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There is a fantasy in Redmond that Microsoft products are…

“There is a fantasy in Redmond that Microsoft products are innovative, but this is based entirely on a peculiar confusion of the words "innovative" and "successful." Microsoft products are successful - they make a lot of money - but that doesn't make them innovative, or even particularly good.” quote by Robert X. Cringely
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“There is a fantasy in Redmond that Microsoft products are innovative, but this is based entirely on a peculiar confusion of the words "innovative" and "successful." Microsoft products are successful - they make a lot of money - but that doesn't make them innovative, or even particularly good.”

Robert X. Cringely

About This Quote

This interpretation was drafted with AI assistance. It is one reading of the quote, not the author's own explanation.

Success measured by profit does not equal true innovation; the two concepts are often conflated.

In simple terms: Money success doesn’t guarantee new ideas.

Key Takeaway

Separate profit from creativity.

Themes

technology innovation business perception misconception

Mood

critical analytical

Type

observational critical

When to use this quote

  • product evaluation
  • investment decisions
  • strategic planning
  • consumer expectations

Key Concepts

innovation theory market dynamics product development

Questions to Reflect On

  • How do you identify genuine innovation beyond sales?
  • What incentives promote creative risk‑taking?
A Different Perspective

Innovation can be stifled when profit becomes the sole metric.

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