It's Tough Being King: Microsoft's Woes

CNet has a surprisingly clear summary of the million tiny papercuts that represent Microsoft's challenges in this day and age, and while none of them are new I found myself surprised at seeing the whole picture. Microsoft faces serious competition concerning operating systems and serious haterade being poured over its would-be baby, the heinous Windows Vista.

But MS also faces attrition from free and open Office alternatives like OpenOffice.org, Zoho and Google Docs, which fill almost every role that Office would fill without being expensive, bloated, or burdened by the rarely-popular Microsoft brand. (For what it's worth, this isn't a Microsoft-specific problem; my new PC needed a new version of Photoshop, but I went with the free Paint.NET - it did everything I needed Photoshop to do and not only was it not $600 - it was free!)

Also: iPhone. Zune. Nuff said.

Mobile OS isn't exactly soaring the friendly skies, with competitors like Android and BlackBerrys both dominating corporate sponsorship and gathering fans.

Let's not even talk about MSN Windows Live Messenger, which isn't that different despite the name change and lacks the basic features that Trillian or Pidgin give without the corporate heavy hand.

Microsoft is a solid 4th place when it comes to security. For the company that makes the operating system, the browser and integrated media player, keeping its own software secure shouldn't be somebody else's specialty. Windows Live OneCare is a good effort, but it's borderline shameful that MS should let their security detail remain so slack for so long.

Finally, there's the Ballmer factor. Bill Gates was a figure of massive fame, and while he garnered his share of both hate and love, the spotlight was inarguably there. Not so Ballmer, who hardly measures up in terms of visibility, especially compared to under-40 Google duo Larry Page and Sergey Brin.

What's eating Microsoft? Everything. [CNet]