Steve Ballmer about Apple
Steve Ballmer was interviewed by German newspaper
"Die WELT" and answered questions about Apple and
his thoughts about running Windows on a Mac. After asking Steve if he has a
"Apple Computer", he says that he does not have a Mac nor a iPod. " Of course, I
have to know the devices. We have to know what the competitors
do".
Die WELT: But couldn't you just buy a Mac without hesitation since Apple opened up their machines for Windows?
Ballmer: No, we prefer real PCs.
Die WELT: Was it a satisfaction that Apple had to give in?
Ballmer: Honestly, I don't think that it is that important. Actually, it is relatively expensive if a user gets a separate Windows OS for his Mac. Not a lot of people will do this.
Die WELT: Apple is leading in the Music business as well. Does this bother you?
Ballmer: No question, it would have been better if the iPod would have been a Microsoft invention. The device is really popular. Apple didn't invent anything new. They just combined existing technologies in a smart way. They succeeded to create a nice package which bundles Music services, devices and software.
Die WELT: Is Apple's success reason enough to copy them?
Ballmer: This wasn't the last word in this competition. Over the next years, a lot of things will happen in the market of portable devices. Who wants to carry different devices to listen to Music, to play games, to take pictures or to communicate with others? A small, integrated device will master many functions. We won't be simply watching this development.
Die WELT: Could your company create such a do-it-all device?
Ballmer: We are open when it comes to build hardware if it is necessary to sell software. A good example is the Xbox. So far we thougth the Xbox is rather the exception than the rule. But we became more open for the exceptions.
Die WELT: Is Apple unbeatable?
Ballmer: Which company would be able to compete with Apple at these days? It can only be Microsoft or Apple stays without any serious competitor. I think, everybody deserves some competition.
Die WELT: Wouldn't it be smarter to team up with established hardware manufacturers?
Ballmer: While we do one thing, we shouldn't prevent something else. We will continue to work with manufacturers for cell phones, PDAs and also PCs. But every now and then, where it makes sense, Microsoft could build its own devices. We will let you know what they will look like when the time is ready.
More on www.welt.de
Die WELT: But couldn't you just buy a Mac without hesitation since Apple opened up their machines for Windows?
Ballmer: No, we prefer real PCs.
Die WELT: Was it a satisfaction that Apple had to give in?
Ballmer: Honestly, I don't think that it is that important. Actually, it is relatively expensive if a user gets a separate Windows OS for his Mac. Not a lot of people will do this.
Die WELT: Apple is leading in the Music business as well. Does this bother you?
Ballmer: No question, it would have been better if the iPod would have been a Microsoft invention. The device is really popular. Apple didn't invent anything new. They just combined existing technologies in a smart way. They succeeded to create a nice package which bundles Music services, devices and software.
Die WELT: Is Apple's success reason enough to copy them?
Ballmer: This wasn't the last word in this competition. Over the next years, a lot of things will happen in the market of portable devices. Who wants to carry different devices to listen to Music, to play games, to take pictures or to communicate with others? A small, integrated device will master many functions. We won't be simply watching this development.
Die WELT: Could your company create such a do-it-all device?
Ballmer: We are open when it comes to build hardware if it is necessary to sell software. A good example is the Xbox. So far we thougth the Xbox is rather the exception than the rule. But we became more open for the exceptions.
Die WELT: Is Apple unbeatable?
Ballmer: Which company would be able to compete with Apple at these days? It can only be Microsoft or Apple stays without any serious competitor. I think, everybody deserves some competition.
Die WELT: Wouldn't it be smarter to team up with established hardware manufacturers?
Ballmer: While we do one thing, we shouldn't prevent something else. We will continue to work with manufacturers for cell phones, PDAs and also PCs. But every now and then, where it makes sense, Microsoft could build its own devices. We will let you know what they will look like when the time is ready.
More on www.welt.de
Posted: Fri - April 28, 2006 at 07:22 AM |
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Published On: Apr 28, 2006 07:25 AM
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Published On: Apr 28, 2006 07:25 AM