More telling may be that such a wide base of investments belies the fact Microsoft is concerned it may not know where the future is or how much influence it will have on the future. Microsoft Windows operating system is the subject of major controversy in the court system and the United States Senate. As Windows becomes more bloated by absorbing more and more features, originally produced as separate software by third party vendors, the more the legal system begins to question the fairness of having Microsoft stamp out small innovators. While some argue the fatness is good for consumers to have an OS which does everything, others argue it hurts the consumer with a slower OS and less choice in vendors. Microsoft Windows 98 came out before it was really ready, reinforcing the growing concerns the public has about Microsoft's commitment to quality.
Software bugs are in the news constantly and who knows how many go unreported.
Technical support calls to Microsoft are nearly impossible to complete and they cost the end user money, unlike most software companies who provide competent support as part of the purchase price. Office 99 became Office 2000 rather quietly and has been delayed at least another 6 months. The future of Windows is WindowsNT, yet version 5.0 has be delayed indefinitely in a hail of vague excuses. It's eerie to see the world's most influential software company be so damn silent. Microsoft is losing its leadership, blurred its vision, burdened by a massive governmental probe, and disillusioned its buyers.