[PCWorld]

Post your comments for Three Reasons Microsoft Will Fail With Retail here

[jsimons2000]

This has to be the dumbest article ever.

Your reason number 2 is a Risk AND it's an opportunity.

Your reason number 3 completely ignores facts.

Your reason number 1 is just plain dumb.

Seriously, this is a complete waste of precious internet space.

[TechieXP]

huh?

[TechieXP]

The problem is the article is written on assumptions. First off MSFT doesn't need to make the store be like Best Buy or Apple to be successful. In fact they could actually at least do better than Apple.
The focus doesn't ahve to be actual products, but how MSFT products make things better for you. And it doesn't matter if you are at work or at play or anywhere in between.
Example...when it comes to PC's it is obvious teh majority run Windows and that includes Macs. So MSFT doesn't have to focus on Windows itself. It can focus on the subset features which improves your computing experience. The biggest benefit Windows has over OSX and Linux is it works with a lot of things and does so almost perfect. Windows is found on computers, phones, in cars, cash registers ans so much more. Windows simply makes things easier. The company I work for is helping Dominos with their rollout of Windows.
MSFT can show how as the article does state, how MSFT software all works together to ake a complete experience. MSFT with Sync could offer the same features Lojac and Onstar offer. Imagine having your car stolen and you could simply go to your computer and tell the police where it is, instead of them telling you. They could show how Xbox works well with wireless connectivity in Windows and with Media Center. This is an opportunity for MSFt to drop out there own Windows PC. I however don't see how MSFT choosing a computer of only certain OEM's is a problem. We already know know certain OEM offer crappy computers anyway. Gateway and eMachines both offer horrible hardware. Good thing they joined up...right? Dell and HP/Compaq have always in my opinion offered the best..especially after IBM left the market. If MSFT offered a few models in the best models, I don't see that as being any different then Best Buy. They don't offer every OEM brand that has Windows. Best Buy and Apple sells most hardware based technology...MSFT sells software. They dont make hardware beyond keyboards and mice...and xbox. And with proper PR they could market how software makes hardware better. Because no matter how fancy most hardware is...its nothing without software.

[oldschoolh4ck3r]

I'll give you ONE reason: the retail industry is going stagnant along with the economy. Leave it to Microsoft to come up with this idea at this horrible point in time. Maybe back in '95 it would've made a little sense, with the release of Windows 95. But I just don't see anything remotely compelling about a Microsoft store. An eyecandy endcap at a Wal-mart or Best Buy would be a better idea, to show off Windows 7.

[sloane]

No one, I don't think, LIKES Best Buy. It's just the obvious option available if you're looking for a non-Apple product and want a broad selection. The fact that Big Big is so large, tacky, impersonal, poorly run, etc., actually gives Microsoft an easier start--the bar for producing a better option (IF they intend to sell PCs) is pretty low.
Secondly - I would be surprised to see the Microsoft stores do well; but I agree that this article is irritating in that it simply lays out ways that the stores Could go wrong. Any time a project of any sort is started, there are an infinite number of challenges and ways things could go wrong..
That said, the launch of Microsoft retail stores would be especially challenging to execute well. Microsoft is principally a software company. The problem, is (well, one of them) that, especially with Apple stores (and Apple's simple line of products), the good PCs out there that consumers might actually be interested in (and which would require Microsoft software) simply aren't getting the visibility they need just to have a Shot at selling.
If Microsoft doesn't cut close deals with a few PC manufacturers and require them to absorb some of the cost of the retail stores, though (from which they stand to benefit enormously), I think that the cost/benefit ratio for Microsoft--in the Best-case scenario--will be way off-base.
John Tantillo typically does weekly winner/loser posts on his marketing blog. Microsoft has been the 'loser' multiple times, but a week or two ago, with the announcement that Microsoft would be opening retail stores and that David Portner would be heading up the effort, he named Microsoft the winner... for at least realizing that they need to make some changes...
The retail stores will also be a good place to showcase the new Windows Mobile phones (although if the product is unimpressive, which it sounds like it will be, then it just be a way of showcasing Microsoft's ineptitudes and allowing them to fail more dramatically.

[TechieXP]

Well I think at the very least Best Buy is the man's toy store. Since most retail outfits are taylored to women, this is a chance for men to have their own thing too. Most women you see shopping at BB are usually shopping for movies, or buying games for the kids. And of course they sell a few applicances. But Sears has always been the place for that and with Lowes and Home Depot offering the as well, you have other options.

