Microsoft Secrets: How the Worlds
Most Powerful Software Company
Creates Technology, Shapes Markets
and Manages People by Michael A.
Cusumano
Excellent Insight Into The Most Powerful And Successful Software Company In The
World
This is a facts maam, nothing but the facts examination of how Microsoft
works, both internally, and in the marketplace. Unlike the raft of gossipy
Bill-bios or sardonic and shrill pro- or anti-screeds, this book is focused
clearly (if sometimes ploddingly) on one central question: the relationship
between business strategies and software development. And, as Microsoft
becomes increasingly focused on the Internet, it is essential reading not
just for software companies, but for all Internet companies as well. Highly
Recommended.

Personal Review: Microsoft Secrets: How the Worlds Most
Powerful Software Company Creates Technology, Shapes
Markets and Manages People by Michael A. Cusumano
The GoodWhere do most of the worst business people come from?
M.B.A. schools usually. Students with strong academic skills with the
honored M.B.A. can do the accounting, statistical work, and market
research analysis. But does that mean they have a "business mind," or
good "business sense?" Absolutely not. (That's why a new test is being
devised to determine the "common sense" abilities of MBAs). Gates is a
perfect example of the many successful business people who didn't spend
time in front of Ph.ds in ivory towers regurgitating "business theories and
paradigms." A look into the technological and mainly business side of
Microsoft, the author breaks down the organization into the "how's, why's,
and what's" of MSFT.It's common knowledge that Gates is a genius in the
technical realm, and MSFT is a behemoth organization that has the
majority of market share. But how did Microsoft grow to where it is and
thrive in this ever-changing and competitive industry? This book explains
the business (more than technical) philosophy, model, and actual
examples from products and projects. Interviews with former and current
managers and employees are also included. Again, it's common
knowledge that Gates is exceptional at business. Ask their competitors.
Note that Steve Jobs had a better product that was on the market earlier
but he lacked the business, marketing, and management acumen. Gates
not only seeks out brilliant techno minds but considers their business
sense equally important, and this is heavily weighed when he decides to
hire prospective candidates. Those hired are also individualists who will
challenge him and other superiors, and argue and debate with him, in the
search for the best idea or model. An employee gets Gate's respect, the
author writes, "when his employees yell back." If Bill is converted by their
arguments as opposed to his, he likewise changes course, taking the best
route. One of the most dangerous and damaging things to a company,
and any organization, are "yes men." A company culture that rewards the
"yes man/woman" mentality leads people to misrepresent themselves and
their work, and the managers and ownership eventually become "out of the
loop." This leads to uninformed decisions, cover-ups, resentment, and
alienation that benefit no one. This is written for the laymen, but can be a
bit dry. Things such as shipping strategies, keeping teams small on
projects, constant self analysis and critiques, and the reliance on customer
feedback, are some of the many interlinking factors of the organization.
The company likes people and departments that are interdependent upon
one another to be physically close to one another. I.e., in the same building
or on the same property, so if there is a problem or a need for clarification,
they can see each other face to face to discuss it, instead of swapping
emails, voicemails, and engaging in converence calls from across the
country. Again, it's common knowledge that a major tenet of MSFT is to
find out where the industry is going in the future, become the leader, and
provide products with such strong quality that they become the "industry
standard." The author even provides some organization charts to pin-up

on your wall. Not The Bad And The UglyThe point of this book was to
focus on the positives. The strategies and models that make the company
pre-eminant. What is not in the book is: the common claim that the
company is a monopoly, engages in unfair business practices, and limits
the choice of consumers by ramming its product down their throats. There
have been numerous charges and lawsuits that MSFT treats employees
poorly. This company hires a lot of temps, work them overtime, plays with
them, and then discards them. For the positives, read this book. For
information on the not-so-great things about this organization, there are
plenty of other books to read.
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