Benchmark’s lawsuit against Uber is extraordinary; that is because Uber, despite everything, remains an extraordinary company. Game theory explains the implications.
Microsoft/IBM Follow-Up, Facebook Earnings, Instagram Stories > Snapchat Stories
Follow-up on Microsoft and IBM, including why Steve Ballmer deserves more credit than I gave him. Then, Facebook’s earnings and the reluctance to admit to pricing power, and why Instagram Stories are more innovative than Snapchat Stories
Microsoft’s Monopoly Hangover
There are striking similarities between Microsoft today and IBM in the Lou Gerstner era, but today’s IBM should be a warning to Redmond.
Google Earnings, Google Cloud Growth?, Microsoft’s Milestone
Google had great earnings again, although the usual questions — and a new one, about Google Cloud — remain unanswered. Then, Microsoft returned to annual revenue growth, an impressive milestone in the company’s turnaround.
The Justin Caldbeck Affair; The Enablers; Avis, Hertz, Waymo, and Apple
A salute to Danny Sullivan, then a note on the Justin Caldbeck affair: he must be held accountable, but so must his enablers. Then, the changing structure of the car industry.
Bill Gurley Leaves Uber’s Board, Uber Adds Tipping, Chris Lattner Leaves Tesla
Bill Gurley ultimately believes in the Uber idea, and it probably cost both Kalanick and him their jobs. Then, why it’s a problem that Uber is adding tipping, plus the news that Chris Lattner is leaving Tesla.
Travis Kalanick Resigns, Uber’s Dangerous Delusion, Uber Going Forward
Travis Kalanick has resigned. His downfall came from a dangerous delusion that forgot what Uber represented; the way forward is about remembering.
Acquisitions and Network Effects, Antitrust and Network Effects, The Saga of Whole Foods
Acquisitions that make sense involve network effects; that is why the long-term future of antitrust is about network analysis (not that it will affect this deal). Plus, John Mackey’s pragmatic fit with Amazon.
Amazon’s New Customer
The key to understanding Amazon’s purchase of Whole Foods is to understand that Amazon didn’t buy a retailer: the company bought a customer.
The Uber Endgame, Unchanging Uber, Uber Justice
The Uber endgame has arrived, and the events of last week showed what should happen — even if they might not. Plus, Kalanick’s fatal flaw and broader questions for all of tech.