Real consumer choice has been early victim in battle of the Titans
Article Abstract:
Consumer choice appears to be the last consideration of Microsoft Corp. and America Online. Microsoft Corp.'s Windows XP operating system is designed to make it difficult for users to find non-Microsoft options for instant messaging, for example. For its part, America Online is trying to get computer makers to present AOL as the sole Internet access option offered to new computer users as they set up their PCs.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 2001
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Microsoft starts to catch up to Intuit in personal finance
Article Abstract:
Intuit's $40 Quicken is still the most feature-rich offering in the personal financial software market, but new features in Microsoft's $30 Money package have narrowed the performance gap. The latest version of Quicken, especially its $60, CD-ROM-based Deluxe edition, offers an impressive array of online banking, financial advising and Internet services, as well as improvements in user friendliness. Unfortunately, there are a few bugs in the program and the Macintosh version lacks home banking and Internet features. Microsoft's Money features a redone, simpler interface based on intuitive metaphors and automatic chart generation features that make it easier to use than Quicken. While it lacks the budgeting, investment and financial advice features of Quicken, and places too much emphasis on a financial calendar, it is a solid package offering a practical alternative to the Intuit package.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1995
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Sticking with the Mac will require patience and big leap of faith
Article Abstract:
Apple's new business strategy, which is centered around its plans for a new OS called Rhapsody, forces loyal Macintosh customers to wait an unreasonable amount of time to make a relatively risky investment. Although Apple contends that Rhapsody will offer stable features that compete with Microsoft's established Windows 95 and Windows NT, these consumers must wait for at least 18 months before Rhapsody is released. In the meantime, Apple is relying on its small business and home market customer-base to be content with its current outdated and unstable OS, System 7. Apple is promising to offer continuing upgrades to System 7 while Rhapsody is in development, but none of these improvements will feature the pre-emptive multitasking necessary for crash protection and stability anticipated to be included in Rhapsody. Consumers must also keep in mind that despite Apple's promises and good intentions, software publishers are consistently abandoning the Macintosh due to its decrease in world market share to approximately 5%.
Publication Name: The Wall Street Journal Western Edition
Subject: Business, general
ISSN: 0193-2241
Year: 1997
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