I think you may be considerably overlooking the amount of integration Microsoft has into both the personal mindset of consumers as well as the enterprise. While they may in fact go the way of IBM and become less relevant over time, I wouldn't overlook the fact that they have remained on top in many categories over many sea changes. I don't know that the other companies you mention have demonstrated their staying power (Apple circa 1992 was not exactly "on top")
They remain on top due to anti-competitive and monopolistic business practices (for which they were convicted of), as well as other business tactics such numerous Linux/FOSS FUD, patent trolling, etc. Certainly not due to the quality of their products (which I have the misfortune of having to use a lot of). One hopes that in the end, open and superior products will prevail.
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I think you may be considerably overlooking the amount of integration Microsoft has into both the personal mindset of consumers as well as the enterprise. While they may in fact go the way of IBM and become less relevant over time, I wouldn't overlook the fact that they have remained on top in many categories over many sea changes. I don't know that the other companies you mention have demonstrated their staying power (Apple circa 1992 was not exactly "on top")
They remain on top due to anti-competitive and monopolistic business practices (for which they were convicted of), as well as other business tactics such numerous Linux/FOSS FUD, patent trolling, etc. Certainly not due to the quality of their products (which I have the misfortune of having to use a lot of). One hopes that in the end, open and superior products will prevail.