Aug 09, 2004
More on Microsoft's Purchase of Lookout...
A bit ago, I talked about Microsoft buying Lookout. Joel On Software has an interesting analysis on it, suggesting that Microsoft is only purchasing Lookout as a means to get talent, and disposing of the technology. Part of this stems, it seems, because Lookout uses open source components, which prevents Microsoft from redistributing it.
I am pretty sure, however, that the Lookout for Outlook was not available for download when I first talked about it, but although unsupported, it is now available.
It is unfortunate that such technology must be shelved because if Joel is correct, Microsoft wants a particular talent. But it is not the first time, nor will it be the last...