[Hidden-tech] How much of the $2 Billion pie is going to be yours?

[Nick Braak]

A just released report predicts that the imminent launch of Microsoft’s
Windows Vista operating system will generate a staggering $2 Billion in
economic activity in Massachusetts in 2007. That's not Microsoft's bounty,
it's what they are calling the "Vista Effect" which will benefit many
related businesses and will add 5000 IT jobs this year alone. 

The report from IDC makes for very interesting reading. There is a good
breakdown of the existing technology economy with some pretty impressive
stats. Please note that the report was commissioned by Microsoft, and
therefore must be taken as partial. Nevertheless the $ and headcounts are
big and getting bigger. Most of the activity is in the East, of course, yet
there must be opportunity for Pioneer Valley folks to get in on the action,
even the Mac and Unix types, as part of the knock-on or just the general
raising of awareness and opening of corporate/institutional wallets. 

The full PDF report is here
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/itanalyst/docs/01052007MassVista.pdf. 

There are also reports for New York, New Jersey and Florida at the same site
http://www.microsoft.com/presspass/itanalyst/default.mspx

The reports are quite easy to read and IMHO well worth looking at. If
nothing else the numbers are encouraging. Perhaps a much needed boost to the
area might come from this private sector activity, rather than traditional
economic development. And when it comes to the private sector you don't get
much bigger, or wealthier than soft and cuddly ol' Microsoft :-)

Feedback is welcome.


Nick Braak
Internet Strategist and Commentator