In a brief conversation about employment at Microsoft with a friend I asked a question that I have pondered ever since. For us 30 - 40 somethings, is Microsoft the IBM of our youth? Back then IBM was the technology king. Big Blue was doing things nobody else could imagine. IBM was sexy. Now IBM is an old giant who has changed with the times and rarely changes the times anymore. Is Microsoft on the same path? Is Microsoft reaching or beyond its sexiness?
Are Google and Yahoo the new Microsoft? Is that where all of the talented “gee-wiz” kids are lining up for a job these days?
This is just a thought I am throwing out, I haven't done any in depth study, survey or other research on the topic and I am not saying anybody at MS is any less talented then those at other tech companies. I guess what I am really wondering is if there is a pattern to a giant tech corporation's life cycle and if similarities can be drawn between IBM and Microsoft.
--chaz