the European Union Competition Commisioner.

Neelie Kroes has been very open with her distrust and skepticism with Microsoft.  “Talk is cheap,” Ms. Kroes said.  As the report pointed out, the fine could have been much higher. 

Let us see how Microsoft will play this out.  This is a huge amount.  Not to mention that Microsoft also need some more capital to raise for its bid on Yahoo.

Microsoft did it again.  Yes.  Believe it.  One catch.  You have to be a student with a valid .edu email address.  And you have to be enrolled (what am I thinking).

Maybe Microsoft is just trying to get some tax breaks for the next fiscal year but students, take advantage of this.  I was going to post it last September 12 but the link was not yet active so I decided to wait for a few more days.  The site is up and you could make your purchase at http://www.theultimatesteal.com.  Offer is valid up to April 30, 2008. 

The Ultimate Steal promotion will run in Canada, UK and the United States.  It will be offered in France, Italy and Spain by Sept. 20, 2007.  Actually, the pilot was started in Australia with good feedback. 

Why do Microsoft do this?  They’re farming.  They’re planting the seed to these students who would be using this software for how many years they’re in college.  Afterwards, as the students graduate and become successful, they would be influencing the decision making in buying Microsoft products. 

And that is marketing with a twist.  Would your customer benefit from your services or products that you could slash for future business?  Learn from Microsoft.