Microsoft’s virtual gorilla war

Monday September 15th, 2008

By Ian GRAYSON

This week 14,000 tech faithful have been listening to the gospel according to VMware. Meanwhile Microsoft has been doing its best to lead them down a different path.

I’m spending a few days in Las Vegas listening to the heavy hitters at VMware expounding their vision of how virtualisation technology is going to make data centres more efficient and the corporate computing world a generally better place to be. I have to say, it’s pretty compelling stuff.

Meanwhile, software giant Microsoft has been trying to divert attention to its recently released alternative – Hyper-V – which is says is going to do the same thing for less. So far, the jury is out.

At the big VMware shindig held in a massive Vegas casino, Microsoft resorted to gorilla marketing tactics, handing out fake gambling chips to attendees emblazoned with the words “Looking for your best bet? You won’t find it with VMware.”

Sorry Microsoft, but as VMware CEO Paul Moritz pointed out when questioned about the tactic, it’s something only ever done by followers. You’ve got a long way to go before having a chance of winning the market share you desire in this emerging category.

From my discussions with those who know far more about the technical details than me, Microsoft’s offering has a long way to go, and will probably take years to get there. Meanwhile VMware will continue to own the technology space.

So Microsoft, perhaps you should divert some of your massive marketing budget into product development? Just a thought.

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Alex Ryan [Visitor];
Virgin’s Facebook sackings generate disturbing turbulance

I respectfully disagree with this opinion.

No one has a "right" to a job with any employer. All forms of human relationships should be based on the principle of mutual consent.

It is immoral to force people to participate in a relationship which they no longer wish to maintain.

Mr. Branson was within his rights to terminate a voluntary relationship with which he no longer wished to particpate in.

If I were in his position I would have done the same. The actions of these employees were disrespectful and hurtful.

People need to take responsibility for their behavior and realize that they are are consequences for their actions.

Anthony CARUANA [Member];
Virgin’s Facebook sackings generate disturbing turbulance

I've read enough employee surveys to know that there are a great many people aren't happy in their jobs. Many people even complain about their bosses, workplaces, companies, etc to friends, family, hairdressers, bartenders (or perhaps that's only on Cheers!).

I think firing someone because they complained about work in an online forum is heavy handed. Where the people warned? Given a chance to retract their statements? Why didn't Virgin, a supposedly progressive business, engage the employee and try to address their concerns.

I agree that the actions of the employee weren't particularly clever. However, perhaps if Virgin found out what the problem was rather than dismissing the employee they might find that their employee retention rates might improve and that their reputation might be enhanced rather than tarnished.

I wonder how many potentially good employees won't work for Virgin as a result of this?

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