We all use one form or another of Windows on our PCs, but that notwithstanding, Microsoft has yet to impact electronics manufacturing in a truly specific way. Could that change?

As has been well documented, founder/world’s richest man Bill Gates has announced a two-year transition after which he will no longer be involved in the day-to-day operations of Microsoft. Ray Ozzie, who created Lotus Notes, will take over as chief software architect.

In an interview with Money, Ozzie indicated a focus on software that would give Microsoft the capability to run servers and platforms for their customers (instead of selling the tools to them): “Services-enabled software really is going to change the nature of how almost everyone uses technology, from consumers to small businesses to enterprises.” Such a move would in theory give the company the ability to mine vast amounts of data, picking up use patterns and trends that could in turn be invaluable to predicting the next killer ap.
Will an Ozzie-run Microsoft eventually turn its attention to manufacturing-specific operating systems, or will it continue to be the passive gorilla in the room, quietly chewing its leaves and bananas? The guess here is, thanks to the size of the potential market, it’s only a matter of time before Microsoft flexes its formidable muscles.