Pass this man some tissues

I have been following the buzz around the posting by Alex Eckelberry about big, bad Microsoft's predatory pricing.  I got a real kick out of Mike Rothman's response yesterday.  I see the vacation sun has not dulled MIke's tongue.

Just a couple of things I would like to add to this debate.  First of all, no where does Alex say anything about Microsoft selling their security products below cost.  He says that the definition of predatory pricing is "dumping" product to drive out competition.  He later talks about that the only thing that MIcrosoft makes money on is the OS product.  Funny, with the cost of Office, I was pretty sure that was a cash cow too.  I don't know but last time I checked Microsoft seemed to be doing OK financially.  He presents no proof that they are dumping.  All he says is that they are selling below Symantec and McAfee.  Maybe, Symantec and McAfee have grown too expensive and this is just what the doctor ordered.  The fact that they are going to monthly pricing rather perpetual pricing is perfectly fine.  You can't blame them for innovation.  Alex, give me a break.  Without proof of dumping, take a tissue wipe your nose and take it like a man.

I wonder if Alex was drowning any sorrows in beers with his self-confessed MS buddies while looking at his gold partner plaques, while companies and products like Netscape, Lotus, Norton Utilities, WordPerfect, etc. where being plowed under by the MS juggernaut.   I  bet not, but when it comes home to roost, he squawks pretty loud.