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[videogamer]

To the growing frustration and annoyance of Microsoft's management, Apple Computer's iPod is wildly popular among Microsoft's workers. It is unknown if Bill Gates is the happy owner of an iPod.

"About 80 percent of Microsoft employees who have a portable music player have an iPod," said one source, a high-level manager who asked to remain anonymous. "It's pretty staggering."

The source estimated 80 percent of Microsoft employees have a music player -- that translates to 16,000 iPod users among the 25,000 who work at or near Microsoft's corporate campus. "This irks the management team no end," said the source.

So popular is the iPod, executives are increasingly sending out memos frowning on its use

"These guys are really quite scared," said the source of Microsoft's management. "It shows how their backs are against the wall.... Even though it's Microsoft, no one is interested in what we have to offer, even our own employees."

So concerned is management, owning an iPod at Microsoft is beginning to become impolitic, the manager said. Employees are hiding their iPods by swapping the telltale white headphones for a less conspicuous pair.

"Some people are a bit concerned about being traitors, not supporting the company," he said. "They're a bit stealth about it."

How "stealth" varies from division to division. At the company's Macintosh Business Unit, which publishes a wide range of software for the Mac, owning an iPod is almost de rigueur.

But at the Windows Digital Media Group, which is charged with software for portable players and the WMA format, using an iPod is not a good career move.

"In the media group they all smoke the company dope on that one," the manager said.

http://wired.com/news/mac/0,2125,66460,00.html?tw=wn_tophead_2

 

[commish]

What does M$ have that competes directly with the ipod? Or is it just Apple in general...

 

[Matlock]

Nothing. Nothing at all.

 

[videogamer]

What does M$ have that competes directly with the ipod? Or is it just Apple in general...

WMA format competes with AAC. Microsoft makes portable media player software. They also provide software for some online music stores which compete with iTunes.

 

[DarienA]

For example, an internal e-mail circular sent to several senior managers in mid-December talked about iPod shipments to Apple's nearby store in Bellevue1.

The e-mail said: "FWIW, the gal at the Bellevue Square Apple Store said that they are getting in two shipments of 200 iPods every day to keep up with this week's demand, and are nearly constantly selling out."

The note prompted a curt reply from Dave Fester, general manager of the Windows Digital Media division, who wrote the group: "I sure hope Microsoft employees are not buying iPods. We have great alternatives. Check out http://experiencemore."

Fifteen minutes later, the manager responded: "I don't know what I was thinking. I'm sure that Microsoft employees are not buying iPods, or Macs or PlayStations."

In 2003, Fester stirred up considerable controversy claiming Apple is locking in consumers with proprietary file formats, despite Microsoft's long history of using the same tactic.

As for hiding his own iPod use, the manager said he flaunts his iPod, despite the constant comments -- and occasional arguments -- it prompts.

"I don't really care if it pisses them off," he said. "I'll argue why they're doing it wrong. If you want me to stop using it, give me a product that works and is as easy to use."

Neither Apple nor Microsoft responded to requests for comment.

BWAHAHHAHAHAHHA

 

[Richiban]

I hate how people get all uppity about company loyalty.

I work for a cable company, but have satellite. The employees where I work are indoctrined to believe that not having cable means you're a traitor to the organization.

It's quite annoying actually, and owning something not made by your company isn't grounds for dismissal (in extreme cases of course.)

 

[Agent Icebeezy]

I hate how people get all uppity about company loyalty.

I work for a cable company, but have satellite. The employees where I work are indoctrined to believe that not having cable means you're a traitor to the organization.

It's quite annoying actually, and owning something not made by your company isn't grounds for dismissal (in extreme cases of course.)

I agree with you but then again, wouldn't you want to help your company's bottom line and protect your job rather than help another?

 

[DarienA]

I hate how people get all uppity about company loyalty.

I work for a cable company, but have satellite. The employees where I work are indoctrined to believe that not having cable means you're a traitor to the organization.

It's quite annoying actually, and owning something not made by your company isn't grounds for dismissal (in extreme cases of course.)

I agree with you... except that when my ex-wife use to work for Comcast... we got free digital cable.

 

[gblues]

I work for DirecTV and get free satellite. Works for me.

Nathan

 

[COCKLES]

I'm sure the PSP will go down a storm in the Home Entertainment Division.

 

[Lil' Dice]

At least hey won't have to worry abou their emplyees buying a PSP.....WHAMOO!

 

[Aruarian Reflection]

I don't understand why people use those white headphones in the first place. Get some real headphones

 

[belgurdo]

...Xboy with full music playback capabilities by 2010?