Re:Wear & Tear (Score 1)

Microsoft does not need to plan software obsolescence. The market does this for everyone. Imagine what kind of software we used 10 years ago before the internet became mainstream. Imagine 10 years from now when the net and other connecting technologies are embraced more fully around the world. The requirements people have of software change as we use them, and the only way any entity can incorporate those new requirements are to ask for migrations/upgrades. I don't believe Microsoft somehow is in a unique position in this regard. What is unique however, is that they have the most revenue at risk.

In light of that, what is MS doing to keep their market share? Its entry into new geographical markets is one way of growth. The other is its investment via acquisitions to participate in new market segments such as security. The third, and I think very important step they are making is in the area of Windows CE which has the potential to broaden its reach even more so than it currently stands. I do not see MS standing idly by as the market gets past it - in any case.