Four Things Microsoft Got Right in 2008

24.12.2008
Microsoft generated plenty of negative headlines in 2008. We watched as it struck out in its attempts to acquire . And Microsoft-haters grew smug when the confusing Seinfeld-Gates commercials were quickly pulled and replaced with the "I'm a PC" campaign. Microsoft's attempts to and reverse the negative press of simply didn't work out.

Such debacles received the lion's share of press. But in reality the software giant had several successes. Most every other iteration of Windows had a strong year, either with good execution (Windows Server 2008, Windows XP) or good buzz (Windows 7, Windows Azure). And from the ashes of the Yahoo failure emerged some smart hires for Microsoft that could boost the company's search business and set the tone for a possible future deal with Yahoo.

Here are four areas where Microsoft executed well in 2008, areas that will help set up the company for success in '09.

Windows 7 Buzz

Microsoft did a good job of building anticipation for Windows 7 in 2008, and did so without the overpromising and overhyping that weighed down Vista's debut (thanks to "The Wow Starts Now" campaign) two years ago. It's clear the software giant has learned its lesson.

Microsoft has been forthright about Windows 7, creating a that documents operating systemâ¬"s progress. Microsoft also offered up demos and a pre-beta at PDC (professional developers conference)