Has Microsoft made a success of anything other than Windows ?

[Slackr89]

i think windows was there biggest success. in particular windows 98 and windows xp. all the rest were basically junk

[u_nick]

The Zune is doing well compared to other iPod competitors. Especially the 2nd and most recent model. With the latest update, lots of 'tech' based website, both anti-microsoft, neutral, and pro-iPod sites were considering it to finally be a worthy iPod competitor. At work alone, I know about 5 other people (besides) myself that own a Zune. Me and one other guy just got it out of curiosity, and are for the most part fine with them. Another group of software developers in the Office got them because they were just tired of the iPod hype, and wanted something different, and they seem more than happy with them.

Whether or not customers being happy with them translates into a 'success' for the company, I have no idea. I do honestly believe that if more people can get off the 'MS is the devil and iPod is all that is holy in the universe' bandwagon, I think they'd be pleasantly surprised.

I'd also call the XBox a success. Maybe not in the numbers of Wii and PS, but it's still a competitor and a facotr in thegames market.

[Dr Mike]

Just had a look at MS's earnings statements to have alook at where they make their money and in the 6 months to 31 Dec 07 :

"Client" - ie Windows for PC made $6.7bn on $8.5bn revenue
"Server & Tools" - made $2.1bn on $6.2bn revenue
"Online Services" - ie MSN etc lost $510m on $1.5bn revenue
"Businees Division" - ie MS Office made $5.9bn on $8.9bn revenue
"Entertainment & Devices" - Xbox, Zune made $524m on $5bn revenue
Corperate overheads were $2.3bn making a total profit of $12.4bn on revenue of $30.1bn

So they are making money on Non-windows stuff but it's dwarfed by the Windows and Office bits.

[JakeNRoland]

Yeah, they surely aren't making any money on those Xbox thingies. They're like the one hit wonders of technology.

(sometimes I'm baffled by what is posted in these forums, it's mind bottling)

[Wicked Machine]

Has Ford had any success with anything other than cars?

Did Genghis Khan have any success with anything other than conquering most of Asia?

Has God had any success creating anything after the universe?

[WickyWoo]

Microsoft also has backend stuff, servers, windows media, lots and lotsof things

Xbox is making money now, and is likelyto continue to do so. The original XB was basically a beta test for the 360, and most consoles don't start raking in the dough until their 4th or 5th year of release anyway

[TheRealBob]

Originally Posted by Wicked Machine

Did Genghis Khan have any success with anything other than conquering most of Asia?

Hey, there's not supposed to be any political discussion!

Originally Posted by Wicked Machine

Has God had any success creating anything after the universe?

And no discussion of religion!

[sj001]

They have many, many different software applications other than Windows & Office products which they are very successful with. I am just glad that their grubby fingers were kept out of the movie industry.