Microsoft in jeopardy? Don´t think so...

Ten years ago Microsoft was declared to be a Monopoly by a U.S. Court*. Today the most powerful company that provides software, internet and computer services and solutions is being questioned about its future; will it survive or will it disappear? Personally, I do not see how a company like this can go bankruptcy nor lose its predominant influence as a software and media company. I am aware that because of the fast grow of its competitors their challenge is to be able to keep growing or at least to maintain their current dominant market.
According to Forbes (http://finapps.forbes.com/finapps/jsp/finance/compinfo/CIAtAGlance.jsp?tkr=MSFT), Microsoft has been ranked for two years in a row as the 49th biggest company in the world, with sales over $59 Billion, Profits over $17 Billion and a market value of $230 Billion. On the other hand Google, one of its toughest competitors has a market value of $117 Billion and sales of $24.91Billion. Also ranked by Forbes as the 120 biggest company in the world (http://finapps.forbes.com/finapps/jsp/finance/compinfo/CIAtAGlance.jsp?tkr=GOOG).
Based on this facts I just don´t see Microsoft disappearing in the future. Microsoft already started to diversify its business for example with the X-Box that it has been a success. Due to the huge penetration of Microsoft over all this years by far it is the most used software all over the world, almost every computer user learned how to use one computer thru a Microsoft software or a Windows platform and although there are new and very strong competitors like Google, it seems unlikely that Microsoft may lose all of its captive users. Microsoft has a lot of resources to buy small competitors and also has one of the biggest budget for research and design technology, I strongly believe that it is a matter a of time for Microsoft to start regaining field in the market, whether by continue diversifying its investments, whether by buying a new and important technology company or whether developing new services or softwares of its own. Microsoft is a consolidated company that at this point does not depend on intangible assets, it has an infrastructure that will allow it to remain being a dominant player in the market.

*For more information about the 1999 resolution of the Washington District Court where Microsoft was declared a Monopoly please visit http://www.thisnation.com/library/ms-findings.html.

LA GIRALDA- RICE WITH QUAIL (CODORNIZ)

This spanish brand has about 5 restaurants here in Madrid, the one I strongly recommend is the one in Maldonado, close to Serrano, where Adolfo (the manager) will make you feel like home... Do not miss the RICE with QUAIL is delicioussssss... and also go ahead and during the summer ask for either the Salmorejo or the Ajo Blanco (these are two kinds of Gazpacho which is a spanish soup that is served cold).
As an entrance try the coquinas (small clams), the are available only during certain year seasons.

four square

FOUR SQUARE

All criticism aside, foursquare has a big opportunity based on its business model and on the fact that is developing an interactive database that at this point nobody has and that it will be extremely powerful to link businesses and customers, it will become a very powerful marketing service supplier. This powerful database has the potential to become a social network as well.
By providing general information to the user, at this point, food guides such as SAGAT and other brands like MTV are advertising themselves in foursquare in order to establish an interactive communication with all their potential customers. With foursquare as a tool, this companies reach their customers everywhere and companies get daily information about their customers habits, return visits, schedules, feedback, etc. Although the common citizen or the user of foursquare does not have to pay, foursquare is getting its revenues from other companies that are joining their database and that are launching specific and strategic campaigns thru foursquare buying from it marketing services. Well known brands like Pepsi had already paid for their services. In legal terms once the user accepts to join foursquare he accepts that most of his information might be shared. Opportunities such as giving rewards thru foursquare or developing royalty programs for customers are some of the marketing services this company can provide. However local advertisement in the net will continue to be an alternative to gain revenues.
As a user, I believe they still have some challenges because the information and tips you download at this point is usually uploaded by the same owners of the same restaurants, shops, hotels, etc. which jeopardizes objectivity. (for more legal information about foursquare http://foursquare.com/legal/privacy)
In the long term and once the network of users grows and consolidates four square as a social network, Four square will have the leverage to negotiate with big and small companies marketing services for their customers. Nevertheless, four square has to be aware and become responsible to handle properly the newest most powerful database

LA RULETA.- BEST GYN TONIC IN SPAIN

Eventhoug I am not a fan of the gyn tonic, I went to try one in here after a lot of people recomendations, and guess what? IT IS REALLY GREAT, so eventhough is a bit expensive you have got to try it. It is known as the best gyn tonic here in Madrid is in Velazquez just infront of the restaurant "LATERAL". I recommend having dinner in lateral and then cross the street to have at least one gyn tonic. (at lateral try the pintxo with foie, apple cream and iberic ham)

ARROZ CON GAMBAS- "29 FANEGAS"

It is a small tabern in Salamanca, in the street of General Oraa near Velazquez. You can eat tapas or a menu, I strongly recommend the Arroz con Gambas which is only served on thursdays as the "plato del día". It is not to elaborated but it is really good. I also recommend a pintxo with avocado (aguacate) and anchovies (anchoas) or the typical one with brie and iberic Ham. Don´t order the steak tartare pintxo, is expensive and is not that good.

Fast Food is also a great alternative!

Should try this Fast Food. It is called FAST GOOD it is a restaurant created by Ferran Adria (best spanish chef in Spain) and it has great hamburgers. It has delivery and I strongly recommend the ITALIAN BURGER, the fries aren´t very good.
http://www.alacartamadrid.com/Fast-Good-a-domicilio-r2.html?gclid=CMSit6DMsaECFR6Z2Aod1CzyDw
this is the link to order in.
SALUDOS