Comes now e-commerce. I was at the launch. To its credit, Microsoft has implemented XML in Internet Explorer 5.0, but all other aspects of DNA are still awaiting shipment, already months late. BizWire has lots of partners waiting to do something, but no one is delivering anything. And as a result, Microsoft's e-commerce strategy looks a lot like something that will be relaunched under a different name within 12 months.
Nothing is different here.
When BizWire finally ships and other portions of DNA arrive, e-commerce will already have moved to different issues. And Microsoft will relaunch its e-commerce initiative. Contrast this to IBM, where every aspect of the company tends toward e-commerce. IBM is a company that understands mission-critical computing, highly reliable operating systems and extended commitment to customers. To obtain its laurels as an e-commerce leader, IBM has had to align the entire company to fit the new mission.