“Microsoft tomorrow plans to unveil its vision for Web-based
computing, as a looming antitrust battle and tougher competition
cloud the software giant’s future. Microsoft is expected to
disclose a new strategy to develop Internet-based software and
services called Next Generation Windows Services (NGWS). Chairman
Bill Gates, CEO Steve Ballmer and other executives are scheduled to
announce the new initiative at company headquarters in Redmond,
Wash.”
“Along with fighting government officials intent on
breaking up the company–and potentially derailing the new
software strategy–Microsoft also is battling competitors. While
the company is promoting the announcement as its biggest in five
years, analysts say that other software makers are embarking on the
same road and that Microsoft may be playing catch-up.”
“Competitors, including Hewlett-Packard, IBM, Oracle and Sun
Microsystems, along with start-ups, such as BowStreet and
WebMethods, are all working on technology to deliver services over
the Web. HP has been one of the most active competitors with its
“e-speak” technology.”