Microsoft 2.0: How Microsoft Plans to Stay Relevant in the Post-Gates Era

by Mary Jo Foley

Does Bill Gates's retirement consign Microsoft to the corporate retirement home as well? Mary Jo Foley doesn't think so. Her 25 years of Microsoft-watching provides a unique vantage point from which to speculate on how Microsoft might write its next chapter. Identifying signposts and interpreting clues she knows well, Foley offers a thought-provoking view of the software giant's post-Gates future. Don't be surprised to be surprised.

Genres: Business, Economics, Technology

304 pages, Hardcover

First published February 1, 2008

Reviews

[Matthew Davidson · Rating 3 out of 5]

In someways this book is already outdated, but it was a good read. The book does cover the people at MS and gives a brief bio of a lot of them. My only problem is the book left me feeling kind of empty, nothing new, no bold predictions.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

It was quite exciting to read Microsoft 2.o especially as I had met the author, Mary Jo Foley who spoke at CNET where she used to work before she devoted herself to blogging about Microsoft. I had even written a post about it found on Bub.blicio.us at

I was disappointed in the book as it read as if it were a never ending blog with constant references to hers or other blogs. I was expecting more about the Microsoft mystique and how the story would unfold when Gates stepped down. I also felt there was a constant list of facts presented to me rather than an analysis of the events with discussion of how the past events would impact the future. Unfortunately, that was not the case.

Now that Gates has stepped down for good, I'm not quite sure how long its shelf life will endure.

[Gus · Rating 4 out of 5]

Not as relevant now (in 2011) as it was when it came out. When I read it, it helped me understand better the individuals and the clan politics that shaped a lot of the products and decisions made by the company over the years.

[Mark · Rating 3 out of 5]

Starts out strong, but dwindles down.

[Steve Goodyear · Rating 2 out of 5]

Some interesting history and insights, but the book's mostly dated now.