
The worldwide software market today is upwards of $240 billion annually. This is partly because Gates got most computer users to pay for their software, thus starting a trend. The result was expected. Other software companies followed suit, and likewise charged. But Gates was ahead of the game since he virtually invented the concept of the software company, fashioning the business model for it.
Because of his undeniable marketing savvy, Gates was able to develop products, develop markets, as well as develop market trends and behavior. He was at it right from the start. That is why he had known the situation like the back of his hand. He started an industry, so it is quite logical and natural for him to know the industry very well.
But Gates has always been an astute business man. Because he knew the industry too well, he also knew how to sway the trends. He had attempts on bumping off the competition, knowing fully well where the competition may fail. In this regard, Gates got too big for himself and was becoming an industry monopoly – not quite healthy in the era of free and fair trade.
This monopolistic trend earned for Gates a negative reputation. The effect was that competitors grew acutely conscious of Bill Gates’ moves. This sharpened the industry more. In no time at all, Gates would be surprised at the innovations that competitors were coming up with.