Since people are to lazy to read about MSFT products like we have seen with Vista and are going to see with Windows 7, it would be nice to go to a store that can actually have people familiar with the product and have been trained to give actual answers...instead of guesses. MSFT could offer specific models of laptops and desktops or even have their own, that the floor people can actually explain features and actually listen to your needs and offer you the best fit. Best Buy's job is just as their nae implies. They are there to help you make the 'best buy'...it may not actually be the best fit.

It is also a chance for MSFT to set up a Home Server System to show people how Windows can make life easier at home. Includig showing how Windows can control many applicances in your home or allowing you to use cameras to see what is going on at home.

Xbox can show off WIndows Live and siply have a very cool arcade area that can be fun for all, not just kids.
Of course Windows Business could show off quite a bit. Laptop featuring business versions of Windows, They can have a special IT section with a person trained to explain Enterprise level features to new businesses. Of course Windows Mobile is designed for business allow you to plug the phone into any Windows based PC and being able to have quick access to mail. Something iPhone or no other phones offers with special applications.

It's a chance to get a hands on experiece with MSFT Surface PC. You know they are planning a scaled down home version that could eventually replace the standard keyboard PC. HP already has a total touch PC. Try that Linux/Apple!

They don't need to advertise their software. We already know about WIndows and Office. The concept is to offer an experience. Best Buy doesn't offer an experience. Their job is to simply sell. It is why Saturn is so cool, because when you walk in the door the sales people aren't hounding you. You walk in look and then when you are ready or need help...you go to them. The other guys guys, as soon as you walk in they don't even let the dust in the store get on your clothes good before they are all over you. Like its a contest or something.

And Apple store sounds like a soap opera too me. Everyone sounds exactly the same. They sound like they read a script. Everyone who asks one of their people why they should buy a Mac the only thing they ever say...well with Macs you don't have to worrry about viruses, or spyware...well that's obvious not totally true. You may have to worry less...but it should at least be a concern. They pawn it off as if you aren't going to ever have any trouble at all. And Apple doesn't offer a hell of a whole lot. There store is broken down into 4 viewing areas...Macs, Ipod (and that includes iPod Phone, iPod Touch and iPod) Software and a CS desk with teh registers. It looks like a museum. In fact if you watch the movie Silicon Valley, teh inside of Apple store looks similar to their office in Cupertino. BORING! At leats Best Buy lets you jam it up a bit.

The best thing about the MSFT that Apple is better on over BB is knowing your own product. Since BB sells lots of barnds, no single person can know much about 1 single product. They can simply only offer you what they feel fits. Apple and MSFT can at least offer you what you actually need. MSFT can actually be more success than Apple as long as sells doesn't become important. Windows already sells itself. We don't need a Windows store. We need a store that defines what Microsoft actually means in our world.

And teh economy being bad doesn't matter. All technology based stores are seeing low sales including Apple. Yes timing is everything...and this can actually be a best time. With malls and storefront or even real estate copaniestaking hits, they are dying for a new outfit and will sell space at low prices. They have too. And SFT won't need to jack of teh cost of hardware to pay for the store space. MSFT has plenty of money. For people who hate to read about products and you know they do, because of the 2 stupid lawsuits of late. Its nice to have a place to actually ahve someone explain in details and be able to answer your questions without studdering...or looking at you like they have no idea what you're talking about (bec they simply don't).

Again MSFT is trying to offer a new product and no one is giving them a fair shake. All I see is a hell of a lot of speculation and rips. One thing Wal-Mart and Best Buy and Apple did learn, is if you come out last you ca offer a product that is better by offering what the other guys don't. Nintendo beat Sega's a$$ because they didn't rush to make a new product just because everyone else was doing it. They worked on making quality products. Like instead of rusing to make a 32bit system, they found a way to ake a 16bit syste run 32bit games...vs Sega's piece of crap 23x adapter that sucked balls. Best Buy learn how to be better after watch the Silo debuckle and the fall of Service Merchandise. Even Circuit City could offer a better product then BB.

Several outfits now sell Apple produtcs, but they sell the like they sell everything. The best place to buy an Apple produtc is from Apple. And teh best way to buy a MSFT product is from MSFT. And any deive that has technical information behind it...it is best to call or buy from the person who makes it....bec everyone is simply just a salemans. The concept is to have teh gift of gab to sell you a bridge.