Customer Acquisition
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Google Earnings, Amazon Earnings
Google’s earnings came with the usual dearth of information, although it appears that Google Cloud is growing more than expected. AWS growth, meanwhile, is definitely slowing as Amazon’s business broadly is running out of low-hanging fruit.
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Netflix Earnings; Reasons for Concern, and Optimism; Apple Reportedly Pursuing Exclusive Podcasts
Netflix’s earnings are worrisome, but for predictable reasons; ultimately, the company remains in a strong position. Then, Apple’s rumored move into exclusive podcasts doesn’t make sense and is in fact good for Spotify.
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Shopify Follow-up, Defining Definitions, OpenDoor Partners with Redfin
More on Shopify, including why I was reluctant to cover the previously, but now see the promise of the Internet in their model. Then, why I’m excited about being uncertain, and how Redfin and Opendoor’s partnership helps define the market in home-buying.
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Google IO Follow-up, Linux on Windows, Microsoft’s Developer Strategy
More on Google’s I/O keynote, particularly about how the company is well-positioned for a privacy-centric world. Then, Microsoft is doing an excellent job of appealing to developers.
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Microsoft Build, Microsoft’s Strategic Clarity, An Interview with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella
Microsoft’s Build was good for what it had — and what it didn’t, even accidentally. Microsoft’s future is about meeting real business needs, not wowing customers. Plus, an interview with Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella.
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Microsoft, Slack, Zoom, and the SaaS Opportunity
The Zoom and Slack IPOs show what Microsoft is missing in its growth story: a way to acquire new customers.
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Netflix Flexes
Netflix is an Aggregator, with a value chain that lets it drive demand, raise prices, and dismiss competition.
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Spotify Earnings; Spotify, Supply, and Acquiring Marginal Customers; Spotify’s Research and Development
Spotify’s earnings point to a disturbing trend of the company needing to spend to acquire marginal customers; this makes sense because the company does not have power over supply