Understanding the Omission of Microsoft in Mary Meeker's Latest Internet Trends Report
Mary Meeker, a renowned analyst and key figure in the tech industry, released her latest Internet Trends Report. Many have noted the absence of Microsoft, a major player in the technology sector, in the list of top 15 publicly traded internet companies. This article explores the possible reasons behind this omission, examining the influence of Microsoft's business model and the criteria used in the report.
Microsoft's Business Focus
Why was Microsoft not included in the top 15 list? The primary reason might be the nature of Microsoft's revenue streams. While the report focuses on companies that are heavily internet-based, Microsoft, despite being a significant technology company, derives a substantial portion of its revenue from non-internet sources. This includes various hardware products, cloud services, and enterprise software solutions. Compared to companies with more pronounced internet revenues, Microsoft might appear less relevant in an 'internet-only' context.
Revenue Generation through Internet
Apple's presence in the list: Interestingly, despite Apple's extensive diversification, it made it onto the list due to its dominant position in the internet-based revenue model provided by apps like iTunes. iTunes initially served as a pioneer in digital distribution and music sales, setting a precedent for companies to generate significant revenue through internet-based platforms. This model positioned Apple as a key player in the 'internet-based' revenue generation.
A credible mention in the report: Microsoft's innovation in Natural User Interface (NUI) was mentioned by Mary Meeker in a later slide (#33). This highlights Microsoft's ongoing contributions to the technology landscape, even if it did not fit the primary criteria for inclusion in the top 15 list.
Criteria and Criteria Exploration
Understanding the specific criteria used in compiling the report is essential. The report typically focuses on companies that have a significant, direct internet-based business model. For Microsoft, it likely didn't fully meet this criterion due to its diversified revenue streams. However, this does not diminish its impact on the technology sector.
Evolution of Microsoft: Microsoft continues to innovate and evolve with initiatives like Azure, Bing, and Office 365. These tools and services increasingly rely on internet-based operations and cloud infrastructure, making them integral to the modern tech ecosystem. The absence from the top 15 list might not reflect the overall importance of Microsoft in technology but rather the specific focus of this particular report.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the omission of Microsoft in the top 15 publically traded internet companies in Mary Meeker's latest report is a reflection of the selected criteria and the specific focus of the report. While Microsoft may not fit the 'internet-only' criteria in the report, it remains a major player in the tech industry with significant innovations and a substantial global market presence. This oversight should not detract from the overall significance and influence of Microsoft in the broader technology landscape.