Scobleizer: is MS in trouble (Longhorn slipping, lack of upgrading activity to Windows XP, and not having good enough evangelism/marketing for the current OS)? Well, consider ...
First, the Tablet PC. We're about to release a fantastic and major upgrade to the Tablet PC as part of the Windows XP Service Pack 2. This release dramatically improves the Tablet PC experience. And customers are starting to notice. I'm starting to see more and more Tablet PCs in the airplanes when I fly, and it's not just Microsoft employees either. Even at the O'Reilly Emerging Technology conference I noticed more Tablet PCs this year. Since most people really haven't considered (or even seen) a Tablet PC, the new version that's coming this summer will let us start a new conversation with many customers.More people are like Lisa Williams, who says "she gets it," after thinking I was nuts for constantly pushing the Tablet PC.
Second, ... Windows XP Service Pack 2. This isn't just a bug fix like most service packs. It delivers major new functionality that customers are clamoring for: security and wireless and Bluetooth support.
Third, I've seen an ear-to-the-ground approach I haven't sensed in years. I sat in on many MVP meetings this week and the teams are engaged, listening, and delivering things they've asked for. Watch for hot new products from MSN, Windows Media, Tablet PC, and many other groups this year.
Fourth, we've been very open with Longhorn. That's going to pay off next year with a beta that's going to incorporate lots of the feedback we got on newsgroups and blogs after the PDC.
But, don't take my comeback incorrectly: Microsoft's evangelism and marketing efforts +are+ coming up short in many areas. We'll have more to say on that front soon. Channel 9 was just the first attempt at changing that problem (and it won't really hit stride for a month or so, despite its early success).
Philip Miseldine on Channel 9: 'When you can see and hear the development leader of a technology we're all going to use in the future, and have an open, relaxed, and enjoyable discussion with the same man, you know Channel 9 works.'
Incremental Blogger has some good thoughts on SP2 and Paul Thurrot focuses on SP2 and Tablets.
