Attention Blog

Microsoft could beat Google by embracing services the same way Google has but simultaneously building a strong bond of trust with users around protection and proper use of user data. Like a bank, for user data. I’d call this an emerging theory that not only I hold - what do you think?

Compelling strategery.  Microsoft is in a unique position to be able to place itself into this mix through sheer will.  If Microsoft wants to compete in aggregating info, then they shall.

 Now that the value of a customer’s habits and demographic info is outpacing the profits earned from the services the customer is using, companies are going to be willing to bend over backwards to monetize it.  There will be profit. Oh yes, there will be profit. 

Bank on the banks to take the lead on this.  First of all, they are in the right position; they know everything about you including paycheck amounts, your spending habits, etc.  They just need to convince society that it is ok to sell it.  Bribery (services and access) will be the way to your heart.  Think subsidized iPhone with handheld banking in exchange for advertisements related to your location, age, sex, past purchases, time of day, and income level.  Boner ads and Head On commercials will be routed to the aging and gullible.

Secondly, people already trust banks because banks have all of their money.  Through what psychologists call “brain trickeration” your mind goes through a complex process involving social mores, shared interest evaluation, and positive over-generalizing when you chose to let an institution control access to your money.  You have to trust in that system because it becomes YOUR system once you sign-up.  Forced trust is still trust.  People with guns to their heads have to trust the man with the finger on the trigger.  Yay for Stockholm syndrome.

 Through services, other companies will have their say when it comes to building a business plan off of your actions and info. They just have to find ways to make you use their product/ service and keep you doing it enough to be viable.  Banks have that and have much more.

Getting back on point and given Microsoft’s recent actions with Yahoo, what bank would they buy?  Bank of America brought to you by Microsoft?  Free checks with Vista Upgrade?  Balmer Business Account Suites?  Personally, I can’t wait for personalized Steve Balmer checks.