RIP Microsoft?

There's been a lot of web talk about this article by Michael Malone, especially by Microsoft bloggers. Malone analyzes Microsoft from the perspective of a business reporter, and decides that he smells rot. That's the sign of a slowly dying company, to him. When you think about something like this, and then read even a few of the Microsoft focused websites, including some of the employee blogs, you can't help but wonder if Malone is on to something. Microsoft has really coasted on its sales of Windows and Office. Those two products basically keep tens of thousands of "Microsofties" working, not to mention the tens of thousands of "IT pros" and independent IT consultants working. Sven, for example, loves Apple, but he thanks God every day for Microsoft, because they pay his bills. I've heard the same thing about Microsoft from Zion's consultant.

Of course, looking at miniMicrosoft, I really wonder what Microsoft is thinking (especially if you look at all the anonymous comments that are obviously also from inside MS). If you've got just a couple of product lines that are making money (and tons of it, no less), why not nix all the other waste (pun intended)? Even Scoble has his share of beefs with Microsoft, and he's their evangelist.

The fact is, Microsoft has tons of cash. They'll be around for a long time, but I can't help but wonder if it will be painful to watch.