One Last Glance

Journalists make one more tour through the software business milestones of 2007; plus, a first look at 2008 predictions, some post-Christmas shopping for EMC, one Microsoft exec’s opinion of the industry’s “biggest problem” and more software news of the week.

As goes Microsoft, so goes the industry. A look at the year for the megavendor shows progress, setbacks, industry debate and legal skirmishes that are the hallmarks of any multi-billion-dollar market.

Vista was set to be the software story of 2007. Sales of 88 million copies later, analysts debate about whether the launch was a success or a failure.

Microsoft also lashed out at open source companies with its patent infringement threats. The company spent the year hedging its online ad bets and scrambling against encroachment on Office in order to stave off its most ominous nemesis, Google.

Ring In Software 2008

Wrap up 2007 on the right foot by registering early for Software 2008. The industry’s must-attend conference will take place on April 29-30 in Las Vegas. Software’s most influential CEOs, top executives, investors and professionals will gather to share insight on the theme for 2008: Communicate, Collaborate & Innovate. Use your 2007 budget to purchase a conference pass before December 31 and qualify for an early-bird discount of $500 off the regular price! Reserve your spot today.

SANDHILL.COM BLOG POST OF THE WEEK:

Fueling the Engine of Sales Success: Five Keys to Sustainable Self-Motivation

Whether you are salesperson of the year or a rookie just starting out, you’ve probably experienced those low points: the sinking feeling when you lose a hard fought competitive battle, the discouragement of hearing a string of customer “No’s,” the struggle not to take a turn-down personally. When these low moments hit, some salespeople, despite considerable talent and potential, find it difficult to pick themselves up and jump back in the game. They seem to lack the elusive quality of motivation -- the ability to soar above these temporary obstacles and keep moving forward. Instead they lose momentum, avoid making calls, and spend more and more time in the safe havens of their offices or automobiles.

On the other hand, there are salespeople who appear to have a natural ability to generate the motivation and resilience to make every customer call as enthusiastically as if it were the first. These individuals have such a desire to succeed that they are able to leverage even “ordinary” skills and abilities to achieve extraordinary results.