Early impressions of Microsoft

November, 1998

 

 

I, like all other people, have wondered about Microsoft.  If you think about it, I'm sure you have lots of questions about life on the "dark side".  Questions like:

* How did they get to where they are in the market?

* Do you have to sign your life away to work here?

* Why do they seem so arrogant?

 

I thought, coming from one monopoly (Intel) to another that I would fit right in to the culture here.  But I have quickly learned that the MS culture is vastly different than anything else I've experienced -- and I've worked at IBM, Motorola, and Intel so far!

 

BILL GATES

This man is practically worshipped here.  To his credit, he seems to be personally involved in all the big decisions.  My own project has been reviewed by him.  I don't know where he finds the time.  He does have a vision for the company, which has obviously helped him become the richest man in America.   Billg, as he's referred to here, does seem to have his head on straight.

 

ACQUISITIONS

It's a fact of life here.  If you can't beat 'em, buy 'em!  Of course that's how most big companies operate, but I've been impressed by how much it happens here.

 

TECHNOLOGY

I keep hearing accusations that MS really isn't an innovative company -- they've just capitalized on other people's technology.  Clearly, MS is very good at integrating new technology and marketing it.  It is true that there is somewhat less focus on original research here than what I've seen elsewhere.  But to its' credit, MS is focused on the bottom line -- making money.  Also, I've learned that like Intel, MS is very weighed down by what is called "legacy" (old) products.  It's good and it's bad -- Windows is the cash cow, but also really weighs down progress.  While they have been very good at integrating, right now improving quality is first priority.  In fact, it treats this as a "do-or-die" issue.

 

ARROGANCE

At Intel, the perception of MS was that they don't care what you think because they're MS and don't have to listen.  Reality is that people are spread pretty thin, working on projects and often don't have time to interact w/other companies, which is perceived as arrogance.  Then again, you'd be arrogant too if your stock options made you a millionaire!

 

EMAIL

E-mail is king at MS.  It seems that people would rather send e-mail than make a phone call in most circumstances.  It's a huge part of MS culture.  They utilize distribution lists to communicate here.  I myself am already on 10 distribution lists or so, and get reams of e-mail to sort through.  I have found that it is a very effective way to communicate, something I feel is critical to success.

 

RENEGADES

It's really interesting working for a company the DOJ labels as the "bad guys".  (Of course I thought the same way before I came here!)  People are pretty thick-skinned though and seem to relish the role.  I saw one bumper sticker that made me laugh: "Windows 98: So Good the Feds Want to Make it Illegal!"

 

ADJUSTING

I still find myself slipping.  I have answered the phone: "Intel, this is Ray!"  Boy, was that embarassing.  In a big meeting today I said "I'm new here at Intel" before quickly correcting myself.  It's going to be a while before I stop saying "your" when talking to other employees about "our" company!

 

THE DARK SIDE

I heard the Company President say the words "come to the right side" when referring to people switching over to MS products.  I couldn't help thinking of "coming over to the dark side -- together we will rule the universe!"  Anyway, I've found that the "dark side" really is in reference to the lack of sun here this time of year!

 

"GREAT PLACE TO WORK"

There are perks for working at Microsoft: Membership in a preemo gym.  Free beverages.  Free food for those foraging around empty conference rooms after lunchtime.  Video arcade games in the hallways that work without coins.  Of course, if you look at these, you quickly realize it's part of the scheme to keep the "MicroSerfs" at work at all hours of the day and night.  Of course with all the rain/dark, there often doesn't seem to be much better to do.  But don't worry -- none of this will keep me here longer than necessary next summer, when the mountains will be calling my name.