Month: June 1999

“We think we’re improving the overall privacy needs of consumers.”

Microsoft COO Bob Herbold, on his company’s plans to cash in on privacy concerns through invasive products that stimulate consumer demand for it, San Francisco Examiner, 23 June 1999

“Traditional companies are in a real dilemma, because if you start an Internet activity, it’s a drain on your earnings.”

Michael Dell, CEO of the eponymous computer manufacturer, managing to discuss the Internet without noting that aside from some light order-taking and tech support, Dell isn’t trimming back its earnings to invest a lot in the Net, USA Today, 21 June 1999

“The reviews [on Listen.com] are not judgmental — this is not a journalistic property per se. It’s more like, ‘What does the music sound like? What mood does it evoke?'”

Rob Reid, CEO of Listen.com and author of Architects of the Web, which also wasn’t a journalistic property per se, News.com, 21 June 1999

“Given a chance, we might be able to create an alternative [to Windows]. Right now there isn’t one.”

Sun CEO Scott McNealy, on why his company’s alliance with America Online is just a quixotic tilt at the Microsoft windmill, not a serious business venture (that’s what he’s telling the Department of Justice, anyway), Newsweek, 21 June 1999 (issue date)

“We woke much of America up this morning. We’re exposing the power of digital downloading.”

Beyond.com CEO Marc Breier, on his nearly-naked appearance on CNBC’s Squawk Box, USA Today, 16 June 1999