When Will Cisco and Microsoft Collide?
Cisco owns the networking space as completely as Microsoft owns the desktop.
Microsoft gained its control by relentlessly writing code and competing with
a fierceness that would make George Steinbrenner proud.
Cisco has built its share of great products, but much of its growth is from
an unrivaled string of acquisitions (it is a master at integrating companies).
But eventually the desktop and network worlds will collide and Microsoft and
Cisco will really be put to the test.
Last week Cisco edged closer to Microsoft territory with the $830
million purchase of IronPort, a maker of anti-virus and anti-spam tools.
On the flip side, Microsoft violated Cisco territory through its unified communications
strategy, where Microsoft partnered with Nortel, rather than Cisco. So far,
the gloves are on, but I can see this turning bare-knuckle real fast!
Posted by Doug Barney on January 08, 2007